Professions in Ethical Focus

Book excerpt: Professions in Ethical Focus assembles over 40 seminal and new essays in five units, each dedicated to a specific profession. “Ethics in Accounting and Finance” explores recent corporate scandals and insider trading. “Engineering Ethics” examines the dilemmas that engineers often face. The essays in “Journalistic Ethics” consider journalists’ ethical responsibilities, the role of objectivity, and the place of privacy in reporting. The professional responsibilities of lawyers, including the lawyer-client relationship and the duty (if any) to represent repugnant clients in an adversarial system, receive extended treatment in “Legal Ethics.” Finally, “Medical Ethics” explores the doctor-patient relationship, trust and confidentiality, informed consent, and other central topics for health professionals. The editors provide thoughtful introductions, case studies, and study questions for each unit, providing readers with a clear guide to the central issues in professional ethics.