Thursday, November 27, 2014

My Statement of Ethics

During my undergraduate studies at Indiana Wesleyan University I had to take an ethics class. I loved the class, especially the assignment to construct a personal ethical belief statement. Not long ago I wrote a post about different ethical frameworks and mentioned that I would soon post what I believe. This is that post.

IWU is a Christian university. The assignment had some roots in obtaining ethical beliefs in light of Scripture. So there are quite a few references to passages in the Bible within my statement. If religious references make you uncomfortable I would suggest reading around those parts. I think that reading another's ethical statement has value in what someone may want to include in their own or if for thing nothing else, to get some ideas on how to start one.

Items in black italics (or white in this blog design) are my statement elements. Items in blue italics refer to the ethical framework surrounding the logic chosen. The original assignment was graded on choice of framework, Scripture reference, and quality of revisions before final submission. Without further ado...


Personal Statement of Ethics
Of Earle G. Airey III
Preamble
     I write this Personal Statement of Ethics to declare to everyone my intentions in dealing with all people. I write this so people will know what to expect from me as well as a reminder to myself (and for others to remind me) if I stray from these beliefs. Also I believe that if I develop a structured personal belief system my dealings in life will gain increased focus. As I continue to grow and understand my place in God’s universe my Personal Statement of Ethics will further mature. The most profound transformation one can invoke in others is to live a life that loves others as one loves self. It is my hope that those who read this will be encouraged to write their own Personal Statement of Ethics.

Article I

All humans must be treated with respect, dignity, fairness and love.

These are basics that every human being should have. Respect and love can lead to dignity and fairness. Transparency can build trust and create resonant relationships. I do this and would be in agreement in everyone in the world did the same.

This follows the Kantian philosophy of ethics. This action is deemed ethical if you believe that everyone would and should do the same (as if law) and does not use others as the means to an end.

As a Christian, I am commanded to love my neighbor as myself (plus I realize it’s a good idea). From the Word of God, to love someone as I love myself is to treat them with all the attributes I would want contained within this document no matter who they are unless my ideals offends them. I may not change my ideals, but rather I will not assume that every granular aspect of mine should be theirs. However I will continue to strive to treat all with respect, dignity, fairness and love regardless if they treat themselves with these attributes.
Psalm 119:1 states, “Happy are people of integrity… (NLT).” Integrity can be something that is demonstrated and the results can generate followers not of one’s self, but of the concept.

Article II

I must obey the laws of the land.

It is widely understood for the most part why some laws exist. It is wrong to steal something that knowingly belongs to someone else. It is illegal to drive through red traffic lights. Don’t do this or don’t do that at times is pretty obvious even if we don’t agree or completely understand them. Without rules and regulations anyone could do what they wished and all desires are permissible. Society could not function without guidelines. Many people agree that without some sort of law structure, no society can exist.

The law aids in creating a structured society. This has a utilitarian ethical effect as laws can be seen as reaching that end which thus, justifies the means of achieving that aim.

In the Book of Romans in the New Testament of the Holy Bible Christians are commanded to follow the laws of the land. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Rom. 13:1, NIV).” As a Christian, I am commanded to obey the rules and regulations set forth by the government. I am to obey the speed limit, pay my taxes, not take what does not belong to me, be honest in my dealings, etc. However this passage is not meant that when the government is unjust that we should blindly follow it.

Article III

I must be a wise custodian of all I’ve been entrusted with.

This is to treat precious resources with respect and to recognize that created for the good of humanity and/or environment. Proper use and distribution should be done with great care.

This thought is not restricted to the proper handling of finances, but also all the talents and capabilities that I’ve been given and developed.

Utilitarianism ethics will agree with the reason we do most things in business is to earn a profit (for profit enterprise) or principle (not for profit). With that goal in mind, most of what businesses do is with the means to achieve that aim. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it helps to encourage personal and organizational growth. However if the end goal is to amass resources at the expense of others, I feel that is not being a wise custodian.

Christians have been commanded by the Lord to be a good stewards as well. The parable of the ten talents in Matthew chapter 25 shows that the Master who entrusted his money to three of his servants was pleased when two of them showed a return, but was angry at the one who buried his portion which brought no return because he was lazy. Not just money but all things of value, tangible and intangible (talents, time, choices and selections) should be used with great care.

Article IV

I will continuously improve in knowledge and seek after true wisdom. Not to listen is to inhibit learning. To stop learning is to stop growing.

People can be smart but have no common sense and common sense is not always common practice. Knowledge is just the amassing of information however wisdom is the proper application of that information. Wisdom is a result of exercising the mind.

Utilitarianism would look at the acquisition of wisdom as a means to achieve an end goal. Kantian would see this as something that would be universally accepted by most people. Egoism would be satisfied because the knowledge retained would edify one’s self. I call this an Ethical Triad where all legs would be satisfied. Elements that are satisfied across multiple ethical frameworks deserve special attention due to their appeal with multiple frameworks.

Solomon was about to take the rule of Israel as its third king and asked God to grant him wisdom, not riches in leading His people (2 Chr. 1:10). God was pleased with his request and granted him the wisdom and knowledge he desired. Because Solomon’s heart was in the right place, God granted him the riches like no other king has seen or will see (2 Chr. 1:12). With a heart that desires right and wise things a person can be a significant individual of extreme moral fiber and integrity.

Article V

I pledge to keep an open mind. As I learn more about the world in which I live, I promise to be open to ideologies and beliefs different from my own. Although I can’t promise I will change any of my core beliefs, I will be open to hearing and respecting the beliefs of others.

I am a Christian and much of my beliefs come from Scripture. Unfortunately that turns off a lot of people. Much of that perspective I have observed comes at the inconsistently in which many Christians have operated over the centuries and misinterpretation of Scripture. The Crusades that killed so many, Christians that stood by during the Holocaust, white supremacy organization  members who proudly share they are Christian, Christians that are so opposed to certain lifestyles to the point of bullying them, and so on. Through all of this I still believe in what Christ represents. I believe in His message to love God and to love others as I love myself. If I really love God it will govern how I love others. I just hope I will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate this.

Conclusion


I hope that others will forge a Statement of Personal Ethics for themselves and share it with others. Transparency builds trust and trust builds resonant relationships. Great leaders know how to do this and are open to learning how to do it better. May we all look for these opportunities because the world needs good leaders like us to be great. Like life, leadership is a journey, not a destination. I hope you enjoy the ride.

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