Universal Ethics Exist
Mary Grillo
Claire Jennings
Pallavi Jha
What are Universal Ethical Rules?
 “...our most basic orientation as to what is right and wrong.”
– Carol D. Barrett, FAICP

They are our morals, they are internal, they lie inside us.
They are what influence the AICP Code – and not vice versa.
Universal ethical rules  for planners DO exist.
Immanuel Kant
“Categorical Imperative” 
Universal ethics are rules that are good in and of themselves; they must be obeyed in all situations and circumstances if our behavior is to observe the moral law; they are absolute so that we must follow them independently of our desires, our interest, our will and our historical conditions.

No exceptions. 
All acts are either inherently good or evil, regardless of their consequences.
Deontological ethics
CRP 712: Planning Theory Debate
“The ethical planner seeks to avoid doing bad things, and acts in a constructive fashion to do good. For the ethical planner, the emphasis is on the affirmative dimension of his or her conduct. Ethical obligations extend beyond legal compliance because many types of impropriety… cannot be effectively prevented by enforcing rules.”  – Carol D. Barrett, FAICP
Universal ethics are...
Internal
Aspirational
Gut feelings of right and wrong.
Universal ethics for planners include...
Tell the truth.
Be fair.
Be honest.
Strive for excellence.
Show respect for others.
Exercise independent judgment.
Never commit a wrongful act.
Examples from Brooks
Lying to a dying accident victim.
Killing an armed, threatening intruder.
Justifications.
Remember Kant.
Justifications for situations do not negate the universal ethical principles.
Steps to Consider Ethical Dilemmas
Step 1: Meditate on conflict.
Steps 2-5: Consider alternatives.
Step 6: Gut check. Does it feel right?
Comes from Barrett
Bolan’s nuances are still justifications... 
Bolan’s Two Views 
1. Ethics of ultimate ends.
2. Ethics of responsibility.
Not Machiavelli
The ends do not justify the means.