Integrity

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Cite This Source

Integrity is the basing of one's actions on an internally consistent framework of principles. Depth of principles and adherence of each level to the next are key determining factors. One is said to have integrity to the extent that everything one does and believes is based on the same core set of values. While those values may change, it is their consistency with each other and with the person's actions that determine the person's integrity.

The concept of integrity is directly linked to responsibility in that implementation spawning from principles is designed with a specific outcome in mind. When the action fails to achieve the desired effect, a change of principles is indicated. Accountability is achieved when a faulty principle is identified and changed to produce a more useful action.

Science

The integrity of science is based on a set of testing known as the scientific method. To the extent that a proof follows the requirements of the method, it is considered scientific. The scientific method includes measures to ensure unbiased testing and the requirement that the hypothesis have falsifiability. Integrity basically implies the notion of truth, honesty and justice.

(Tests of) Professional Integrity

Integrity (honesty) tests seek to find out which persons are more likely to hide negative or derogatory events from their past (as doing prison time, getting psychiatric treatment, alcohol problems, etc.) or are likely to cause trouble for the employer. These tests are based on certain assumptions, namely that such persons report more dishonest behavior, they try to find reasons in order to justify such behavior, they think others are likely to commit crimes (like theft or so), they are impulsive and are more likely to think that deviant behavior has to be severely punished.

The pretension of such tests to detect fake answers is crucial in this respect, because the naive really believe such outright lie and behave accordingly, reporting their past deviance because they fear that it may otherwise be detected from their answers.

Other Integrities

Studies of integrity also exist in philosophy of action, philosophy of medicine, the mind, cognition, consciousness, and politics. It may also be seen in light of different philosophies of wholeness, such as commitment, authenticity or esteem.

Mathematics

In the philosophy of mathematics, integrity is based on consistency of mathematical proof, which one can test weakly or strongly, as part of the process of differentiating it from folk mathematics. Mathematical integrity is strengthened by being defined as the result of a tautology and where it demonstrably forms a part of a larger and consistent body of mathematics.

External links

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry
van Minden, Jack J.R. Alles over psychologische tests. Business Contact. .