Page 1 of 7 PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf
PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slavery
Part One: Background
Ethical Frameworks Related to Human Actions
Ethics are part of everyday life, intertwined with personal, professional, and global
issues. Personal ethics are formed by their morals and values and determine if a person is
“morally good” (Hutchings, 2018). Morals are acceptable standards of behavior, usually derived
from religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Over time, morals may evolve and change with
life experiences and circumstances. Values are individual beliefs that motivate one’s behaviors.
Values are instilled by upbringing, culture, and religion. Morals and values are the foundation of
personal ethical standards.
Professional and Global Ethics
Professional ethics are a code of conduct established by a governing body, government
agency, or professional association that monitors and polices the practice of people in specific
fields (Singer, 2016). Medical, law, and higher education occupations are governed by
professional ethics and standards. An example of Professional Ethics would be the Hippocratic
Oath, which includes that medical doctors should “first, do no harm”. This oath is to protect
patients and hold physicians accountable for the services they provide. The American Medical
Association has created the Code of Medical Ethics and the Council on Ethical and Judicial
Affairs to give better guidance on the medical treatment and research of patients.
The Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have attempted
to provide a Global Ethical framework. Since there is no single global culture or religion, it is
more difficult to establish global ethics. Global ethics are created with the “understanding that
all states are not created equal” and “seek to protect the weak from the powerful” (Singer, 2016).
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Western, Eastern, and Indigenous Tribal Ethics
Western, Eastern, and Indigenous Tribal ethics have all evolved in their own ways to
establish a common sense of right and wrong and create order. Each has developed because of
the culture’s values and norms. They have provided guidelines and principles for dealing with
ethical dilemmas.
Western ethical ideologies focus on absolute Truth and justice. Western ethics rely on
right and wrong, and justice served for the wrong. Right and wrong (good and evil) have been
determined by religious ideologies. Many laws have been enacted based on biblical
commandments in the United States. For example, the sixth commandment in the Bible says,
“Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of
the United States says, “that we are all equal and endowed, by their creator, with certain
unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Hamilton et
al., n.d.).
Eastern ethical ideologies have been influenced by religion as well. Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have influenced Eastern ethics. For those in Eastern
cultures “perception is everything”. “There is a focus on honoring culture, family, and ancestors,
perceptions of dishonor and its consequences can extend back through an ancestral timeline”
(Mortillaro, 2021). Protocols involving respect, honor, and culture are the guiding principles for
Eastern Ethics.
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PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf /2026-2027 PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf 100% correct
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PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slavery
Part One: Background
Ethical Frameworks Related to Human Actions
Ethics are part of everyday life, intertwined with personal, professional, and global
issues. Personal ethics are formed by their morals and values and determine if a person is
“morally good” (Hutchings, 2018). Morals are acceptable standards of behavior, usually derived
from religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Over time, morals may evolve and change with
life experiences and circumstances. Values are individual beliefs that motivate one’s behaviors.
Values are instilled by upbringing, culture, and religion. Morals and values are the foundation of
personal ethical standards.
Professional and Global Ethics
Professional ethics are a code of conduct established by a governing body, government
agency, or professional association that monitors and polices the practice of people in specific
fields (Singer, 2016). Medical, law, and higher education occupations are governed by
professional ethics and standards. An example of Professional Ethics would be the Hippocratic
Oath, which includes that medical doctors should “first, do no harm”. This oath is to protect
patients and hold physicians accountable for the services they provide. The American Medical
Association has created the Code of Medical Ethics and the Council on Ethical and Judicial
Affairs to give better guidance on the medical treatment and research of patients.
The Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have attempted
to provide a Global Ethical framework. Since there is no single global culture or religion, it is
more difficult to establish global ethics. Global ethics are created with the “understanding that
all states are not created equal” and “seek to protect the weak from the powerful” (Singer, 2016).
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-08-2026 17:31:58 GMT -06:00
PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf /2026-2027 PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf 100% correct
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/22081513
, Page 2 of 7 PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf
Western, Eastern, and Indigenous Tribal Ethics
Western, Eastern, and Indigenous Tribal ethics have all evolved in their own ways to
establish a common sense of right and wrong and create order. Each has developed because of
the culture’s values and norms. They have provided guidelines and principles for dealing with
ethical dilemmas.
Western ethical ideologies focus on absolute Truth and justice. Western ethics rely on
right and wrong, and justice served for the wrong. Right and wrong (good and evil) have been
determined by religious ideologies. Many laws have been enacted based on biblical
commandments in the United States. For example, the sixth commandment in the Bible says,
“Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of
the United States says, “that we are all equal and endowed, by their creator, with certain
unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Hamilton et
al., n.d.).
Eastern ethical ideologies have been influenced by religion as well. Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have influenced Eastern ethics. For those in Eastern
cultures “perception is everything”. “There is a focus on honoring culture, family, and ancestors,
perceptions of dishonor and its consequences can extend back through an ancestral timeline”
(Mortillaro, 2021). Protocols involving respect, honor, and culture are the guiding principles for
Eastern Ethics.
This study source was downloaded by 1827175 from cliffsnotes.com on 01-08-2026 17:31:58 GMT -06:00
PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf /2026-2027 PHL 218 Ethics and Modern Slaverydocx.pdf 100% correct
https://www.cliffsnotes.com//study-notes/22081513
