When conducting social research it is important for sociologists to consider the range of ethical factors that they might face, as failure to do so may affect the participants or even the overall outcome of the sociological data. From the informed consent of participants to covert research, it is essential to examine the most important ethical issues as they play an important part in the construction of research data. An ethical problem that could be encountered by sociologists when conducting research is the issue of informed consent. Informed consent is given when the participants of the study agree to the terms and conditions of the true aim of the study. However, some results may be invalidated by the participants knowing either the true aim of the study or the fact that they are being studied at all.
Relativism is the idea that one’s beliefs and values are understood of one’s society culture or even one’s own individual values (Mosser, 2010). With that being said everyday a person from a culture conducts some kind of moral choice. That moral choice that he or she chooses may be viewed as right or wrong by other cultures. In the article, “Some Moral Minima” by Lenn E. Goodman there are views of four different aspects of morality and relativism and Goodman argues that certain things are just wrong. I will explore the challenges Goodman presents to relativism and provide my own thoughts on such universal moral requirements.
EXPLAIN HOW BENTHAM’S VERSION OF UTILITARIANISM MAY BE USED TO DECIDE ON THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION. (25 marks) Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that determines the reasons for a person choosing to carry out an action - it justifies an action being for the greater good. Utilitarianism is a teleological theory which looks at the consequences of an action, rather than the process of the action itself - to decide whether it is consequently right or wrong which therefore also makes it a consequentialist theory. The theory of Utilitarianism began with Jeremy Bentham when he believed in 'the greatest good for the greatest number'. Jeremy Bentham first proposed is theory of Utilitarianism on the basis for social reform.
Ethical issues vary from legal issues because ethical issues are individualistic and legal issues are embodied in a system that governs society. The legal system gives continuous guidance regardless of the ethical issues involves (Guido, 2010). Personal values are individual thoughts about an idea, object, or a belief. Individuals communicate their needs through values, Rassin, (2008) states that, “social science considers values a key motivator for human behavior.” Personal values are derived from family teachings, religious beliefs, and societal. “Personal values are basic motivation beliefs about desirable modes or outcomes of individual behavior” (Rassin, 2008, p. 8).
But what is personal responsibility? Why do we care about it? And what, if anything, should governments do to promote it? Individuals bear a special responsibility for the success or failure of their own lives looking at philosophical theories, political ideologies, and public opinion on the subject. There has been a recent move in political philosophy to deal with real world problems and shows how philosophy can contribute to public democratic debate on pressing issues of personal responsibility (Brown, 2009).
Which is essential to objective reporting takes place, and scientists need to use critical thinking skills and be skeptical when analyzing data. The scientific method is an involved method to ensure that research is ethically complete (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister, 2009). In research two types of data exist, quantitative data, and qualitative data. Quantitative data refers to data that involves numbers; behaviors or objects that can be counted, such as statistics, percentages, and formula-based analysis (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister, 2009). Qualitative data refers to data that consists of verbal summaries, observations, or analysis.
This will ensure that errors and mistakes are reduced or eliminated when implementing policy. Basically, the public policy process is used in stages to ensure the government takes responsibility and responds appropriately on behalf of the public. Although, policy is not black and white, there are many gray areas in need of improvement, regulation and revision to best support our diversities and communities country wide. Thorough examination is critical when identifying and outlining the problem within the public policy process. During the examination of the problem first one must recognize that an issue exists.
In his commentary,(Gawthrop 2005) states that “as a government systems become more commonplace, the responsibility for promoting the ethical moral values of democracy rests most directly on the public managers and policymakers of democratic systems”. Scanlan believes that to uphold ethical principles in public administration is the concern of the political leaders, who make the laws and policies of the state, but these principles need to be morally implemented by the public service. Public officials must accept their role to distinguish the difference interested not of their own interest, but of the general public. One must also be able to
Contemplation can help individuals engage into the issue for they can be aware of what's going on in their society. Making preparations of gathering information to help with lifestyle changes, and to reach the goals of having a positive impact on the society and environment. Taking action from the preparations can give the strength for motivation for a better outcome of life changes for the environment end the society. Having maintenance of the actions given can alternate the determinat of the individuals behavioral changes (2014, Katie Jewett). The ethical system is a set of principles of right conduct and it is a theory of moral values.
STEP 1 Select a public policy issue from the list below that you are interested in learning more about. You may select a public policy issue that is not on this list as long as it is approved by Mr. Crandall. It is important that the American government is actively addressing