CONSEQUENCES, DUTIES AND VIRTUES: ATHREEFOLD NORMATIVE ETHICALAPPROACH TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Abstract

This paper explores a threefold normative ethical approach to professional ethics. The prevalent moral failure among different professionals exposes the inadequacy of professional codes of conduct in arresting unethical behaviours among professionals. It is obvious that a professional code of conduct is necessary, but not sufficient without the moral growth, conviction and character of the professional. It was discovered that no particular normative ethical theory has the answer to the complex requirements of applied (professional) ethics. Unarguably, there is no single ethical approach that can claim to offer answers to all the challenges and questions arising in professional practice or to be exempted from objections and criticisms. The paper argues that an amalgamation of utilitarian ethical theory, Kantian duty ethics and Aristotelian virtue ethics provides the ethical framework for engendering viable professional ethics if the prescriptions and underlying assumptions of these normative ethical theories are followed by professionals. The prescriptions can be grouped into three main tenets: consequences, duties and virtues. It concludes that there are three key elements that a professional should observe to operate within acceptable ethical parameters, which are the greatest good, respect for human persons and moral virtues.