It seems that lately, we hear about mythical ethical. And of magical technical.
We have ethical rules. And technical tools.
We have Standards, Advisories, Guidelines, Users’ expectations, Peers’ actions, “approved” curriculum, seminars, classes, textbooks, and admonitions for “recognized methods and techniques,” “correct research and analysis,” “sufficient care,” “diligence,” and above all – do not be “careless or negligent.”
Form an opinion. Then find a way to support it. You can do it! You’d better. Or else!
We are at a turning point of connection between technical utility, and ethical futility.
Whew! So clear.
All with the pass/fail “standards” test of “credible” (worthy of belief). You are in violation if you are found not “believable enough” by someone with a different opinion, and possibly a different motive.
So – two dots – technical, and ethical. How are they connected? What are the other connecting dots?
We have learned some things:
- Market familiarity and appraisal competence are needed.
- Technology creates a need for more science of data.
- Science requires sharpened critical thinking.
- Critical thinking means self-awareness.
- Self-direction requires integrity.
- Integrity is ethical living.
But ethical living goes beyond complying with specific rules. (Called the “Ethics Rule” in USPAP.) Not a psychology or a spirit to live, but a set of rules against personal discrimination, bad conduct, and contingent management, …
Ethical living means ethical comportment.
This means not just intellectual ability, but includes personality traits. So — can I develop personality traits that make living a happy, fulfilling, rich life possible?
Yes.
What are the benefits? Easy.
- Trust capital: motive clarity, autonomy, information flow, reputation;
- Risk exposure: legal, reputational, operational, self-cognitive, patronage;
- Decision quality: better evidence, reasoning, judgment, pressure handling;
- Life opportunities: career paths, collaborators, leadership, invitations of trust.
What is the path?
- Concede that the unethical life is not a winner.
- Come to believe in a proven success path.
- Decide to apply ethical comportment.
- Categorize, in writing, my lapses.
- Describe, in writing, my gains.
- Share this path with others.
Appraisal > technology > science method > critical thinking > self-direction > integrity > ethical benefits