Graduate Quality - Ethical

The “Ethical” graduate attribute encapsulates the active processes of ethical thinking, critical reflection and decision making where a course of action is determined or considered. Pojman (2017) describes ethics as a branch of philosophy that deals with how we ought to live. Ethical as a learning outcome for courses and programs covers professional and applied ethics, ethical theory and moral philosophy.

Ethical looks towards living, working and being in the world and is often embedded in laws, policies and codes of conduct. Studying ethics can break cycles of prejudice and dogmatism and supports reasoning, making justifications and considerations of human and natural impacts and outcomes of actions.

An ethical person:

• Can recognise ethical issues and is capable of justifying, chosen ethical practices.
• Develops an understanding of acceptable and appropriate conduct and practice within their intellectual and professional lives.
• Is aware of ethical issues regarding academic integrity, including attributing sources of original work.
• Queries assumptions and uses critical thinking and ethical frameworks to identify strengths and weaknesses of established processes.

Learning centred activities for Ethical

Substantive conversations, debates, inquiry based complex problems, comparisons of options, questioning, work place simulations, working in teams, ethical dilemmas, and case studies.

Words associated with learning outcomes for Ethical

Analyse, interpret and justify, enact, explore and evaluate options.

Example of aligning with criteria

Course learning outcome: Analyse the conflicting ethical issues that arise in the international human rights fora.

Criteria example: Evaluation of conflicting priorities.

Introductory

• Explores the concepts of ethics, ethical behaviour and different ethical frameworks.
• Develops understanding of intellectual, professional and community ethical codes of practice.
• Is aware of the difference between personal values, opinion and ethical decision making.

Developing

• Identifies, reflects on and discusses ethical practices in intellectual, professional and community areas.
• Critically examines ethical principles, theories and concepts in relation to problem solving of real world issues.
• Elaborates on own ethical thinking processes according to given structure for decision making.

Graduate

• Demonstrates and applies advanced understanding of ethical practices from perspectives of intellectual, professional and community impact.
• Critically examines, analyses and evaluates ethical decision-making frameworks and codes with an authentic discipline practice.
• Considers and justifies alternative courses of action in ethical decision making; discusses consequences for all stakeholders.
• Demonstrates professional ethical standards in work integrated learning, or workplace setting.

The ethical graduate attribute uses critical thinking and evaluation based on ethical frameworks and judgement within discipline practice. Ethical considers how one's actions may affect others and looks towards reducing harm and increasing benefit (social, environmental and economic). The ethical graduate attribute nurtures professionalism and personal integrity and is highly valued and enhances employability.