THE ROLE OF ETHICS IN THE EDUCATION OF SCHOLARS
This paper reviewed the role of ethics in the education of scholars and practitioners in psychology. The review proceeded from the recognition that the essence of psychological practice is trust between provider and patient. From this recognition followed the inference that ethical behavior is crucial to effective psychological practice.
The review found that the application of ethical principles by educators and providers in psychology requires some modification in an increasingly diverse society. The American Psychological Association, recognizing this need, proposed changes to the organization's Code of Ethics. In most instances, the proposed changes address contemporary needs. In some instances, further revision appears warranted.
This paper reviews the role of ethics in the education of scholars and practitioners in psychology. The essence of psychological practice is trust between provider and patient (Friend, 2001). Therefore, ethical behavior is crucial to effective psychological practice.
Bioethics is not a new phenomenon. Questions of how practitioners should "conduct themselves toward patients were considered as early as the time of Hippocrates" (Jonsen, 1998, p. 7). The contemporary model within which psychological educators and practitioners address the issues of bioethics, however, is new.
In the relatively recent past, the consideration of bioethical issues occurred within a framework of traditional ethics, mores of the culture, and professional practice. Consideration of these issues today increasingly occurs within a framework of "contemporary bioethics", which Jonsen (1997) referred to as a "demi-discipline" (p. 11). Jonsen (1997) stated that contemporary bioethics is a "half-discipline" that "works within a larger picture that is public discourse or public policy" (p. 11).
The contemporary approach to bioethics dates from the late-1960s. Th...