Professions as the conscience of society.

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.