Manuel Velasquez, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer
Cultures differ widely in their moral practices. As anthropologist Ruth Benedict illustrates in Patterns of Culture, diversity is evident even on those matters of morality where we would expect to agree:
Other anthropologists point to a range of practices considered morally acceptable in some societies but condemned in others, including infanticide, genocide, polygamy, racism, sexism, and torture. Such differences may lead us to question whether there are any universal moral principles or whether morality is merely a matter of "cultural taste." Differences in moral practices across cultures raise an important issue in ethics -- the concept of "ethical relativism." Ethical relativism is the theory that holds that morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another. For the ethical relativist, there are no universal moral standards -- standards that can be universally applied to all peoples at all times. The only moral standards against which a society's practices can be judged are its own. If ethical relativism is correct, there can be no common framework for resolving moral disputes or for reaching agreement on ethical matters among members of different societies. Most ethicists reject the theory of ethical relativism. Some claim that while the moral practices of societies may differ, the fundamental moral principles underlying these practices do not. For example, in some societies, killing one's parents after they reached a certain age was common practice, stemming from the belief that people were better off in the afterlife if they entered it while still physically active and vigorous. While such a practice would be condemned in our society, we would agree with these societies on the underlying moral principle -- the duty to care for parents. Societies, then, may differ in their application of fundamental moral principles but agree on the principles. Also, it is argued, it may be the case that some moral beliefs are culturally relative whereas others are not. Certain practices, such as customs regarding dress and decency, may depend on local custom whereas other practices, such as slavery, torture, or political repression, may be governed by universal moral standards and judged wrong despite the many other differences that exist among cultures. Simply because some practices are relative does not mean that all practices are relative. Other philosophers criticize ethical relativism because of its implications for individual moral beliefs. These philosophers assert that if the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on a society's norms, then it follows that one must obey the norms of one's society and to diverge from those norms is to act immorally. This means that if I am a member of a society that believes that racial or sexist practices are morally permissible, then I must accept those practices as morally right. But such a view promotes social conformity and leaves no room for moral reform or improvement in a society. Furthermore, members of the same society may hold different views on practices. In the United States, for example, a variety of moral opinions exists on matters ranging from animal experimentation to abortion. What constitutes right action when social consensus is lacking? Perhaps the strongest argument against ethical relativism comes from those who assert that universal moral standards can exist even if some moral practices and beliefs vary among cultures. In other words, we can acknowledge cultural differences in moral practices and beliefs and still hold that some of these practices and beliefs are morally wrong. The practice of slavery in pre-Civil war U.S. society or the practice of apartheid in South Africa is wrong despite the beliefs of those societies. The treatment of the Jews in Nazi society is morally reprehensible regardless of the moral beliefs of Nazi society. For these philosophers, ethics is an inquiry into right and wrong through a critical examination of the reasons underlying practices and beliefs. As a theory for justifying moral practices and beliefs, ethical relativism fails to recognize that some societies have better reasons for holding their views than others. But even if the theory of ethical relativism is rejected, it must be acknowledged that the concept raises important issues. Ethical relativism reminds us that different societies have different moral beliefs and that our beliefs are deeply influenced by culture. It also encourages us to explore the reasons underlying beliefs that differ from our own, while challenging us to examine our reasons for the beliefs and values we hold.
The following guide is designed to help you make decisions where ethical considerations may come into play. A simple definition of ethics taken from oxforddictionaries.com is as follows: “Ethics - Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity. The definition implies action. In other words, ethical considerations should be embodied and evidenced in decision-making and actions. These principles apply to all staff (including those holding honorary appointments), students of UCL, and members of UCL Council. Specific aspects of these principles will apply to UCL contractors and partners where agreements with them require adherence to any of the documents listed in Annex B. This statement of principles is deliberately short and simple. It is designed to complement Annex A and the documents referred to in Annex B, and to act as an aid to individuals when dealing with decisions at UCL where ethical considerations come into play. 1.1 Staff, students and Council members should take responsibility for their decisions.1.2 UCL will ensure that its governance arrangements and frameworks for delegation make lines of accountability for decisions clear. 1.3 Concerns regarding ethical matters should be raised and addressed as they arise. 2.1 We will be honest and truthful in our work.2.2 We will act in accordance with the applicable law and UCL policies and regulations.2.3 We will declare interests and manage conflicts appropriately. 2.4 We will be transparent and consistent in decision-making. 3.1 We will put UCL’s values at the heart of our decision-making.
Rex Knight Download an eletronic version of the UCL general code of ethical principles 1. When dealing with a situation with ethical implications, you should consider the following questions and guidance:
2. Another perspective can often help to determine the way forward. So, if you are concerned, postpone any action until you have obtained further advice. Talk to a colleague or your Line Manager and discuss the situation. Try to discuss how detractors might see your decision and the possibility of other alternative actions other than those you have thought of, so that this discussion is of maximum use to good decision making. 3. Is it your decision to make? Ethics should be a guide to action, and taking ethical issues into account should be part of everyday decision-making, so much of UCL’s ethical guidance is rightly set out in other procedural documents and codes of practice. Key documents are listed below:
Code of Conduct for Students Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy Information Security policy Dignity at Work Statement Sustainable Procurement Policy |
Which of these refers to our choices and decision-making processes and our moral principles and values that govern our behavior regarding What is right and wrong?
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