Personal ethics statement: ethical viewpoint, values, and blind spots

Personal Ethics Statement

I think personal ethics is simply what a person believes about morality and right and wrong. The Ethical Lens Inventory (ELI) I completed indicates that I believe rational thought and reason determine both the universal rules that each person should follow and the processes that assure fairness and justice for all. My core values show that I give autonomy and equality equal importance and individual rights need to be balanced with the well-being of the community. My classical values include individual balance and restraint in the desire for pleasure and social balance achieved through loyalty and consistency in dealings among members of the community, especially those without power. When it comes to problem solving I believe that gathering information and exploring options to find the one that will be the best solution. I pride myself on being responsible and doing what is fair. My word is my bond.

The ELI indicates that because of the strength of my values I sometimes trust the process too much and forget that unequal access may give rise to unjust outcomes. Another issue I may face is that at times I become so focused on the good motives of an action that I don't see problems with my methods involved and may unintentionally inflict pain and discomfort on others. I also run the risk of becoming autocratic; discounting the views of others because I believe so strongly in my own. Another weakness is the temptation to excuse or exempt myself from the rules if I believe the end is just. My tendency to hold myself to a standard of perfection may drive me to exhaustion.