Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the present state of ethical standards in universities. Drawing on the work of five faculty members who, in 1966, co-authored a discussion paper titled, "Ethical Principles in University Teaching", this work will ascertain the extent to which codes of ethics are providing the intended direction, especially with regard to ethical behaviour among faculty and staff. This thesis begins with an historical review of how codes of ethics emerged. This is followed by a description of five codes of ethics chosen from Canadian universities. Closer examination of seven ethical principles is then undertaken. Although it has been determined that codes of ethics provide the direction intended and are acting as guides to behaviour, there is still a dearth of empirical research on the continuing need for codes of ethics and on ways in which they might be more effective in reducing the incidents of unethical behaviour.