Values, Virtues and Duties: The Foundation of Ethics

• The Six Pillars of Character
• The Seven Enabling Virtues
• The Ethical Obligations of Trust

The Six Pillars of Character

[The Josephson Institute of Ethics has gathered the basic ethical values into a useful structure it calls “The Six Pillars of Character” The structure is largely duplicated here, with some additions]

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS, including:

• Honesty in communication
• Candor
• Truthtelling
• Reliability
• Sincerity
• Honesty in Conduct
• Integrity
• Loyalty

2. RESPECT, including:

• Civility
• Courtesy
• Decency
• Dignity
• Tolerance
• Acceptance
• Autonomy

3. RESPONSIBILITY, including:

• Diligence
• Pursuit of Excellence
• Competence
• Accountability
• Perseverance
• Self-restraint
• Prudence

4. FAIRNESS, including:

• Openness
• Process
• Impartiality
• Proportionality
• Consistency
• Equity

5. CARING

• Charity
• Benevolence
• Consideration
• Empathy
• Generosity

6. CITIZENSHIP

The Seven Enabling Virtues

[The following additional virtues are critical in pursuing ethical conduct]

1. COURAGE
   
   
2. FORTITUDE
   
   
3. VALOR
   
   
4. SACRIFICE
   
   
5. HONOR
   
   
6. HUMILITY
   
   
7. FORGIVENESS

The Ethical Obligations of Trust (Fiduciary Duties)

• The Duty of Competence
  
  
• The Duty of Diligence
  
  
• The Duty of Loyalty
  
  
• The Duty to Maintain Independent Judgment
  
  
• The Duty of Candor and Communication
  
  
• The Duty of Confidentiality
  
  
• The Duty of Honesty