Ethics Definitions

Axiology

the branch of philosophy dealing with values, as those of ethics, aesthetics, or religion

Institutional lying

a term that characterizes deceptive actions or statements that are unjustifiably made in violation of the institution's laws or procedures

Synteresis

the belief or doctrine that the conscience is the repository of the laws of right and wrong

Casuistry

the branch of ethics or theology that studies the relation of general ethical principles to particular cases of conduct or conscience. A dishonest oversubtle application of such principles.

Deontology

the branch of philosophy concerned with ethics, especially that branch dealing with duty, moral obligation, and right action.

Sensualism

the doctrine that the good is to be judged only by or through the gratifleation of the senses

Professional codes of ethics

are statements of rules that applies to individuals in professional roles

Nomaleficence

avoiding harm refraining from actions that involve doing risk to the consumer intentionally or unitentionally

Veracity

being honest and truthful from a fundamental foundation for the trust among human beings

Eudemonism

the ethical doctrine that the basis of morality lies in the tendency of right actions to produce happiness, especially in a life governed by reason rather than pleasure

Utilitarianism

the ethical doctrine that virtue is based upon utility and that behavior should have as its goals the procurement of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of persons.

Metaethics

A branch of philosophy concerned with the foundations of ethics and especially with the definition of ethical terms and the nature of moral discourse

Casuist

a person who studies and resolves questions of right and wrong in conduct. An oversubtle or specious reasoner

Privileged Communication

is a legal concept that protects against forced disclosure in legal proceedings that would break a promise of privacy. This privilege belongs to the consumer. Often, it does not apply to group or family services while confidentiality does

Duty of Veracity

is derived from or is a way of expressing the duty to keep promises

Veracity

is respect that is owed to other persons including the right to be told the truth not to be lied to or deceived

Fidelity

making honest promises and honoring commitments made

Beneficence

promoting good for others

Justice

providing equal treatment to all people

Confidentiality

refers to safeguarding consumers from unauthorized disclosures of information given in the service relationship, unless authorized by the individual served or by law

Privacy

refers to the constitutional right of an individual to decide the time, place, manner, and extent of sharing oneself with others

Autonomy

self determination; ability to make decisions

Sensationalism

sensualism

Amoralism

the state or quality of being without morality or of being indifferent to moral standards

Ethics

the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment; moral philosophy