Abstract
This article is a philosophical reflection on the proposed new codes of ethics and conduct for the IGA (London). The article is an exploration of the question: given that codes of ethics consist of truisms (do good and be good), what is their function? It is argued that: the expectation in the domain of ethics ought to be one of disagreement, in contrast to that of agreement in the natural sciences; that codes of ethics are the opposite of negative liberty; that disciplinary processes avoid engaging with ethics by occupying themselves with compliance. This is followed by discussion as to how these and other themes play out in all institutions including the IGA. It is further argued that some elements of such codes are cult values (Mead). The tension between virtue ethics and deontological ethics is attended to.
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