University Cheikh Larbi Tebessi - Tebessa –

Institute of Mines

Level: Master 01 (Semester 2)

COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDS AND RULES OF ETHICS AND

INTEGRITY

1- Concepts Of Ethics, Morality, Or Deontology

In our everyday conversations, we often use expressions heard in the news

or used by various specialists in the field. We incorporate trendy words like
ethics, morality, or deontology, sometimes without fully understanding what lies
behind these words, which in certain cases may seem synonymous. To clarify
these expressions, we need to go through the step of defining them. There is a
Charter of University Ethics and Deontology that enumerates the fundamental
principles as well as the rights and obligations of the teaching-researcher, the
rights and duties of the student, and the rights and obligations of the
administrative and technical staff.

1.1.Moral
Morality is the science of good and evil, a theory related to human
conduct. It also refers to customs, habits, and accepted and practiced rules of
conduct in society as pertaining to the good. It also refers to the institutions that
allow a society to achieve its objectives.

1.2.Ethics

Ethics is a discipline that focuses on the moral principles guiding the

conduct of an individual or a group. It is the art of directing human behavior
while conscientiously considering the values at play. Ethics also refers to the
product of reflection on values to criticize and renew them in response to the
changes that daily life brings forth. Ethics is an approach that aims, in the face
of a given problem, to adopt the best solution by relying on learned, accepted,
and integrated values and considering the current context in which the problem
arises. It is related to morality. Ethics is more about the pursuit of happiness the
happiness of the individual who chooses an existence, the happiness of
interpersonal relationships whose authenticity needs to be rediscovered, and an
attempt to identify the principles governing living together.

1.3.Deontology

Deontology, also known as the "Theory of Duty," is the theory of moral

duties and the set of conduct rules that individuals must adhere to in relation to
society at large. In a less technical and more common sense today, it refers to
the set of duties imposed on professionals in the practice of their profession.
Deontology or professional ethics serves several explicit purposes, including:

- Ensuring the protection of the public by promoting conscientious, responsible,

and high-quality professional practice.
- Assisting professionals in demonstrating a more demanding ethical behavior
than what is expected of the general public.
- Avoiding conflicts between professionals within the same or related
professions.
- Safeguarding a positive image and reputation of the profession among the
public.
- Legitimizing a privileged socio-economic status and a particular legal status
(for example, the professional corporation).

Distinction between Ethics and Deontology:

The term "deontology" refers to the set of duties and obligations imposed
on members of an order or professional association. Like legal rules,
deontological rules apply uniformly to all members of the group in all
situations of practice.

1.4. Law

The term "law" comes from the Latin word "directum," meaning "straight
line." Law is inspired by the principles of justice and constitutes the set of rules
governing human conduct in society. The foundation of law lies in social
relationships, which determine its content and character. Law is the set of rules
that resolve conflicts within a society.
 Law has several characteristics, including bilaterality (an individual other
than the affected party has the right to demand compliance with a rule), which
grants the right an imperative attributive quality.

Law is also known for its heteronomy (it is self-governing; even if a

person disagrees with the content of the rule, they must respect it), otherness
(legal rules always refer to a subject's relationship with others), and coercibility
(it allows legitimate recourse to the state's force if a citizen does not fulfill their
commitments or obligations).

1.5 .Professional Values:

Professional ethics: The approach to professional ethics must be based on

both moral considerations (ignoring principles is not an option) and ethical
considerations (what decision is best in the current case). When this reflection
becomes collective and undergoes formalization, the process becomes
deontological in a broad sense. If these rules have value for an entire profession
and receive official recognition, it is considered deontology in the narrow
sense.

In professional ethics, the reflection focuses on the values that motivate the
conduct of professionals and are actualized in codes of ethics. The values of
engineers define a general ideal of practice. A good engineer is distinguished,
among other things, by competence, a sense of responsibility, and social
commitment. What this means in daily practice is elucidated by the code of
ethics, which helps understand the duties and obligations arising from the
group's ideal.

1.6. Learning and Teaching Apprenticeship:

It is a form of initial training that takes place under a private employment

contract. The apprentice receives alternating education, both in an
apprenticeship training center (C.F.A.) or an educational institution and in a
professional environment (company, association, public organization).
Education: It is carried out through the traditional route or through
apprenticeship, and students and apprentices will obtain the same diploma.

- Apprenticeship is a successful vector for public policies related to education

and employment. Its development promotes closer ties between socio-
 economic actors and higher education institutions. It strengthens the
connection between the training offered and the needs of the economic fabric,
significantly improving professional integration.
- The diploma awarded through apprenticeship is equivalent to that awarded
through traditional education. What matters is the acquisition of skills,
regardless of the method.

2- THE CHARTER OF ETHICS AND DEONTOLOGY OF MESRS

The university charter is available on the website of the Ministry of Higher

Education and Scientific Research, MESRS (CHARTER OF UNIVERSITY
ETHICS AND DEONTOLOGY, April 2010. Link: www.mesrs.dz), and also on
the websites of some universities. It has been in existence since May 2010.

The Charter of University Ethics and Deontology aims to establish rules

governing the relationships of its members (faculty, students, and staff). It
encompasses all the moral and methodological values that define, on ethical and
deontological grounds, the best university practices and addresses any deviations
in the general functioning of the Algerian university, both in terms of
relationships and academics.

This charter serves as a reference tool for the entire university community,
offering a comprehensive set of duties, obligations, and concrete guidelines to
create an ideal working environment.

1. Fundamental Principles

1.1. Integrity and Honesty

The pursuit of integrity and honesty entails rejecting corruption in all its
forms. This pursuit should start with oneself before being extended to others.
The development of ethics and deontology should thus reflect exemplary
practices.

1.2. Academic Freedom

The academic activities of teaching and research cannot be conceived

without academic freedom as their foundation. Academic freedom ensures, with
respect for others and professional consciousness, the expression of critical
opinions without the risk of censorship or constraint.
1.3. Responsibility and Competence

The concepts of responsibility and competence are complementary and

develop through a democratic and ethical management of the university
institution. This guarantees a balance between the need for efficient
administration and the encouragement of the participation of university
community members by involving all stakeholders in the decision-making
process. However, scientific matters remain the exclusive domain of the
teaching-researchers.

1.4. Mutual Respect

Respecting others is based on self-respect. All members of the university

community must refrain from any form of symbolic, physical, or verbal
violence. They should be treated with respect and fairness and commit to
behaving in the same way, regardless of the hierarchical level of the partners.

1.5. The Demand for Scientific Truth, Objectivity, and Critical Thinking

The fundamental principles guiding the quest and possibility of questioning

the knowledge transmitted and produced by the university are the pursuit of
scientific truth and critical thinking. The demand for scientific truth requires
competence, critical observation of facts, experimentation, consideration of
different perspectives, relevance of sources, and intellectual rigor. Scientific
research must be based on academic integrity.

1.6. Equity

Objectivity and impartiality are essential requirements in evaluations,

promotions, recruitments, and appointments.

1.7. Respect for University Freedoms

All stakeholders in the university community contribute, in all their

behaviors, to enhancing university freedoms, ensuring their specificity and
immunity. They refrain from favoring or encouraging situations and practices
that may undermine the principles, freedoms, and rights of the university.