Is it possible to identify, construct, or specify beyond vague generalities, a definition of ethics that would be universally credible and appropriate? Can a hypothetical universal ethical code be equally relevant in diverse contexts? Were one to be constructed, would the fact that it is interpreted by individuals socialized in different contexts of reality and truth, render it less relevant or even irrelevant in some contexts?It is sometimes difficult for my logical, physics-math brain to accept that a discussion about ethics does not result in an answer that can be scientifically tested. Don't misunderstand me. I don't think science always leads to one right answer, contrary to how most students in K-12 learn science. But, science can be tested and contested and better answers can be found. Things are different when trying to agree on answers to questions about ethics.
I'm not sure that it is possible to develop a code of ethics for any field of study that all parties can agree on. As the article states, the more diverse the group of people, the more difficult it becomes to agree on a code of ethics that is applicable to everyone. But, does this mean we should give up? NO. I believe the discussion is more important than the answers. As our workplaces and schools become flatter, we are forced into a global society. Even though our discussion about ethics becomes difficult, we stand to gain a global awareness and sensitivity that we may not have had before by continuing the discussion with the diverse people we encounter.
As we deal with diverse cultures and writing codes of ethics, the article gives two frameworks within which we could work. Ethical universalism is what I call the I'm-right-you're-wrong framework. I view myself as above you, so I attempt to teach you my right ways. The second framework is cultural relativism. With this framework, "they do not come to teach or to transmit or to give anything, but rather to learn, with the people, about the people's world," (Freire, as cited in this article). I love this quote. If we all made a pact to learn from each other, we may not agree on a universal code of ethics, but I bet the discussion would be worthwhile.
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Ethics and values are often not discussed and are rarely articulated, although they need to be defined clearly. In my opinion, we need to start at home, in our own workplaces and even within ourselves. Logistically, we're confined by geography in spite of the trend toward flattening the world. We start out in our small spaces with a few others before we branch out. For that reason, I believe first we must set our own affairs in order. It's like the old saying, "Charity begins at home." We can't operate globally on a multicultural level and expect to negotiate and set ethical norms worldwide if we cannot articulate our own norms and establish our own ethical identities within and among ourselves first. If we clearly define our values and standards in our own workplaces on our own ground for ourselves, we then have an ethical identity we can use to describe ourselves to others. From those articulated norms and values, we have a solid starting place when we try to merge culturally or embrace more global change. Otherwise, we become like a sponge, soaking up everyone else's standards without question, or like a rock wall, refusing to change and oblivious to the tide while eroding.
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