Journal 2-9 Max Bardowell 1-20-08

Principles of Ethics and You

Answer to Last Week’s Question: These results are from the Poll of Pollsters website, a ranking of national newspaper polls based on the accuracy of their past predictions. The top ten are:

1. Des Moines Register
2. ABC News/ Washington Post
3. Pew Research Center/ Associated Press
4. CBS News/ New York Times
5. Mason- Dixon Polling Firm/ MSNBC/ The McClatchy Company

Greatest Good

The greatest good is the notion that a single action that results in some negative consequences can be justified because it impacts more people in a positive manner than it does in a negative manner. It a much debated idea and the justification for the decision largely depends on the circumstances surrounding the decision itself.

Equal Respect and the Golden Rule

This ideal is a fluid concept and has been translated through many cultural and geographic boundaries. It is the belief that everyone deserves to be treated in the manner in which they themselves would wish to be treated, assuming that they would wish to be treated in a positive manner.

Relationships

A relationship is any interaction, small or large, between two individuals. Enduring or potent relationships between two individuals tend to have more of an impact on the two parties than more fleeting interactions.

Community

A community is a grouping of individuals, whether defined by a geographic location or shared relationships or values, who live and work within a certain proximity. Sometimes they work together for a common goal, but most of the time the individuals simply coexist within their environment, pursuing unilateral goals isolated or independent from the rest of the community.

Character Growth

Character Growth is the maturing of an individual’s ethics or values over a defined period of time. Often these morals become concentrated, reflecting the individuals upbringing, education, or group membership.

Question: What national organizations are considered “ethical authorities?”