Introduction to Ethics

Sources of Ethical Norms

Views of Ethical Behavior

Stages of Moral Development

Values
 • A code of moral standards of conduct
Ethics for what is “good” and “right” as
opposed to what is “bad” or “wrong”.

Ethical • That which is “right” or “good” in the

context of governing moral code.
Behavior
 What is considered
What is considered
Ethical behavior is ethical varies among
ethical can vary
value driven. moral reasoning
across cultures.
approaches.

Ethical dilemmas People have

arise as tests of tendencies to
personal ethics and rationalize unethical
values. behaviors.
Fellow Regions of
Workers Country

Family Profession
The Individual
Conscience
Friends Employer

The Law Religious Society at

Beliefs Large
 Two Key Branches of Ethics
Descriptive ethics
Normative ethics
involves describing,
involves supplying and
characterizing and
justifying moral systems
studying morality.

“What should
“What is”
be”
Cultural Ethical behavior is always determined by cultural
Relativism context.

Cultural Behavior unacceptable in one’s home environment

Universalism should not be acceptable anywhere else.

Considered by some to be ethical imperialism.

– Suggest that there is no one right way to behave; cultural context
determines ethical behavior.
Source: Based on L. Kohlberg, “Moral Stages and Moralization: The Cognitive-Development Approach,” in T. Lickona
(ed.). Moral Development and Behavior: Theory, Research, and Social Issues (New York: Holt, Rinehart &
Winston, 1976), pp. 34–35.
 • Broad beliefs about what is
Values appropriate behavior.

• Preferences about desired

Terminal Values end states.

Instrumental • Preferences regarding the

Values means to desired ends.
 External
Sources of
Values

Religious Philosophical Cultural Legal Professional

values values values values values
 Internal
Sources of
Values

Respect Loyalty Conformity Performance Results