Integrity is defined as the adherence to moral and ethical principles, which is a broader concept than individual ethical principles themselves. It encapsulates aspects like soundness of moral character and honesty, standing above them rather than being classified as one of them. The document explores the position of integrity in relation to ethical principles, illustrating that it cannot be simply categorized as an ethical principle due to its comprehensive nature.

1. Integrityand Ethical Principles
Julius Kravjar
On the site of International Center of Academic Integrity the integrity is defined as “adherence to moral
and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty” (quotation from dictionary.com). The
definition of integrity as “adherence to moral and ethical principles” is the most comprehensive in my
view as it covers “soundness of moral character” and “honesty”. In other words, the concepts
“soundness of moral character” and “honesty” are subsets of the concept “adherence to moral and
ethical principles”.
Transparency International1
defines integrity in a similar way: “Behaviours and actions consistent with a
set of moral or ethical principles and standards, embraced by individuals as well as institutions, that
create a barrierto corruption.”
Integrity is permanent application of moral and ethical principles in everyday life by a person (in
personal andprofessional life)oran institution.
Figure 1: The position of integrity in relation to moral and ethical principles
Integrityoftenappearsasone of ethical principles (e.g. WHO2
,ETINED3
).
Does integritybelongto ethical principles?
Integrity is defined as “adherence to moral andethical principles”, so there is a logical contradiction if
integrityis consideredone of ethical principles.Why?
1 The Anti-CorruptionPlain LanguageGuide,p. 24
2 World HealthOrganization
3 Council of Europe, Platform on Ethics,Transparency and Integrity in Education

2.  Integrity defined as “adherence to moral and ethical principles” cannot be an individual ethical
principle asitisadherence toall moral and ethical principles.
 Integrity is based on moral and ethical principles, it “stands” above them. The position of
integrityinrelationtomoral andethical principles isshowninFigure 1.
 The example below shows that one ethical principle - integrity - refers to ethical principles
themselves, i.e. there is a self-reference. Let’s have ethical principles: Integrity, Honesty, Truth,
Transparency,Respectforothers,etc.Andnow let’sreplace integritywithitsdefinition.
Ethical principles Ethical principles
Integrity
Honesty
Truth
Transparency
Respectforothers
...
Adherence tomoral and ethical principles
Honesty
Truth
Transparency
Respectforothers
...
From this point of view, integrity does not belong to ethical principles. It is much broader concept than a
single ethical principle.