What is Sissela Bok primarily known for in the discourse surrounding ethics?

Sissela Bok is primarily recognized for her contributions to the field of ethics, particularly through her work on the ethical implications of whistleblowing. Her significant publication, "Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life," discusses the moral complexities associated with truthfulness and deception, placing a strong emphasis on the ethical responsibilities of individuals when faced with situations demanding disclosure of wrongdoing. In this context, she developed guidelines for whistleblowers to help them navigate the ethical dilemmas involved in reporting misconduct. Bok's approach encourages a careful consideration of the consequences of such actions for both the whistleblower and the wider community.

The other options do not accurately reflect Bok's main contributions. Advocating for paternalism pertains more to the balance of authority and autonomy in client relationships, which is not a primary focus of her work. The mention of structural functionalism as an ethical framework does not align with Bok's emphasis on individual moral choices and the relational aspects of ethics. Lastly, promoting resource distribution models in social work is outside hers; her work is more centered on personal ethics and the challenges of ethical decision-making in various contexts, rather than sociological models of resource allocation.