Why have an ethical framework?

Answer 1

In any profession and in any sector of our lives we must have an ethical frame work, to both guide and controll the way we behave. Without morals or ethics we would be little more than animals. No one can behave in any way they wish to , regardless of others.So that we can live in a society we must conform to certain rules and agreements so that one person dose not dominate another and damage the quality of that persons life.

Answer 2

What would be 'wrong' with having an 'ethical framework'?

Doctors have them. Social workers have them, Dentists and lots of professions have them ...though you'll read of people being 'struck off of their Professional Registers' for breaching them.

Is your question from a state of Naivety? Innocence or Ignorance? (and no, I'm not being rude or putting you down).

From the place you inhabit, you can assume that 'ethics' and guidelines have been around for 'quite some time' and that they are there for a reason(s). Surely it would be a good idea (maybe!) if you could work out an answer for yourself in relation to the field you are thinking of! No?

Ok. To help you on your way: It's about 'Protection,' of people from the unscrupulous practitioners of all kinds of Doctoring ~ the Law ~ Estate Agenting ~ Accountancy ~ Motor Mechanicing and so on.

Each and every one of those (and many more) could abuse clients through their health, their finances in terms of emotional, the physical and sexual senses.

I find myself feeling very impatient here and wondering why I'm answering your question ...and want to suggest that you go back to basics and look at What and Why you are doing whatever you are doing ...If it generates this question in you!
Sash.

Answer 3

Ethics is a very old concept. The ancients learned to be ethical as a mechanism for survival. You can consider this either from the perspective of the school of hard knocks, or spiritually. God teaches us to be ethical and be respectful of others. I think this is reason enough. Unethical people have to pay a price for their endeavors.

Answer 4

I agree with what the others have said but want to add something. It is true in Psych. counseling that we get to know the clients VERY well. Without strict ethics this could be taken advantage of for some type of abuse such as getting dates (at least) or power games (at worst).

Answer 5

In the profession of psychology?

So that one will not overstep boundaries and harm a patient in any way. No one should leave therapy worse than when they came in (not that this doesn't happen - it does happen, unfortunately - but all efforts should be taken to ensure that it is prevented).