The role of ethics
Morality and Ethics
Morality encompasses the societal norms and values that influence how individuals interact with one another, their communities, and the environment. Within these interactions, crucial values come into play, accompanied by rules and norms designed to safeguard these values. Social roles and positions entail duties that promote these values and uphold the established rules. Additionally, human virtues and capabilities empower us to act in alignment with these moral principles. These moral elements are often intertwined with religious practices and social power structures, shaping our ethical conduct and fostering a harmonious human-friendly environment.
Basic human interests
- Welfare, in its essence, encompasses not only the material well-being of individuals but also the preservation of a flourishing ecosystem, particularly in the context of fisheries, where it plays a crucial role in providing sustenance and livelihood.
- Freedom, or the ability of humans to make autonomous choices, is closely linked to fisheries through access to fishing resources and the self-governance of fishers, enabling them to make vital decisions about their lives and their involvement in fisheries.
- Justice pertains to the equitable distribution of fishing benefits and the rightful ownership of scarce resources, seeking fairness and balance within the fishing industry and its impact on communities and individuals. Emphasizing these three principles fosters a human-friendly approach to sustainable fisheries management.
Fundamental principles of bioethics
- The principle of Responsibility for the Biosphere underscores the vital importance of maintaining the well-being of ecosystems as an essential prerequisite for sustainable fisheries. It ensures that future generations’ needs are met while respecting the lives of those who currently depend on the environment, recognizing their responsibility in its preservation.
- Human dignity, human rights, and justice are fundamental values that form the cornerstone of ethical considerations in fisheries. They emphasize the importance of treating individuals with respect, upholding their rights, and ensuring fairness in all aspects of fisheries management.
- Beneficence is a guiding principle that revolves around human welfare, aiming to minimize harm and maximize the positive impacts of social practices related to fisheries.
- Cultural diversity, pluralism, and tolerance highlight the significance of embracing and preserving different cultures and beliefs within fisheries, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
- Solidarity and equality stress the value of collective action, sharing knowledge and expertise, and promoting non-discriminatory practices within the fisheries community. Embracing these principles fosters a human-friendly and sustainable approach to fisheries management.
