Week 7

Question 1

What are “community standards” as defined by Corey et al.?

Answer 1

standards that vary on interdisciplinary, theoretical, and geographical bases. They define what is considered reasonable behavior in a given case

Question 2

What is “reasonableness” as defined by Corey et al.?

Answer 2

The care that is ordinarily exercised by others practicing within that specialty in the professional community

Question 3

What are the levels of ethical practice?

Answer 3

Mandatory ethics (compliance with minimum standards), aspirational ethics (highest standards of thinking and conduct; more than meeting letter of ethics code)

Question 4

What are “virtue ethics?”

Answer 4

focuses on the character traits of the counsellor; asks “am I doing what is best for my client? What emotions am I aware of as I consider this dilemma? What decision would best define who I am as a person?”

Question 5

What are four core virtues for practitioners to adhere to in making ethical decisions? (Corey et al.)

Answer 5

Prudence, integrity, respectfulness, benevolence

Question 6

According to Corey et al., what are six basic moral principles that form the foundation of functioning at the highest ethical level?

Answer 6

Autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, fidelity, justice, and veracity.

Question 7

What is meant by the terms “nonmaleficence” and “beneficence”?

Answer 7

Nonmaleficence = first do no harm; beneficence = promoting the wellbeing of clients; doing what is best for others

Question 8

What is the social constructionist model of ethical decision making?

Answer 8

Focuses on the social context of the process; the ethical decision making process is an interactive process as opposed to an individual process

Question 9

What are three fundamental assumptions of codes of ethics? (Weinberg & Campbell)

Answer 9

Universal meaning is possible and desirable; absolute laws or principles are possible and desirable; diverging and contradictory principles and purposes can be reconciled

Question 10

According to Corey et al., what are 3 objectives of codes of ethics?

Answer 10

Education, mechanism for accountability, and catalysts for improving practice

Question 11

What do Corey et al. suggest to do first when you suspect unethical behavior in a colleague?

Answer 11

Confront them directly

Question 12

What are 3 examples of limitations to codes of ethics?

Answer 12

1) not all issues can be solved by codes
2) codes lack clarity and precision
3) knowing the codes doesn’t necessarily equate ethical practice
4) practitioners may be subject to conflicting codes
5) they are reactive vs proactive
6) codes can conflict with personal values
7) codes can conflict w/ institutional practices
8) codes need to be understood in context
9) may not align with laws, ie, reporting requirements
10) professionals can disagree

Question 13

What are values as defined by Corey et al.?

Answer 13

beliefs and attitudes that provide direction to everyday living

Question 14

What are ethics as defined by Corey et al.?

Answer 14

moral principles that provide rules for right conduct

Question 15

According to Walker (in weinberg) codes should be

Answer 15

codifiable, compact, formulaic/procedural, accessible, and action-guiding

Question 16

What are the costs of shifting your thinking about codes of ethics from “static, prescriptive, and rule bound” to “negotiated, process oriented, and dialogical”?

Answer 16

It demands more of you as you think critically; there are many potential conflicts between personal and professional

Question 17

What are the suggestions given by Corey et al. to become an active learner?

Answer 17

1) Be prepared to engage with content
2) identify your expectations
3) self assess
4) critically examine content
5) know the terminology
6) identify your viewpoints