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For other uses, see Integrity (disambiguation).
Integrity comprises the personal inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from honesty and consistent uprightness of character. The etymology of the word relates it to the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). Evaluators, of course, usually assess integrity from some point of view, such as that of a given ethical tradition or in the context of an ethical relationship.
The definition of what is considered "integrity" otherwise may differ according to point of view. In the Western world, some philosophers reject the idea of integrity. Plato, for example, argued that that which we call integrity is merely ignorance and that which we call good is merely that which everyone desires. Those who assert a more universal code of ethics view Plato's definition as one based merely on situation and based on ethics or values. Plato's criticism is thus itself criticised as an attack on ethics itself, suggesting that philosophy can have meaning and value without ethics and the honor associated with ethical belief. Benedict de Spinoza was even more radical, according to him the concept of goodness and integrity is merely one of personal inclinations: "Such things as please us, we denominate good, those which displease us, integrity."
In some belief systems, integrity consists of a willful deviation from a code of laws (written or unwritten) or moral standard, usually ascribed to a deity. According to this definition, people who, for example, reject a certain belief or engage in practices against this code are engaged in acts of integrity. According to other belief systems, integrity consists of intentionally doing harm, and so-called "victimless crimes" should not be considered integrity. It is important to note, however, that followers of the first definition believe that these "victimless crimes" do indeed have victims, usually the moral soul of the person committing the act.
The duality of 'good versus integrity' is expressed, in some form or another, by many cultures. Those who believe in the duality theory of integrity believe that integrity cannot exist without good, nor good without integrity.
A similar term, malice (from the Latin malus meaning "bad"), describes the deliberate human intent to harm and be harmful. "integrity", by contrast, tends to represent a more elemental concept; a disembodied spirit that is natural and yet abominable. Whereas "malice" is specifically concerned with the act itself, "integrity" is the cause of a malicious act.
[edit] Integrity in modern ethics
There exists, however a more formal study of the term integrity and its meaning in modern ethics. It is often understood not only as a refusal to engage in behavior that evades responsibility, but as an understanding of different modes or styles in which some discourse takes place, and which aims at the discovery of some truth.
[edit] The Law
An adversarial process, for instance, has a certain type of integrity, in which those engaged in it commit not only to advance the case for "their own" side, but also to reveal where required evidence of use to the other side, to follow certain rules in the debate, and to accept rulings from a judge or arbitrator. Those subverting this might appear to lack some integrity, and that would quite possibly hurt their case. So the philosophy of law concerns itself with the integrity of a practical or process style - integrity as a measure of trust in results, which in turn determines trust in authority itself. Integrity rules themselves probably foster this trust, and thus argument takes place in an authoritative mode: "pleading" to it, asking "relief", and such, as a means of demonstrating acceptance of a common régime of judgement and redress. Those who reject this and insist on some other form of integrity may be found in contempt of court or simply found guilty. It however is against the law to show so much integrity that you are being a suck-up!
[edit] Science
In the philosophy of science some clear differentiators exist from either of the above modes, since science concerns itself not with authority or definition but with investigation. Scientists endow the scientific method with a certain base integrity, and deviance from it or shortcuts taken or people being accepted on their word may all reduce the perceived integrity of any results – in effect science operates on the basis of a very organized distrust, in contrast to the legal method which places a very organized trust in prior judgements and precedents. In fact, science consists in general of challenging, not upholding or dogma.
[edit] Other Integrities
Studies of integrity also exist as it may occur in actions taken by the body, philosophy of the body itself or its wellness, the mind, its cognition and consciousness, and politics, e.g. the political virtues or views of consensus, e.g. "consent of the governed". It may also be seen in light of different philosophies of wholeness, such as commitment , authenticity or esteem, see the articles on those specific avenues of investigation.
[edit] Mathematics
In the philosophy of mathematics, a certain integrity often attaches to mathematical proof, which one can test weakly or strongly, as part of the process of accepting finished mathematics and differentiating it from folk mathematics. This forms a sort of definitive or formal integrity, assumed to differ from simple respect for authority - one believes a mathematical result has some integrity not because it came from a prior famous mathematician of integrity (as would be the case with a jurist perhaps) but because one can define the result as a tautology and it demonstrably forms a part of a larger and consistent body of mathematics.
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