Ethics and Will: Principles and Practical Applications

Objectives

1. Understand behavioral ethics as an essential human duty.

2. Recognize the importance of placing ethics above personal will in everyday and professional situations.

3. Develop the ability to analyze ethical dilemmas and make decisions based on ethical principles.

Contextualization

Ethics is a set of principles that guide human behavior, helping us to distinguish between what is right and wrong. In the current context, where social networks amplify our actions and decisions, understanding and practicing ethics becomes essential. Behavioral ethics is especially relevant because it directly influences our daily interactions, both in personal and professional life. For example, companies like Patagonia and Natura are known for their ethical practices regarding the environment and workers' rights. Moreover, professions such as medicine, law, and journalism have strict codes of ethics that guide professionals' conduct. Curiosity: a survey revealed that ethically responsible companies are more likely to succeed in the long run.

Relevance of the Theme

In the job market, ethics is a determining factor for a company's reputation and success. It ensures that interactions and decisions are fair, transparent, and responsible, promoting a trustworthy and respectful environment. In an increasingly connected and monitored world, the practice of ethics is not only a moral obligation but a necessity for sustainable success and the construction of a fairer society.

Behavioral Ethics

Behavioral ethics refers to the set of principles that guide human actions and behaviors, helping to distinguish between what is morally right and wrong. These principles are fundamental to ensuring that our actions respect and promote values such as justice, honesty, and responsibility.

• Defines human behavior in terms of morality.

• Guidance to distinguish between right and wrong.

• Promotes values such as justice, honesty, and responsibility.

Difference between Ethics and Morality

Ethics and morality are concepts that are often confused but have important differences. Morality refers to the customs, norms, and values established by a society or culture, while ethics is a philosophical study that seeks to understand and systematize these values and principles.

• Morality: customs and norms of a society.

• Ethics: philosophical study of moral values and principles.

• Morality can vary between cultures, while ethics seeks universal principles.

Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations where there is no clear answer about what is morally right, requiring a deep and thoughtful analysis of the ethical principles in question. These dilemmas are common in everyday life and in the professional environment, challenging people to make decisions that balance different values and interests.

• Situations without clear answers about what is morally correct.

• Require analysis and consideration of ethical principles.

• Common in everyday life and the professional environment.

Practical Applications

• Companies like Natura and Patagonia are examples of organizations that apply ethical principles in their business practices, promoting sustainability and respect for workers' rights.
• In medicine, professionals follow a strict code of ethics to ensure that their actions promote the well-being and health of patients, placing ethics above personal interests.
• In law, lawyers must follow ethical principles to ensure their practices are fair and transparent, defending their clients' rights in an ethical and responsible manner.

Key Terms

• Behavioral Ethics: A set of principles that guide human actions, differentiating right from wrong.

• Morality: Customs, norms, and values established by a society or culture.

• Ethical Dilemma: A situation where there is no clear answer about what is morally correct, requiring deep analysis of ethical principles.

Questions

• Think about a recent situation where you had to make a difficult decision. How did ethical principles influence your choice?

• How can you apply the concepts of behavioral ethics in your future professional career?

• Reflect on an ethical dilemma you have faced. How did you handle the situation, and what could you have done differently based on the ethical principles discussed?

Conclusion

To Reflect

Throughout this lesson, we explored the importance of behavioral ethics as an essential human duty. We understood that ethics goes beyond our personal desires, guiding our actions toward the common good and justice. We discussed how ethics applies in various areas of life, especially in the job market, where it ensures that our decisions are fair and responsible. The reflection on ethical dilemmas has shown us that often choices are not easy, but prioritizing ethical principles above personal interests is crucial for building a more just and sustainable environment. Consider how you can apply these principles in your daily life and future professional career, and remember that ethics is an essential guide for our decisions and actions.

Mini Challenge - Ethical Challenge: Applying Ethics in Everyday Life

This mini-challenge aims to consolidate the understanding of the importance of behavioral ethics and its practical application in daily life.

• Choose an ethical dilemma that you have faced or that could occur in your personal life or future professional career.
• Write a paragraph describing the dilemma, including the different values and interests involved.
• Analyze the dilemma using the ethical principles discussed in class.
• Propose an ethical solution to the dilemma, explaining how you arrived at this decision.
• Share your analysis and solution with a colleague and discuss the different perspectives.