The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has defined a code of ethics for its members. This document has detailed standards for ethics, rules of conduct, and has a provision for extensive ethical review of any breach of ethical conduct, with provisions for appeal as well. The vision statement of the code of ethics emphasizes the promotion of human welfare, accumulation of knowledge, and honesty and truthfulness in all activities endorsed by the society. The jurisdiction of this code of ethics extends to all members of the ASM. The first impression of this code insists on the length of these rules. One can expect at least 10 ethical standards for society members, while this code contains 6 of these standards. After listing the ethical standards,
…show more content…
When one reads the code of ethics for Microbiology for the first time, it looks as if it should be classified in the basic level. However, this code does not contain rules that oblige any members of this society to follow a certain set of laws. The practical level represents behavior that can be achieved the majority of time through consistent effort. For example, a rule found in this code states: “ASM members aspire to use their knowledge and skills for the advancement of human welfare.” This rule states that any research made by this society shall be made with the intention of the human welfare advancement. This is an ideal goal, because it affects everyone’s welfare. However, this goal can be met most of the times, if the company is determined in making this happen. If this society is determined to provide any advancements done by Microbiology to human welfare, it can be done. It is not considered to be an easy thing, but one of Microbiology’s goal itself is to research about microorganisms that may directly affect humans. Furthermore, there are many other reasons that microbiology can research for other than humans, but it has been like this for a long time now. Lastly, the rules do not intend in microbiologists going out of their way to save the human life. The rules can be maintained with consistent work, and they fall under the practical level of Code of Ethics.
5. If you could recommend any changes to the code what would they
When one reads the code of ethics for Microbiology for the first time, it looks as if it should be classified in the basic level. However, this code does not contain rules that oblige any members of this society to follow a certain set of laws. The practical level represents behavior that can be achieved the majority of time through consistent effort. For example, a rule found in this code states: “ASM members aspire to use their knowledge and skills for the advancement of human welfare.” This rule states that any research made by this society shall be made with the intention of the human welfare advancement. This is an ideal goal, because it affects everyone’s welfare. However, this goal can be met most of the times, if the company is determined in making this happen. If this society is determined to provide any advancements done by Microbiology to human welfare, it can be done. It is not considered to be an easy thing, but one of Microbiology’s goal itself is to research about microorganisms that may directly affect humans. Furthermore, there are many other reasons that microbiology can research for other than humans, but it has been like this for a long time now. Lastly, the rules do not intend in microbiologists going out of their way to save the human life. The rules can be maintained with consistent work, and they fall under the practical level of Code of Ethics.
5. If you could recommend any changes to the code what would they