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Many definitions of ethical behavior...
- "Don't hurt others"
- "Pursue higher goals"
- "Do the right thing"
- "Follow the golden rule"
- These are personal definitions
- Ethics often transcend norms and laws
- People may disagree about what is ethical. For example,
civil disobedience may be considered unethical, as may direct
action, or questioning authority.
- Ethics is hard to define unambigiously, and very
difficult without a cultural context.
- A personal definition of ethical behavior might not be
consistent with action, or even self-consistent. Think of the
environmentalist who doesn't recycle, or the teacher who can't
listen.
- Ultimately, it's up to individuals to decide what
behavior is ethical, and what is not.
- Ethical behavior is thoughtful and reflective, not
thoughtless and erratic.
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