The concept of
ethics
After several attempts to wrap my head around the concepts
of ethics, I still feel just as bombarded with information as I did the first
time I read it. It seems to be such a huge area of study. One with no definite answer,
no right or wrong just a vague grey area left open to interpretation. I believe
ethics asks more questions than it answers, once you begin down a path, it can
become an endless stream of questions. What is right? Will others agree? Am I
sure?
Kevin Carter
The case of the photographer Kevin Carter left harsh imagery
in my mind, when I think of the word ethics, I now think of this case. For me,
this was the best example of ethics, where professional codes of conduct meet
moral judgment. In this case I honestly do not know how I feel, I do not have
an opinion, as I can see both sides of this terrible story. Both sides are
right, aren’t they? I find myself going back and forth, question after
question.
If he was instructed not to touch anyone for fear of
epidemic, should he have listened? Can you really stand by when someone is
dying? Does one life make a difference? Why did no one help? Why was this girl
left to die? Should all the blame really be put on this man’s shoulders because
he was there? I do believe every life is precious, and I don’t think I would
have been strong enough to leave this girl. I understand it is just one life,
but in that moment I believe I wouldn't be strong enough to think about the big
picture. Is the big picture important?
If we all help when we can, won’t the world become a better place
to live? Or could this one small act of kindness turned into a bigger uglier
issue. He was warned for a reason right? Could this have lead to several deaths
through disease? This case has helped me to understand the concept of ethics
and how difficult it can be to determine right from wrong, a grey area open for
interpretation.
My Virtues vs. My
Profession
They say morals and ethics are entwined, I found this to be
true when making a list of personal virtues. They entwined when I made a list
of professional virtues and found some were the same. Looking at both lists I
realised, even though some aspect such as: organisation, punctuality and responsibility
appeared on both lists they were still completely different. How I would like
to be perceived in a working environment drastically contrasts with how I wish
to be perceived in life. This got me to thinking about how ambitious I really
am.
I am willing to
portray only the professional aspects of myself and not any of the morals and
virtues I feel strongly about in my heart. Caring, Positive, polite and helpful
all appeared on my personal list, but not my professional one. When I think
about the people I enjoy working with the most; they all have these great personal
qualities. So why had I not put them on my professional list? This to me was a
bit of a wakeup call, time to have a good long think about ethics and the kind
of professional I wish to be.
My Inquiry and the
ethical considerations
Thinking about the three processes for analysing ethics;
Metaethics, Theoretical Normative Ethics and Applied Ethics, will help me to
plan a detailed and safe inquiry for all involved. My study will be based on GCSE dance student
aged between 15/16; as I would like my results to be beneficial to all of KS4 I
may need to consider adding other age groups to the study. The data, methods
and results collected from students aged 16, may differ greatly from students
who have just started their GCSE’S.
As there is only one boy in the 3 years groups taking dance,
I may need to think about how I approach this. Is it worth only using girls for
the study? Should I visit other schools with more boys?
I chose yr 11 GCSE students because as part of their
practical exam they have to choreograph a piece using a stimulus; this is often
a real life story or issue. Talking to the students and witnessing firsthand
the positive impact this has had is the reason I want to look into this further.
I am hoping research this in depth to find new techniques and methods for
teachers to use across the board. This may be a little ambitious; however I’m
hoping to narrow this down to very specific criteria.
As I currently work in the school access to the building and
facilities isn’t a problem. Most observation will take place during lessons
however some may need to be done during dinner or after school. This is not a
problem as school is open until 6.30 pm every night. If I do decide to do after
school sessions; registers will need to be made and parents contacted. A
discussion and consent from both my head of department and head of the school
will need to take place before I begin my plan.
Contacting students will not be a problem as I see them every
day. For further details or in the event of an emergency; I can access all student
details via my school laptop and gain any medical or confidential information
needed. As it is a school, confidential information is only available via the data
zone, which can only be accessed on school property. This is the same for any
video recordings or images of students, content of this kind can only be stored
on the school media zone; which can only be accessed through the school
internet. These are all very important ethical issues I need to consider when
planning my inquiry.
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