What is Professional Ethics? Definition and Types with Examples (GS4)

Define Professional Ethics:

Professional Ethics deals with ethical standards related to any profession such as legal, health, medical, engineering, business, etc.

It simply means:

1. Professional expertise
2. Commitment
3. Responsibility
4. Objectivity

Types of Professional ethics:

1. Business Ethics
2. Journalism Ethics
3. Medical Ethics
4. Media Ethics
5. Legal Ethics
6. Educational Ethics

Different professions may have different ethical standards such as the legal professions. Ethical standards of a lawyer are supposed to defend anyone’s case if there is merit or for appropriate trial. i.e. if a lawyer is defending Naxalite, Terrorist, murderer, then his conduct will not be considered unethical. Although, he shouldn’t defend in an inappropriate way through wrong facts.

In society at a time, there has been protest by other legal fraternity against a lawyer who defended any terrorist, Naxalites etc.

The profession of a doctor is based on hypocritic oath i.e. to save a life. The relationship between doctor & patient is based on the spirit of saving a life. Therefore, doctors shouldn’t be forced to act otherwise in the name of security & other concerns.

Health is a basic right of humans therefore behavior between doctor & patient should be based on values like:

1. Saving life
2. dignity, respect
3. Truthfulness
4. Compassion
5. Empathy
6. Service

Civil Services as Profession & Professional Ethics demands:

1. Neutrality / partiality
2. Selflessness
3. Responsibility
4. Commitment
5. Leadership

Also read: Ethics and Religion