Link: http://www.etc-architect.com/?p=141
From ETC-Architect » Data Architect Global | Architect, Global | Enterprise Architect, Global
Most of us like to be ethical architects, however ethics is often practiced more by younger architects than by older. The problem behind this is often found in our definition of ethics, as we will focus our ethics on outcomes and on the judgement of others. As we are getting more experienced in architecture we see that the outcomes are often a complex mix of good and bad and the judgement of others is often more positive when the outcome is not that good as the others often like us to act in harmony instead of rocking the boat with ethical concerns. So usually when we have worked for twenty plus years in architecture we get to a point where we will see ethics as something important, but stop to actively discuss about it. Usually that changes again when we reach retirement.
Ethics however are not only defined by outcomes and judgement of our peers even if the main trend wants us to believe so. The other main trend on ethics is to to focus on the good will, so the the way we approach anything we work on. This definition of being ethical is something that is much easier to follow in architecture and business as it removes the external factors from the equation, however it also makes it much harder to hide from decisions that will not follow our own ethical standard, as you will not be able to blame others for decisions or to level the playing field by point out that the others are far worse.
This is why I support the approach that builds on the good will. However this methodology also has a major flaw if you replace “will” with “intent”, as an intent does not mean much to many, but if you invest all all your will power kit may different unless your will is easily manipulated, but even then I support the will over outcomes and on the judgements of others. What ethics means for you, you have to decide as I am biased, however we can first expect to be taken serious as professionals if we have developed a code of ethics that we stick to.
