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
