On being moral in immoral places

Abstract

The distinction between moral behaviour and ethical codification is considered, and the range of possible approaches to the justification of ethical systems and their formulation is outlined. The question is raised as to whether our psychological codifiers examined alternative approaches and whether, in approving the Codes, members realized that they were endorsing a particular approach. Comments are made about ironic aspects of our reactions to experimental deception, and reservations expressed about the logic and consistency of our approaches to certain moral problems.