Definition of Ethics

After searching for definitions of graphic design, we've decided that the next step of our research should be looking for definitions of ethics. We'll start by defining what ethics is, giving examples of areas where codes of ethics are applied and finally talk and discuss about ethics in graphic design.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary ethics is a system of accepted beliefs which control behaviour, especially such a system based on morals. It is the study of what is morally right and what is not.

A code of ethics is a set of guidelines which are designed to set out acceptable behaviours for members of a particular group, association, or profession. Many organizations govern themselves with a code of ethics, especially when they handle sensitive issues like investments, health care, or interactions with other cultures. In addition to setting a professional standard, a code of ethics can also increase confidence in an organization by showing outsiders that members of the organization are committed to following basic ethical guidelines in the course of doing their work. (here)

There are several professions that have codes of ethics (or codes of conduct) that the employees must sign and must follow. Here is an example of the code of ethics for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians:
1. make the care of patients your first concern
2. exercise your professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public
3. show respect for others
4. encourage patients to participate in decisions about their care
5. develop your professional knowledge and competence
6. be honest and trustworthy
7. take responsibility for your working practices

In the design profession there isn't a code of ethics. Should there be one?

John Vassos (1898-1985), designer, believed that design could only succeed if guided by an ethical view.
But every designer has his own point of view.
There is no way to be ethical as a designer and probably no one designer who is 100 percent ethical. ("Conscientious Objectives: Designing for an Ethical Message" - John Cranmer and Yolanda Zappaterra, Rotovision 2003).


This was the image that most got our attention and that made us decide to discuss ethics in graphic design.
This poster was designed for the anti-minaret campaign in Switzerland. It shows a burka-clad woman against a backdrop of minarets sticking out of the Swiss flag. The leftist opponents of the campaign, in their hysterical reaction to the poster, have already generated more publicity than the SVP (Switzerland’s Swiss People’s Party) ever could. (here)

Should we judge the graphic designer who did this poster? Did he forget about ethics and just made what he was asked to?
Here is what he had to say about it: "...our job is just to think about how to make the strongest image, then let the lawyers tell us whether it's racist." Do we really need a lawyer to tell us what racism is?

Is the design of this poster less ethical than the design of a package for a chocolate bar that is full of sugar and calories that will be sold in a vending machine?


In the 1970s John Lennon and Yoko Ono posted huge billboards in some locations around NYC stating: "War is over! (if you want it)". Is this a good use of design? An ethical one?


Milton Glaser believes that good design is good citizenship.