PAF 460 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Social Contract
Document Summary
Ethics refers to well based standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of duties, principles, specific virtues, or benefits to society. Duties: the behaviors expected of people in certain roles. Virtues: qualities that define a good person. Principles: truths that form the basis for behavior. Benefits to society: actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number. For example, public administrators should not lie, withhold information, or put their own interests above serving the public. Virtues public professionals should manifest include honesty, independence, competence, commitment to doing their best, and integrity. Principles public professionals should observe include treating all persons fairly and equally, observing the law, and following direction from leaders and organizations. Beneficial consequence: public professionals should try to achieve the greatest good for the most people. Statements based on virtue: display honesty, show integrity, be respectful, be consistent, avoid impropriety.
