5c Professional ethics

Understanding professional Ethics

Starting out with the topics of ethics has been quite challenging because although I thought I knew what 'ethical practice' meant, there are time when I feel it has become a little confused with 'good practice'.  Getting to grips with the reader has developed my understanding and I feel a lot more comfortable with the terminology.

The Oxforddictionaries.com defines ethics below;

Definition of ethics

noun

• 1 [usually treated as plural] moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity:medical ethics also enter into the question

• 2 [usually treated as singular] the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles: neither metaphysics nor ethics is the home of religion

Source; http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ethics

The definition of ethics suggests that the roots of ethical practice are based in a person's moral principles.  As reader five states these can be based from many things such as family values, religion, conscience.  Applying both of these ideas shows that ethical practice is not really a black and white/right and wrong scenario but more an individual's personal opinion which will create many grey areas between people.

Case Study 1

Looking at the case study in reader five about Mid Staffordshire hospital shows how hard looking at ethics can be at times.  Putting aside personal feelings and evaluating the facts can be very difficult, however as a country we are very lucky that these types of inquiries are available in  the public domain.  I don't think anyone could suggest that what happened at mid Staffordshire was correct but when there are a catalogue of errors such as in this case how can any person be held liable? 

Case study 2

Source; http://www.pointblanknews.com/Articles/artopn3479.html

With this case study I tried to put aside my personal reaction and asked some colleagues what they thought?  I was shocked to see that so many of them had the same reaction as me, how could anyone not help a child in that situation? I tried to suggest some other ways of looking at the photograph, the photographer was told not to touch anyone for fear of epidemics, the photographer's ethical role is to observe and not interfere, however I couldn't find anyone who didn't see that the photographer was morally wrong for not helping this child.

Theoretical ethical frameworks

Consequentialism

'This is where an act is morally right if, and only if, that act maximizes the good.  The notion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number is at the heart of consequentialism.  With regard to whether an act is morally right depends on the outcomes (consequences).  Hence to kill 1 person in order to save 9 is justified with this paradigm.'

Source, BAPP (Arts) Reader 5 Professional Ethics (2012-13). School of Media and Performing Arts Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University.

I agree with the theory of consequentialism, if everybody weighed up the consequences of their actions maybe people would not behave in certain manners? There was a very sad case recently in the press where two Australian radio presenters contacted the King Edward VII's hospital and posed as the queen, in order to get information about Kate Middleton's admission to hospital in December 2012.  Very sadly the nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, who took the call committed suicide as a result.  If these two presenters had considered the consequences of their actions would they have still made the call? Although you would not necessarily assume that the outcome would be so extreme you may think that it was likely someone could be in trouble over this or maybe loose their job?  I would argue in this instance that the radio presenters were morally wrong for making the call.

Source; http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/australian-radio-hosts-who-made-prank-call-to-royal-hospital-taken-off-air-over-nurses-death-8393559.html

Deontology

'Deontology is in sharp contrast to consequentialism and the greatest exponent is Immanuel Kant who argued that the only absolute good thing is good will.  Hence, the motive behind an action determines whether or not it is morally right.  Deontology is rule based and is ethical action based on duty.'

Source, BAPP (Arts) Reader 5 Professional Ethics (2012-13). School of Media and Performing Arts Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University.

 The theory of deontology seems very black and white to me.  I believe in many situations there can be 'grey areas' which have been created to cause less harm to the people involved.  For example, lying.  Many would argue that lying is morally wrong, however telling a small 'white' lie to save someone's feelings could be considered a kinder more ethical response to a situation?

Virtue Ethics

'Virtue ethics emphasizes the character of the moral agent rather than the rules or the consequences and what actions taken reveal about one's character.  This approach can be traced back to Plato and Aristotle where there is greater emphasis on being rather than doing.' 

Source, BAPP (Arts) Reader 5 Professional Ethics (2012-13). School of Media and Performing Arts Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University.

I struggle to understand this example of ethics, however I think that the basis is about the person involved.  If the person acts out of good nature then they can be considered morally correct.


My overall feeling so far is that when it comes to ethics there is not one way to look at things.  With the case studies that I have listed I have tried to apply the following procedure. Gut reaction, (how do I initially feel?), Balance (what other view points can I consider?), Reflection (How do I feel now I have considered all the facts?), Conclusion?(What results have I reached?).  Ultimately I don't feel there is a right or wrong answer as there are so many options to consider however as a human I believe you can only do what you deem correct at the time.

In terms of inquiry I believe that following ethical guidelines such as The British Educational Research Association (BERA) listed in reader five present the type of guidelines I wish to follow.  For example;

'To ensure the honest and respectful treatment of research participants, by informing them of the of the purpose of the study and by adhering to the guidance requirements (eg on consent and confidentiality), and at all times ensuring their safety and well-being vis-à-vis the research procedure, equipment and premises.'

Source, BAPP (Arts) Reader 5 Professional Ethics (2012-13). School of Media and Performing Arts Institute for Work Based Learning, Middlesex University.
Telling your research participants all of the information about what you are researching, why you are researching and what the information will be used for is of upmost importance when it comes to ethical practice.  If the participants are told what they are contributing to then they can make an informed decision as to whether or not they wish to participate. 

Plagiarism, ensuring that any reference I use are fully cited so that the relevant sources are known.

Data protection, making sure that any data I use is stored appropriately and disposed of appropriately.

Leading questions, I aim to ask questions that allow participants to answer openly and honestly, not ask leading questions  that encourage the answers that 'fit in' with my current research.