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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