Welcome to a review of all the Sherlock Holmes stories that are collected in the work “The Return of Sherlock Holmes.“. It is a collection of thirteen detective stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, marking the reappearance of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes after his apparent death in “The Final Problem.” The collection spans various intriguing cases and mysteries that Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson tackle.
Today we consider some ethical lessons from The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton.
Sherlock Holmes, the iconic character created by Arthur Conan Doyle, is not only a detective par excellence but also a complex character entangled in ethical dilemmas. These moral conundrums, as depicted in the 8th story of the Return of Sherlock Holmes series, offer valuable lessons on justice, professional integrity, and privacy rights through the interactions of Holmes, Watson, and the king of blackmailers, Charles Augustus Milverton.
The story emphasizes the importance of these topics. Inspired by Holmes’ strict adherence to confidentiality, moral code, and his considerations of ethical implications, Fox underlines the detective’s willingness to bend the law to uphold justice. Fox sees in Sherlock Holmes a role model for compliance professionals to navigate complex ethical challenges while staying true to principles of justice and truth.
Key Ethical Lessons:
- Respect for Privacy: This story highlights the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy rights.
- Confidentiality: Holmes maintains strict confidentiality regarding his clients and the information they share with him.
- The Right to Justice: While Holmes and Watson are not averse to bending the law in pursuit of justice, they ultimately work to bring Milverton to justice through legal means. They recognize that everyone, regardless of their actions or character, is entitled to a fair trial and due process.
- Ethical Dilemmas: The story presents ethical dilemmas concerning the balance between the greater good and individual rights.
- Professional Integrity: Despite the morally ambiguous nature of some of his methods, Holmes maintains professional integrity in his work.
- Consequences of Actions: The story underscores the importance of considering the ethical implications and potential consequences of one’s actions.
Resources:
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes FAQ
