I Need Someone Who Has Read A Book On Applied Professional E

I Need Someone Has Read A Book Applied Professional Ethics A Develpp

I Need Someone Has Read A Book Applied Professional Ethics A Develpp

I need someone has read a book (Applied Professional Ethics) a Developmental approach for use with case studies by Gregory R. Beabout, Darl J. Wennemann.

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Introduction

Applied professional ethics is a crucial field that guides professionals in making morally sound decisions in their respective domains. Gregory R. Beabout and Darl J. Wennemann’s book, "Applied Professional Ethics: A Developmental Approach for Use with Case Studies," offers valuable insights into ethical development through a case-based framework. This paper delves into comparative and contrastive analyses of Kohlberg's model of moral development and Carol Gilligan’s ethics of care, examines the distinction between intention and motive in professional ethics, and explores Kant’s contrast between the value of persons and objects according to his ethical theory.

Comparison and Contrast of Kohlberg’s Model of Moral Development and Carol Gilligan’s Care Ethic

Kohlberg’s moral development model, as outlined in his influential stages of moral reasoning, emphasizes a cognitive-structural progression from pre-conventional to post-conventional levels. Kohlberg’s theory posits that moral reasoning advances through six stages, focusing primarily on justice, rules, and principles (Kohlberg, 1981). His approach suggests that moral development involves increasing abstraction and principled thinking, starting from obedience to authority and culminating in autonomous moral judgment based on universal principles such as justice and fairness.

In contrast, Carol Gilligan criticalizes Kohlberg’s model for its perceived gender bias and its emphasis on justice over care. Her ethic of care emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships, responsiveness, and empathy in moral decision-making (Gilligan, 1982). According to Gilligan, moral development, especially in women, is more rooted in caring relationships and the need for connectedness, which Kohlberg’s justice-oriented stages often neglect.

From an applied professional ethics perspective, these models complement each other by providing a broader understanding of moral reasoning. Kohlberg’s model emphasizes justice and fairness as fundamental ethical principles, while Gilligan’s ethic underscores the importance of care, empathy, and relational responsibilities. Beabout and Wennemann (2022) suggest that integrating both perspectives offers a more comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making that considers both principle-based reasoning and care-based considerations.

Furthermore, Kohlberg’s stages provide insights into moral maturation, beneficial in institutional settings that emphasize rule adherence, whereas Gilligan’s care ethic emphasizes context-sensitive, relationship-centered approaches that are vital in professions such as healthcare, social work, and counseling. The combination thus enriches ethical practices by accommodating diverse moral perspectives and fostering more balanced moral judgments.

Intention Versus Motive in Applied Professional Ethics

In applied professional ethics, understanding the difference between intention and motive is fundamental for evaluating ethical conduct. According to Beabout and Wennemann (2022), intention refers to the conscious aim or plan behind an action—the specific outcome or purpose the professional seeks to achieve. For example, a nurse’s intention might be to provide the best possible care to her patients.

Motive, on the other hand, pertains to the underlying reason or emotional driver that motivates the action—often linked to personal values, desires, or ethical principles. Motives are typically less explicit but critically influence the moral evaluation of an act. For instance, the same nurse might be motivated by a genuine desire to help others or by personal recognition.

The distinction between intention and motive is significant because an ethically acceptable action requires not only good intentions but also a morally commendable motive. An act motivated by self-interest or malice might have a good intention but still be ethically questionable (Kant, 1785). Conversely, a good motive that results in unintended harmful consequences may complicate ethical assessments.

Applied professional ethics emphasizes examining both aspects to ensure integrity and moral consistency. Ethical decisions should align with sound intentions and morally upright motives, fostering trust, accountability, and moral development within professional contexts.

Kant’s Ethical Theory: The Value of Person Versus the Value of Object

Immanuel Kant’s ethical philosophy distinguishes sharply between the moral worth of persons and the instrumental value of objects. Kant asserts that persons are ends in themselves, possessing inherent dignity and moral worth, which commands unconditional respect (Kant, 1785). This perspective appears in his formulation of the Formula of Humanity, which states that humanity should always be treated as an end, never merely as a means.

In contrast, objects or things lack moral agency and are valued solely based on their usefulness or utility to human purposes. Their value is instrumental rather than intrinsic. For example, a tool or a piece of property can be employed to achieve human goals but does not possess moral worth.

In professional ethics, this distinction underscores the imperative to respect the autonomy and dignity of clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, recognizing their inherent worth. Kantian ethics warns against exploitation or instrumentalization of persons for personal or organizational gain. Professionals must adhere to principles that respect persons as moral agents capable of rational decision-making, emphasizing consent, confidentiality, and autonomy.

Furthermore, Kant’s ethics serve as a foundation for human rights principles, advocating that every individual holds intrinsic value that must be protected amid our interactions. For instance, in healthcare, respecting a patient's autonomy aligns with Kantian principles, whereas viewing the patient as merely a means to healthcare outcomes would violate these ethical commitments.

Conclusion

The comparison of Kohlberg’s moral development and Gilligan’s care ethic reveals complementary perspectives that enrich ethical understanding by balancing justice with care. Recognizing the distinction between intention and motive enhances decision-making clarity and moral accountability in professional contexts. Kant’s emphasis on the intrinsic worth of persons versus objects provides a robust moral framework that emphasizes respect, dignity, and human rights. Integrating these models and principles fosters more nuanced, compassionate, and principled ethical practices within various professions, ultimately contributing to societal trust and moral integrity.

References

• Kohlberg, L. (1981). The Philosophy of Moral Development: Moral Stages and the Idea of Justice. Harper & Row.
• Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. (H. J. Paton, Trans.). Harper & Row, 1964.
• Beabout, G. R., & Wennemann, D. J. (2022). Applied Professional Ethics: A Developmental Approach for Use with Case Studies. Routledge.
• Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral Development: Advances in Research and Theory. Praeger.
• Narvaez, D. (2008). Integrative Ethical Education. Developmental Psychology, 44(1), 223–232.
• Walker, L. J. (2004). The Moral Child: Nurturing Children's Natural Moral Qualities. Basic Books.
• Spiro, M. E. (2007). Morality and Cultural Differences. Cross-Cultural Research, 41(4), 430–447.
• Thoma, S. J. (2004). Moral Development in Complex Societies. Psychology Press.
• Powell, M. (2017). Ethical Decision-Making in Professional Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.