Learning Objectives: Class One
What is Ethics?

The purpose of the first class meeting is to introduce the concept of ethics. Through a discussion of characters in a case scenario ("The Drawbridge"), you should be able to define ethics in terms of values, beliefs, behaviors, and choices. Look also at the impact of your choices in terms of what they say about you and how others perceive you.

Another key point is that right and wrong are often dependent upon the era and the culture in which an event takes place. Chapter 14 of the text is intended to encourage you to consider how cultural differences might impact the work of a speech pathologist in medical and educational settings.

Additionally, each person has his or her own motivation and intent in a situation. Each stakeholder has a unique perspective all their own. To better understand the dynamics of the situation and find an effective resolution, it is important to be cognizant of the perspective of each individual in the particular scenario.

© Rentschler, 2008