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Professions as the conscience of society.

P Sieghart

    Journal of Medical Ethics
    |September 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    Ethics is a science rooted in human conflicts, guiding conduct through rules and duties. Professional ethics prioritize altruism, serving as society's conscience by referencing human rights standards.

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    Area of Science:

    • Ethics as a scientific discipline.
    • Exploration of human conflicts and behavioral urges (selfish vs. altruistic).

    Background:

    • Ethics originates from conflicts of interest and competing human behaviors.
    • Resolution of conflicts leads to the development of rules, rights, and duties.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To define the scientific basis of ethics.
    • To elucidate the role of professional ethics and its distinction from other occupations.
    • To establish the function of professions as societal "conscience" through human rights standards.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of the roots of ethical conflicts in human interests and urges.
    • Specification of rules of conduct derived from conflict resolution.
    • Examination of professional ethics through the lens of altruism and noble causes.
    • Utilizing international human rights standards to assess national laws impacting professional conduct.

    Main Results:

    • Ethics can be understood as a science with observable roots in human behavior.
    • Professional ethics are characterized by paramount altruism in service of a "noble" cause.
    • International human rights law provides a framework for evaluating national laws concerning professional conduct.

    Conclusions:

    • Professions serve as the "conscience of society" by upholding ethical standards.
    • International human rights law is a critical tool for professionals to challenge illegitimate national laws.
    • The scientific study of ethics provides a foundation for understanding professional responsibilities and societal roles.
    Keywords:
    Bioethics and Professional Ethics

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