Good: An introduction to ethics in graphic design

Roberts, L. (2006) Good: An introduction to ethics in graphic design, Lausanne: AVA

From reading Shel Perkins article on the AIGA website on Ethics and Social Responsibility, a link between "good" and ethics has become more apparent. This is therefore another subject area that has been explored and relates back to green design.

The definitions given in the text have enhanced my understanding of ethics and the subjects relating. In the text "good" is said to be 'about ideas. Not design ideas', but life ideas'. At the beginning of the text, Roberts makes the connection between good and ethics 'What is good? and what is bad?' 'I give the name ethics'. 

Quotes:

- 'Good is certainly ethical in intention, but only to an extent in outcome' :13

Anthony Grayling on self and aesthetic:

Q: Is it possible to arrive at an ethical code of practice for an activity like graphic design?

'Yes, absolutely. A code that says 'thou shalt' and 'thou shalt not' is inflexible and fits awkwardly with real life, which is complex and protean.' Instead of this strict structure, Grayling suggests a more suggestive form, 'here are examples of what a responsible and well-intentioned designer might be like; go and do likewise'. 

'I’ve always thought that if you want to live a good life, and to do good in the world, you’ve got to be good to yourself. You have a responsibility to be a good steward of your own gifts, and you’ve got to take care of yourself in order to be a more flourishing, effective person [. . .]