Reader 5- Theories of Ethical Principles

It is has been interesting to gain more knowledge about ethics- it's history and evolution, different theoretical approaches, the issues of modern day ethical values, ethics v.s morals and how it fits into professional practice.
Through researching in the earlier tasks, I have been able to distinguish its origins and the general concepts of ethics and morals, however it has dawned on me of the importance of considering the issues involved in ethics as well because there are a variety of opinions that overlap.

Ethics can be categorized into three main groups:
Personal- family values, religion, personal moral values
Professional- evolution of the norm/ expectations from society on system in a profession or work-place
Organisational- 'How we do things around here'
Although different, they all have the same notion of the promotion of social good and beneficence to a larger group/society.

I have also learnt that ethics is not just a case of 'black or white.' Resolving issues and opinions on what is ethical or not is an ongoing debate, where many rules and regulations overlap with personal morals and beliefs. There needs to be some sort of justification in order to decide whether something is morally right.
I am glad to have picked this up, maybe involuntary, as concluded in a previous post, "It makes so much sense to be aware of the basic ethics, to respect each other’s values."
Hobbes believes that we should all follow a 'certain set of moral rules.' It is necessary to refer to something when looking at human life facts- basic needs, scarcity, essential quality of human power…"Without moral rules, these facets would lead to a constant state of war with one and
all, which would be intolerable." 

I believe that it is beneficial for all to have these underlying ethical principles as a base to work from there. That is one point I will keep in mind when inquiring for my project.

There are other theories that overlap:

• Kant (1779)- supports the idea of deontology believes that only a good thing is the right thing, and lying is not an option!
• JS mill (1861)- supports the idea of consequentialism, believing that it is best to choose that which tends to a greater good and for a greater number. 

I believe that this overlap is good in ways, where if you stick to basic moral grounds there should be some leeway around ethical codes and morals as long as there it is for greater benefit.

After identifying my knowledge and thoughts on the theories of ethical principles, it allows me to think of how to incorporate ethical practice in my professional inquiry. As Paula recommended, from Page 20 onwards I will follow in more detail… which is coming up in the next post very soon!