28/07/2019

Ethical Principles

1. Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“Treat others as you would like to be treated.”
Meaning: Putting yourself into the place of others, and thinking of
Ethical Principles and Theories yourself as the object of the decision, can help you think about
fairness in decision making

2. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative

If an action is not right for everyone to take, it is not
right for anyone.
Meaning: Ask yourself, “if everyone did this, could the organization,
or society survive?”

3. Descartes’rule of change (also called slippery slope)

If an action cannot be taken repeatedly, it is not right 5. Risk Aversion principle (also known the greatest
to take at all. good/least harm)
Take the action that produces the least harm or the
Meaning: An action may bring about a small change now that is
acceptable, but if it is repeated, it would bring unacceptable changes
least potential cost.
in the long run. Meaning: When choosing between actions, select the one that achieves
the greatest good for the greatest number and that causes the least harm
4. Utilitarian principle – take the action that achieves the
higher or greater value. Take the action that achieves the 6. No free lunch rule
most good. Put a value on outcomes and strive to achieve If something someone else has created is useful to you,
the best results. it has value, and you should assume the creator wants
compensation for his work.
Meaning: The ethical decision making states that you should choose
the action or policy that has the best overall consequences for all
people who are directly or indirectly affected. The goal is to find the
single greatest good by balancing the interests of all affected parties.

Ethical Theories
Divine Command Theory
Relativism This theory is based on the idea that good actions are
The theory that there is no universal moral norm of those aligned with the will of God and bad actions are
right and wrong. those contrary to the will of God.
Meaning: The divine command theory is based on obedience, not
Two kinds of relativism reason.
1. Subjective relativism – holds that each person decides
right and wrong for himself/herself. This notion is captured
Ethical Egoism
in popular expression “What’s right for you may not be
The philosophy that each person should focus
right for me.”
exclusively on his or her self interest.
2. Cultural relativism – is the ethical theory that the Meaning: The morally right action for a person to take in a particular
meaning of right and wrong rests with a society’s actual situation is the action that will provide that person with the
maximum long-term benefit.
moral guidelines.

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 28/07/2019

Can you think of acts which will NOT benefit

the doers? Consequentialism
The consequence of an action justifies the moral
acceptability of the means taken to reach that end.
1. If there is only one bread for a mother and child,
Meaning: It is the consequence of an action which determines
the mother may deprive herself of the bread and whether or not the action is moral. The results of the action prevail
allows her child to consume the bread. over any other consideration; simply stated, “the end justifies the
means”.
2. The father will always work overtime just to
provide the needs of his family.

3. One of the siblings may volunteer to stop

studying so that his other siblings may continue
to studying because their parents cannot afford
to send them to school simultaneously.

Professional Code of conduct is guidelines that outline the professional

obligations and responsibilities of members to their employers, to the public,
6. I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the
and to society as a whole. It promulgated by associations of professionals to
capabilities and qualities of my product and services.
regulate themselves in the general interest of society.
Code of Ethics of the Filipino IT Professionals 7. I will not disclose or use ant confidential information obtained in course
of professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned except
1. I will promote public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of
when required by the laws.
Information technology.
2. I will consider the general welfare and public welfare and public good in 8. I will strive to attain the highest quality in both the products and
the performance of my work. services that offer.
3. I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and truthful
9. I will knowingly participate in the development of the Information
manner.
Technology.
4. I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent
laws and other related laws in respect of Information Technology. 10. I will uphold and improve the IT professionals’ standards through
5. I will accept the full responsibility for the work undertaken and utilize my skills continuing profession in order to enhance the IT profession.
with competence and professionalism.