Ethics of Funeral Service

Why are people reluctant to report unethical behavior?

"there for the grace of god go I" being a squealer may create more problems

Steps for ethical problem solving

Identify the problem define the ethical issues of the problem break down the problem into smaller identifiable units identify what options are available in solving the problem consider the consequences of each option do you need help with your efforts? select the best option implement your solution follow the situation until you see actual results of your decision

Lawrence Kohlbergs Stages of development

Pre Moral Pre conventional Conventional Post Conventional

Golden Rule

a rule of ethical conduct found in some form in most major religions usually phrased, "Do unto others as you would have them unto you."

Teleological Ethics

aka consequentialism, maintains the morality of an action determined solely by its consequences

Deontological theory

aka non consequentialism, maintains the morality of an action determined by its motives or in accordance with some rules

Absolutism

an action is right or wrong because a higher authority of some kind says it is

Values

beliefs that are held in high self esteem

Ethics

branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions.

Firms financial status

complying to high ethical standards seems more prevalent during strong economic times

post conventional

considers universal moral practices which supersede the authority of the group

Code of Ethics

declaration or statements of the professional standards of right and wrong conduct

Social Pressure

determining what is the company's social responsibility

Pre Moral

does not understand the rules or feel a sense of obligation to them

Consumer needs

economic, physical and emotional

Employee needs

economic, physical and emotional

Meta-ethics

evaluates the meaning of ethical statements and the structure and reasons used at arriving at normative theories

conventional

expectations of social group are supported and maintained

Integrity

fidelity to moral principles

when does our dignified care begin?

first contact with the deceased

how should remains be moved?

gently and dignified

Honesty

having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing

Normative ethics

involves formulating moral standards of conduct

Absolute Moral Standard

moral practice followed consistently regardless of the situation

Situational Ethics

moral principles varying with circumstances

pre-conventional

moral reasoning is based on reward and punishment from those in authority

Utilitarianism

morally right action producing the greatest good for the largest number of people

Confidentiality

no information about the condition of the deceased should be shared unless with authorized individuals under certain circumstances

Privacy

only authorized individuals with a reason to be present should be in the prep room during embalming

ethical rules of conduct for embalmers

privacy and confidentiality

Professionalism

professional character or spirit

Laws

rules that govern society

Moral

synonymous with ethical, customs, values and standards of practice of a group, age or theory intended to be timeless.

2 divisions of normative ethics

teleological Deontological

Relativism

there is no correct moral standard for all times and all people

Government regulations

usually enacted to protect consumers

Business ethics

what is good or moral in business transactions