2: Ethical Systems
- Page ID
- 32912
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 2.1: Rawls’ Theory of Justice
- This page discusses John Rawls, a philosopher famous for his theories on justice, particularly in liberal democracies. He introduced the concept of a social contract developed behind a "veil of ignorance" to promote fairness. Rawls outlined two main principles: equal rights to liberty and the structured arrangement of social and economic inequalities for the benefit of all, ensuring equal opportunity. His emphasis on fairness has significantly impacted law enforcement and societal ethics.
- 2.2: Moral Relativism
- This page explores moral relativism and absolutism in policing, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse cultural norms for effective law enforcement. Moral relativism advocates for recognizing varying moral standards across cultures to enhance police-community relations, while moral absolutism asserts universal moral truths.
- 2.3: Major Ethical Systems
- This page emphasizes the importance of understanding ethical theories for resolving dilemmas and making justified moral decisions in law enforcement. It categorizes these theories into normative ethics (guidance on behavior), meta-ethics (evaluation of theories), and applied ethics (application to specific issues). Key normative theories, including utilitarianism and deontology, are highlighted for their relevance to contemporary ethical challenges in law enforcement.
- 2.4: Utilitarian Ethics
- This page explores utilitarian ethics, defined by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizing the morality of actions based on their outcomes. It distinguishes between act and rule utilitarianism while highlighting its applicability in law enforcement. The ethical dilemma of balancing inmate safety with punishment is discussed, noting that prioritizing the majority's happiness can lead to moral injustices, such as planting false evidence.
- 2.5: Deontology
- This page discusses Kantian logic, a deontological ethical theory by Immanuel Kant that prioritizes moral duties and intent over consequences. It distinguishes between hypothetical and categorical imperatives and emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as ends in themselves. In law enforcement, officers face moral dilemmas and are guided by Kant's principles to fulfill their duties without coercion or deceit, considering the universal implications of their actions.
- 2.6: Virtue Ethics
- This page discusses virtue ethics, particularly in the context of law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of good character in ethical behavior. It highlights that officers should act based on intrinsic virtues like courage, compassion, and integrity, rather than just considering outcomes. By prioritizing hiring individuals with strong moral character and fostering these virtues, law enforcement agencies can create a culture of ethical behavior, especially in difficult circumstances.
- 2.7: Ethics of Care
- This page discusses the ethics of care, emphasizing its relevance in law enforcement. It highlights how compassionate conflict resolution can replace formal charges, facilitating rapport with communities. By addressing issues through empathy and connecting individuals with social services, officers can promote peace and foster strong human relationships.
- 2.8: Egoism
- This page discusses egoism as a principle suggesting human actions are self-serving, challenging altruism by implying even selfless acts may seek personal gratification. It highlights its relevance in law enforcement, where understanding egoism can foster empathy for suspects and explain misconduct driven by self-interest. However, egoism faces criticism for its cynicism, given that many selfless acts happen without the expectation of personal gain.
- 2.9: Religion or Divine Command Theory
- This page discusses divine command theory, which asserts that moral guidance comes from God and actions are deemed right when commanded by Him. While it aids ethical decision-making in religions, it encounters challenges in pluralistic societies with conflicting beliefs. Critics highlight ambiguities in interpreting scriptures and question the motivations behind moral actions based on divine authority, especially in the context of suffering in the world.
- 2.10: Natural Law
- This page discusses natural law according to Saint Thomas Aquinas, highlighting that humans are inclined to do good and avoid evil. It suggests actions that preserve life are moral, influencing law enforcement priorities. However, the definition of what is "natural" is debated, particularly in the context of homosexuality observed in different species, raising questions about the applicability of natural law.
- 2.11: Social Contract Theory
- This page discusses social contract theory as proposed by Thomas Hobbes, emphasizing that without rules, society would fall into chaos, with the strong overpowering the weak. It posits that individuals prioritize self-interest for survival, leading to potential unethical behaviors. The social contract, an inherent agreement at birth, mandates law obedience for security and benefits.
- 2.12: References
- This page outlines publications focused on ethics in criminal justice and community policing, featuring influential authors like Aquinas, Kant, and Rawls. It discusses ethical dilemmas in law enforcement, community treatment of sex offenders, and the moral consequences of policing practices. The sources include books, journal articles, and reports, presenting varied viewpoints on ethics, social control, and justice in modern society.