EXERCISE 4: DISCUSSION - IDENTIFY AND EXAMINE OUR VALUES
The goal of this exercise is to help us become more consciously aware of our individual beliefs.
Using the Bioethical issue case study provided, respond to the following questions:
1. What feelings does this dilemma evoke in you?
2. Should the massage therapist report the fraud but lose a referral source?
3. What values are you using in forming your opinion?
4. Can you think of a co-worker or friend who might respond differently to this dilemma?
5. What values do you think they would be using in forming their opinions?
LAW AND ETHICS
Examine the Relationship Between Law, Moral and Ethics
The relationship between law and ethics is not a simple one to grasp. People often in everyday dialogue mistakenly equate the two and in turn treat law and ethics as synonymous. However, what is ethical is not necessarily legal and what is legal is not necessarily ethical. For example, freedom and equality for all human beings is a strong principle of most ethical systems. Yet, laws in certain parts of the United States once sanctioned the slavery of one human being to another. Although, law and ethics are related and sometimes do overlap, they are separate and distinct areas of study.
In order to understand this distinction, we will provide a definition of both disciplines, after which, we will examine (in chart form) how conceptually at least, the relationship between law and ethics has evolved in terms of a comparison between law and morals.
Ethics
A systematic and reflective approach to providing good reasons (sound arguments) for our moral beliefs and opinions.
Law
The principles and regulations established by the government and applicable to people whether in the form of legislation or of policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision.
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