Ethics in Human Service
Week One Questions One
What are Codes of Ethics?
Answer: A Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines or principles that are established by professional
organizations to guide the behavior and decision-making processes of their members. These
codes provide a framework for professionals to follow, ensuring that their conduct aligns with
moral standards and legal obligations. The purpose of a Code of Ethics is to promote ethical
behavior, integrity, and accountability within a profession.
Describe some common themes & limitations of ethic codes.
Answer: Respect for Autonomy: Professionals are expected to respect the rights of individuals
to make their own decisions, especially in sensitive situations such as healthcare, counseling, and
law.
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Professionals must act in the best interests of those they
serve, ensuring they do no harm and provide help where needed.
Justice: Ethical codes often emphasize fairness and equality in service delivery, ensuring that all
individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Integrity: Codes promote honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness in all professional
relationships.
Confidentiality: Many codes stress the importance of maintaining privacy and protecting
personal information unless disclosure is legally required.
Limitations of Ethical Codes:
1. Ambiguity: Ethical codes may contain vague language that leaves room for
interpretation, leading to inconsistencies in application.
2. Conflicting Principles: There may be situations where two or more ethical principles
conflict with each other, making it difficult to determine the best course of action.
3. Cultural Relativity: Ethical codes may not account for cultural differences, making it
challenging to apply them universally across diverse populations.
4. Legal Constraints: Ethical codes do not always align with legal requirements, leading to
dilemmas when professional ethics and the law conflict.

One model of ethical decision making is based on these six basic moral principles: autonomy,
nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, fidelity, and veracity. Define each concept and provide an
example for each principle.
• Autonomy:
Definition: Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives
and bodies without interference. It emphasizes the importance of respecting personal choices and
freedoms.
Example: A healthcare provider ensures a patient has all the necessary information to make an
informed decision about a medical treatment, even if that decision goes against the provider’s
recommendation.
• Nonmaleficence:
Definition: Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm. It requires professionals to avoid
actions that could potentially cause harm to others, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Example: A therapist refrains from making harmful or inappropriate comments during a
counseling session that could distress a client.
• Beneficence:
Definition: Beneficence refers to the obligation to actively contribute to the well-being of others.
It requires professionals to do good, promote health, and work towards the best interests of
others.
Example: A social worker ensures that vulnerable children receive necessary resources and
support to thrive, such as providing access to education and healthcare.
• Justice:
Definition: Justice involves fairness and equality in the treatment of others, ensuring that all
individuals have access to the same resources, opportunities, and rights.
Example: A counselor treats all clients equally, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or
socioeconomic status, and provides them with equal access to services.
• Fidelity:
Definition: Fidelity refers to the commitment to keeping promises, being loyal, and maintaining
trust in professional relationships.
Example: A therapist keeps the confidentiality of a client's sensitive information and does not
disclose it without consent unless required by law.
• Veracity:
Definition: Veracity involves truthfulness and honesty. Professionals are expected to provide
accurate and truthful information to those they serve.
Example: A doctor openly explains the potential risks and benefits of a medical procedure to a
patient, even if it may lead to the patient refusing the procedure.
Week Three

Ethics in Human Service

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