Abstract
The professional practice in Gerontology should be based on the highest ethical standards. Throughout the Bioethics' theoretical evolution, the Health Sciences' professions have developed codes of ethics to regulate professional behavior and as references in the discussion and decision about ethical dilemmas inherent to professional exercise. As one of the rare exceptions, the practice of Gerontology in Portugal, as well as in most Western countries, do not have a code of ethics. Thus, this paper has as a main goal to give an initial contribution for the construction of a code of ethics to help in the articulation of gerontologists' professional duties, values and ethical principles. Initially, the three basic concepts of ethics, bioethics and deontology are described and presented as the philosophical-theoretical foundations that support the development of codes of ethics in all professional areas. Next, we present the reasons for the need of creating an ethical regulator code for Gerontology. Finally, this paper proposes a methodological and procedural plan for the construction of a code of ethics In Gerontology, in which it is claimed that this innovative plane for the creation of the code of ethics should be based on empirical, theoretical and conceptual research to ensure applicability, functionality and credibility of the ethical precepts of this profession.
Key Words:
Ethics; Bioethics; Ethical Theory; Professional Practice; Ethics Professional