Thomas Hobbes argued that in an imperfect world, individuals must be willing surrender a measure of these natural rights for the sake of peace, order, security and the rule of law (even assuming that “anonymity” should be numbered among those rights). The Snowden affair proves relevant to ethics because it drew discussion regarding the price they are willing to pay in terms of their privacy and liberty for the sake of security and national self-defense against aggression. Edward Snowden is a controversial figure in recent years due to his exposure of NSA civilian surveillance and leak of classified military information. Was Snowden engaged in ethical behavior? Using the frameworks of professional ethics, ethical philosophy, whistle blowing,
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Professional ethics are applied principles of right and wrong relevant to specific occupations or professions. For anyone who works in Criminal Justice or Public Administration, one must follow the ethical formalism, critical thinking questions, and the common good to solve an ethical dilemma. Ethical formalism stipulates that a decision is good is that which conforms to categorical imperative, such as law. Additionally, there are 5 critical questions should be asked and answered when dealing with an ethical dilemma. Does the action violate any person 's rights including due process? Does the action involve treating a person as means to an end? Is the action illegal? Will the action produce more bad than good for all affected? Does the action violate dept procedure or professional duty? As the evidence in the text illustrates Snowden violated these core ethical questions and did not perform the common good and duty. The Common Good and Duty is an ethical framework approach that seeks to make ethical decisions based upon what is best for the community. Proponents of this approach recognize the value of certain communities and institutions, and believe that it is worthwhile to uphold them, often at any cost. Oftentimes, people who adhere to a common good ethical framework seek to uphold institutions like the legal system, the education …show more content…
The rule of law is relevant because as a government worker, especially one with high ranking and clearance, the procedural law within the agency and US Constitution must be followed. Every government employee and contractor is warned that the unauthorized access and/or disclosure of classified information is a crime. There is legislation and safeguards in place so if a government worker, even in Intelligence, can properly report inappropriate behavior and concerns to regulatory authorities. Whistleblowing is defined by LegalDictionary.com as “The disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a government agency or private enterprise, to the public or to those inauthority, of mismanagement, corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing.” Because he was working as a high ranking member of the Intelligence community, Snowden had to follow a stricter protocol had he been interested in legally whistleblowing the concerns he had over his agency’s program. The Intelligence Community Worker Protection Act (ICWPA) allows intelligence workers to report urgent concerns or “serious or flagrant problem, abuse, violation of law or Executive order, or deficiency relating to the funding, administration, or operations of an intelligence activity involving classified information” to the Department of Justice-Office of the Inspector General and Senate Intelligence
Professional ethics are applied principles of right and wrong relevant to specific occupations or professions. For anyone who works in Criminal Justice or Public Administration, one must follow the ethical formalism, critical thinking questions, and the common good to solve an ethical dilemma. Ethical formalism stipulates that a decision is good is that which conforms to categorical imperative, such as law. Additionally, there are 5 critical questions should be asked and answered when dealing with an ethical dilemma. Does the action violate any person 's rights including due process? Does the action involve treating a person as means to an end? Is the action illegal? Will the action produce more bad than good for all affected? Does the action violate dept procedure or professional duty? As the evidence in the text illustrates Snowden violated these core ethical questions and did not perform the common good and duty. The Common Good and Duty is an ethical framework approach that seeks to make ethical decisions based upon what is best for the community. Proponents of this approach recognize the value of certain communities and institutions, and believe that it is worthwhile to uphold them, often at any cost. Oftentimes, people who adhere to a common good ethical framework seek to uphold institutions like the legal system, the education …show more content…
The rule of law is relevant because as a government worker, especially one with high ranking and clearance, the procedural law within the agency and US Constitution must be followed. Every government employee and contractor is warned that the unauthorized access and/or disclosure of classified information is a crime. There is legislation and safeguards in place so if a government worker, even in Intelligence, can properly report inappropriate behavior and concerns to regulatory authorities. Whistleblowing is defined by LegalDictionary.com as “The disclosure by a person, usually an employee in a government agency or private enterprise, to the public or to those inauthority, of mismanagement, corruption, illegality, or some other wrongdoing.” Because he was working as a high ranking member of the Intelligence community, Snowden had to follow a stricter protocol had he been interested in legally whistleblowing the concerns he had over his agency’s program. The Intelligence Community Worker Protection Act (ICWPA) allows intelligence workers to report urgent concerns or “serious or flagrant problem, abuse, violation of law or Executive order, or deficiency relating to the funding, administration, or operations of an intelligence activity involving classified information” to the Department of Justice-Office of the Inspector General and Senate Intelligence