Practice-based ethics, at its core, is an approach that emphasizes the real-world application of ethical principles in daily actions and decisions. It's not just about knowing the rules; it's about doing ethics as part of everyday practice, especially within professional settings. This involves a continual process of reflection and awareness.
Key Aspects of Practice-Based Ethics
Here are some key aspects that define practice-based ethics:
Continuous Reflection
- Mindfulness: As the reference states, "Ethics in practice requires researchers to be reflexive and constantly mindful of the ethical dimensions of all interactions, decisions and possible implications". This means individuals must actively consider the ethical implications of their actions and decisions as they happen, rather than just as an afterthought.
- Self-Awareness: A key part of this involves being aware of your own biases, assumptions, and the potential impacts of these on your work and interactions with others.
Dynamic and Contextual
- Not Static: Unlike abstract ethical theories, practice-based ethics isn't rigid or fixed. It acknowledges that ethical considerations can change depending on the situation.
- Context-Driven: The appropriate ethical response is often determined by the specific context, the people involved, and the specific challenges presented. What might be ethical in one situation could be problematic in another.
Focus on Relationships
- Interpersonal Ethics: Practice-based ethics places a significant emphasis on interpersonal relationships and the responsibility that comes with them.
- Impact on Stakeholders: It involves considering how actions will affect various stakeholders, such as clients, colleagues, and the wider community.
Active Engagement
- Doing, Not Just Knowing: This isn't about simply understanding ethical rules or principles; it is about the practical application of those rules and principles in a given context.
- Ethical Action: It pushes individuals to move from theoretical knowledge to practical ethical behavior.
Practical Examples
Here are some practical examples that illustrates the practical nature of practice based ethics:
| Scenario | Practice-Based Ethical Consideration |
|---|---|
| Therapeutic Relationship | A therapist must be constantly aware of boundaries and power dynamics to avoid exploiting a client's vulnerability. |
| Research Project | Researchers need to continually assess the potential risks and benefits to participants, and to adjust the study design accordingly |
| Business Dealings | Businesses must be aware of their environmental and social impact when making any decision. |
| Teacher - Student Interaction | Teachers must maintain objectivity and be mindful of their conduct with students, while always considering their wellbeing. |
Implementing Practice-Based Ethics
To implement practice-based ethics effectively, consider these points:
- Training: Provide training to develop ethical awareness, reflection, and decision-making skills.
- Dialogue: Create opportunities for open discussions about ethical dilemmas to ensure shared understanding and consistent ethical behaviour.
- Mentorship: Pair individuals with mentors who are skilled in ethical decision-making and can provide advice.
- Regular Review: Establish regular reviews of practices and procedures to identify potential ethical issues and improve ethical practices.
In summary, practice-based ethics is about the active and ongoing integration of ethical considerations into daily practice, focusing on reflection, context, relationships, and action.
