Lesson 1: Introduction to Ethics and Professional Practices
Subtitle: Understanding Ethical Frameworks and Professional Codes of
Topics Covered:
Ethics Frameworks: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics
Professional Codes of Ethics (IEEE, ACM, etc.)
Role of Ethics in Professional Decision-Making
What is Ethics?
Definition:
Ethics refers to the principles that define what is right and wrong in human behavior.
Key Questions:
What guides our decisions?
How do we determine what is ethical?
Ethics Frameworks
1. Utilitarianism
a) Focuses on outcomes.
b) Actions are ethical if they maximize happiness or minimize harm.
c) "The greatest good for the greatest number."
2. Deontology
a) Focuses on rules and duties.
b) Actions are ethical if they follow moral laws, regardless of outcomes.
c) "Do the right thing, no matter the consequences."
3. Virtue Ethics
a) Focuses on character and virtues.
b) Actions are ethical if they reflect moral character traits (e.g., honesty, courage).
c) "What kind of person should I strive to be?"
Professional Codes of Ethics
Examples:
IEEE Code of Ethics
Prioritize public safety and welfare.
Avoid conflicts of interest and be honest in claims.
ACM Code of Ethics
Contribute to society and human well-being.
Avoid harm to others and act fairly.
Why Codes of Ethics Matter:
Provide a framework for ethical professional behavior.
Ensure accountability and transparency.
Role of Ethics in Professional Decisions
Importance of Ethics:
Builds trust with clients, colleagues, and the public.
Guides professionals in resolving ethical dilemmas.
Promotes accountability and compliance with legal standards.
Examples:
Handling sensitive data responsibly.
Ensuring fairness in hiring practices.
Balancing profitability with environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Ethical frameworks (Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics) guide moral reasoning.
Professional codes of ethics (IEEE, ACM) provide clear standards for behavior.
Ethical decision-making is essential for trust, accountability, and long-term success.
Discussion and Questions
Discussion Prompt: Can you think of a situation where ethical principles were essential in a
professional setting? How was it handled?
Questions: Open floor for audience queries.
