Overview

Discussions of ethics in psychology often focus primarily on misconduct, punishment, and legal sanctions, and too often ignore aspirations, values, principles, and virtues. The net effect of this unbalanced approach creates an atmosphere in which psychologists have viewed ethics as unpleasant and frightening, instead of inspiring and uplifting. Psychologists naturally must be concerned about laws, codes, and regulations, but these documents do not constitute the beginning and end of the conversation on ethics. The editors of this 2-volume reference propose that ethics is best viewed as a striving toward the highest ethical ideals, not just as an injunction against rule violation—a perspective they refer to as ‘positive ethics’ or ‘active ethics’—and they encourage psychologists to elevate their ethical observance above the minimal standards found in law and enforceable ethics codes. Against this backdrop, handbook contributors investigate the complexities of ethical behavior in clinical, educational, forensic, health, and “tele-” psychology. Several chapters zero in on the teaching of ethics and on ethically minded research relevant to professionals working in experimental psychology. By comparison with many ethics textbooks, this two-volume handbook covers a wider range of subjects and pursues them in greater detail. For instance, it reflects important recent advances in research and technology that present new opportunities and challenges for practice and scholarship. Also, it takes a serious look into some burgeoning new areas such as life coaching and providing services over the Internet. These are just two examples of developments that present fascinating, novel ethical questions that deserve attention.

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9781433810008

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Author Information

Samuel J. Knapp, EdD, ABPP, has been the director of professional affairs for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association since 1987. His primary area of interest is in professional ethics. His other areas of interest include mental health and well-being, public policy advocacy, and religion and psychology.

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