Types of Ethics

 

Ethics

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with systematic study of human action in terms of right and wrong action. 

Ethics are those values which help to judge an action as right or wrong. 

Types of Ethics

There are four types of Ethics:

1. Meta-Ethics: origin of ethics, definition of ethics, definition of right and wrong. 

2. Prescriptive(Normative) Ethics: judging the action/result as right or wrong based on ethical values. 

The action/result can be judged in three ways

(a) Deontological- not only end result but action must also be right. 

Categorical Imperative is subset of deontological ethics given by Immanuel Kant. Occasionally it is described as synonymous to deontological ethics. It is based on Universality and Principle of reciprocity. 

(b) Teleological/Consequential/Utilitarian- the outcome/consequences should be right independent of means/action. So it emphasis on result not on action, action can be right or wrong. 

(c) Virtuous- if action is abided by virtue, then it will be right. 

Aristotle was main propounder of virtuous ethics. But the problem with virtuous ethics is right and wrong action will be judged by virtue of an individual. Because of non-universalness of right action, some philosopher consider it as part of Teleological ethics. 

3. Descriptive(Comparative) Ethics: describe the moral beliefs of a specific culture. It deals with people beliefs. 

How beliefs formed the bedrock of ethics? 

3. Applied Ethics: application of ethical and moral principles in real life issues like bioethics, business ethics, legal ethics etc.

Ethical Dilemmas

• Truth vs loyalty(Obligation vs Public duty) 
• Short-term vs long-term 
• Individual vs community
• Justice vs mercy

Ethical Issues in Research

• Informed consent
• Confidentiality
• Anonymity
• Integrity
• Epistemology
• Scientific misconduct
• Falsification
• Plagiarism
• Potential to Harm

Ethical Issues in Healthcare

• Patient Privacy and Confidentiality 
• Transmission of Diseases 
• Relationships 
• End-of-Life Issues

Ethical Issues in Justice

• Justice should be based on Reformation not on retribution

Ethical Decision 

An ethical decision should be in compliance with PLUS. 

• P- Policy compliance
• L- Legal compliance
• U- Universal compliance
• S- Self value compliance

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence(EI) is the capability of a person to assess, manage and control one’s own emotions as well as emotions of others. It is critical to manage our behaviour and decision making. It has 5 components- self awareness, self regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. These 5 components are important to develop emotional intelligence among people.

Ways to develop EI in people

The skills that make up emotional intelligence can be learned at any time. The key skills for building emotional intelligence can be built by:

Self-awareness: Self-awareness ability allow an individual to know his/her strengths and weaknesses. This help in managing emotions through using his/her strengths and working upon weakness.

Empathy: Having empathy is critical to understand and manage emotions of other people. Ability to recognize others’ emotions help individual to act accordingly. It helps them to understand their colleagues’ feelings and perspectives, which enables them to communicate and collaborate more effectively with their peers.

Stress management: It’s important that one must learn how to manage stress first, so that he can feel more comfortable reconnecting to strong or unpleasant emotions and changing how you experience and respond to your feelings. A person can develop your emotional awareness by practicing mindfulness meditation.

Communication: An effective communication can help people to develop better strategies and increase their efficiency by synchronising their efforts.By motivating others to communicate how they feel, can help them to know themselves better.

Adaptability: People should be able to adapt to changing circumstances. This can be achieved by training to manage different situations. Ability to understand and manage their emotions and of those around them help emotionally intelligent leaders to navigate through difficult circumstances.

Responsibility: Take responsibility for one’s actions is a part of emotional intelligence. One must develop courage to accept his/her deeds. This enables a person to better accept his/her faults and work upon them ultimately leading to emotional intelligence.

Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment and without judgment. The cultivation of mindfulness can be achieved by yoga or meditation technique. Mindfulness helps shift ones’ preoccupation with thought toward an appreciation of the moment, physical and emotional sensations, and brings a larger perspective on life.