Developing a foundation of core knowledge for ethical conduct for the United States intelligence community using a Delphi panel of experts

It has often been stated that the phrase "intelligence and ethics" is oxymoronic; with the implication that for a person to be effective in intelligence work he/she must be unethical. To be effective in intelligence work there is an impression that they must use every available means at their disposal to collect, analyze, produce and even carry out their mission at any moral cost. It is because this type of work, and the information produced from it, is frequently conducted discreetly for a government to formulate and implement foreign or domestic policy. There is no general theory that informs the activities of intelligence, nor do they make explicit what constitutes praiseworthy and blameworthy intelligence.;The primary goal of this study was to identify core knowledge as it relates to ethical problems and issues that intelligence professionals can expect to face during their careers. It is hoped that a future study will utilize this core knowledge to develop educational courses and training programs based on the boundaries and definition of the required core knowledge as set forth by this study. A secondary goal was to identify the relationship between ethics and intelligence as considered by those intelligence professionals and educators associated with this topic. To accomplish these goals, information was gathered from currently employed and retired intelligence practitioners, and academics knowledgeable in intelligence work and the study of ethics through three rounds of survey using the Delphi methodology.;Findings from this study conclude that ethical behavior can be defined as the ability to think through the strengths and weaknesses of contending ethical arguments by applying ethical reasoning developed through critical thinking skills. Consequently, professional judgment regarding ethical issues will enable intelligence professionals to have that ability to make moral decisions outside the realm of law and regulations. Ethical behavior for the intelligence professional are baselines of principles grounded in theory and practice; and to understand one's own moral vulnerabilities and reflect on professional values and obligations using critical reasoning.;Characteristics associated with a core body of knowledge of post-secondary education for ethics and intelligence in support of the intelligence professional and their work should include the basic skills, knowledge, and practices needed to teach ethics and intelligence should include real-world case studies on intelligence dilemmas. Ethical conduct in the intelligence community does/can result in highly respected leaders in the intelligence community. Any characteristics associated with a core body of knowledge must develop periodic self-reflection by the intelligence professional.;Additionally, the core knowledge to teach ethics and intelligence needs to include how to communicate effectively complex ethical problems. One such method could include thinking skills such as analysis of competing hypotheses or through the use of illustrative case studies. Any foundation of knowledge should focus on understanding the concepts of openness, impartiality, rationality, least harm, and consistency.