A brief history of communication ethics:
The history of ethical communications dates back to as early as 341 B.C. with the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurius who was considered to be the first example of ethical egoism. His philosophy was that of living to make yourself happy. He created the a list of first principles for a good life which are:
1. Believe that God is a being immortal and blessed 2. Remember that death is nothing to us 3. Be free of disturbance 4. Grow accustomed to simple things, not luxurious things John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher and economist that lived from 1806 to 1873. He shared the same views as Epicurius who believed that having pleasure in life was the only thing that mattered, but differed in the fact that this pleasure should be for the greater good, and not just for yourself. Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher (1724-1804) had a totally different thought on ethical communications. He believed that there should be a moral law. He defined acts as right or wrong no matter the outcome. He developed the idea of the categorical imperative. |
Fast forward to today. There have been many focus groups performed and surveys on ethics policies and programs, but although many companies have written guidelines on ethics, this information is not distributed properly to their employees.
The exact definition of ethical communication is debatable, but there are three main points of view that seem to be consistent. These points of view are ethical egoism, utilitarianism and the categorical imperative. • Ethical egoism: This is the idea that people can only act in their self-interest. That decisions are made only in the interest of ourselves. (Epicurius) • Utilitarianism: This is based on the theory that decisions are made based on utility and trying to create the most happiness while reducing suffering. (John Stuart Mill) • Categorical imperative: This approach is one created from deontology or “duty based” ethical communications. Categorial imperative is what motivates people to act. (Immanuel Kant) |