Ethics

When it comes to the subject of ethics, a definition we found helpful comes from Adam Blatner.  He states:

 "Ethics involves the sphere of interpersonal, group, and community politics at the level of values–not just what can be achieved or how to achieve it, but more what should be sought, in the realm of social harmony and fairness."

A question you might ask yourself is what makes something ethical. The Markula Center for Applied Ethics located at the Santa Clara University formed questions to ask one's self in order to clarify if the subject is ethical or not:

1. Could this decision or situation be damaging to someone or to some group? Does this decision involve a choice between a good and bad alternative, or perhaps between two "goods" or between two "bads"?
2. Is this issue about more than what is legal or what is most efficient? If so, how?

Some examples of ethical issues in the area of adoption would be:

• Open/closed adoption
• Expenses
• Who gets accepted to adopt children
• Biological parents wanting to keep the child at the last second
• Biological parents wanting money for child
• Church involvement
• Gay/Lesbian adoption
• Govenment involvement
• Inspection of environment child is living in
• Age restrictions
• Single parent adoption
• Transracial adoption

Some ways people try to resolve ethical issues include government action, public action, voting, or compromise.  Also, another question that could be asked is, "what is best for everyone involved?"

Stay tuned for more information on adoption.

Thanks,

Group Awesome :)