1. What is Ethics?

- Ethics is the branch of knowledge that deals with the moral principles.
2. Why do we need to study Ethics?
- We need to study ethics in order for us to be governed by the moral principles that would
benefit our outward actions and judgments.
3. Identify a list of:
a.) Obligations we are expected to fulfill
b.) Prohibitions we are required to respect, and
c.) Ideals we are encouraged to meet
- a.) Obligations we are expected to fulfill are the laws, contracts and obligations to do.
- b.) The prohibitions we are require to respect are the laws, obligations and contracts not to
do.
- c.) The ideals we are encouraged to meet is the mutual relationship between the other
people without a harmful effect towards the others.
4. Are clothes a matter of pure aesthetic taste or does it make sense for clothes to become a subject
in a discussion of ethics? Why?
How about other forms of adornment, such as piercings and tattoos?
- Clothes are mainly used for the protection for a person’s body from the weather. When put
into the context of ethics, clothes become a subject in a discussion because the culture of
different regions around the world varies. In some cases of the indigenous tribes and
groups, being naked is considered normal and not unethical.  In Western culture, clothing
becomes an ethical problem more often when clothing is not worn, as we have certain
taboos about nudity.
In the other hand, piercings and tattoos become unethical if it surpasses the standard of
morality. However, most of the conservative cultures consider having such as unethical.
5. Search for an article published online that tackles an ethical issue. Consider the following
questions:
a.) What makes it a matter of ethics?
b.) What is your own ethical judgment on this case?
c.) What are your reasons for this judgment?
Philippines: Supreme Court Rules on Same-Sex Marriage
(Jan. 24, 2020) On January 6, 2020, the Philippines’ Supreme Court announced it had dismissed a motion
to reconsider its September 2019 ruling denying a petition to approve same-sex marriage in the country,
effectively concluding this case “with finality.”
The petition had essentially requested that the Court declare unconstitutional on equality grounds certain
provisions of the Philippine Family Code that define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The Court indicated in its ruling that the petitioner’s request was too limited in scope, as there are a wide
variety of other statutes besides the Family Code that similarly treat marriage as a heterosexual
institution. Thus, it stated that the petitioner should have made a direct argument against those other
statutes as well, which he failed to do.
In the absence of such arguments, the Court stated that granting the petitioner’s request would cause the
Court to arrogate to itself quasi-legislative powers, as this would be necessary in order to amend all the
statutes that inevitably would have to be changed to accommodate his petition. The Court thus explained
that the Philippine Congress through the pertinent legislative process should do such a task.
In addition, the Court stated that petitioner had failed to demonstrate that he was directly affected by the
provisions he deemed unconstitutional, as he did not request (and thus was not denied) a license to enter
into a same-sex marriage, and consequently could not establish the proper standing to file his lawsuit.
Furthermore, the Court indicated that petitioner had failed to abide by the principle known as the
“hierarchy of courts,” according to which he should have filed his case in a trial court (which he did not
do), where factual and evidentiary matters are properly processed. Instead, the petitioner filed his lawsuit
directly in the Supreme Court, which, being the Philippines’ highest court, may not appropriately process
and discharge those procedural matters.
In its decision announced in January 2020, the Court stated that “no substantial arguments were presented
to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision,” and thus, “no further pleadings or motions will be
entertained” on this matter.
a.) The topic is a matter of ethics since it discusses moral considerations that must be acted in
order to settle such issue.
b.) My own ethical judgment is that I do not also agree with the same-sex marriage because it
is against the biblical practices. In addition, Philippines, being considered as one of the
most religious countries around the world, and a cornerstone of Christianity, isn’t morally
inclined to their practice if and only if it supports such issue.
c.) Considering the moral principles of Christianity, being a Christian leads you to the idea of
embracing the biblical moral principles. In this case, my reason relies on the fact that the
particular issue is not inclined to the practices that I embrace.
6. Brainstorm and come up with a list of common Filipino values. Consider the strengths and the
weaknesses of these. Create a list of weakness and strength of Filipino values.
a.) Usage of “po” and “opo”
- Strength = Encourages one to feel respected and loved.
- Weakness = No weakness as to reason is concerned.
b.) Hospitality
Strength = Empowers positive aura and moral and social contribution.
Weakness = None
c.) Being religious
Strength = Provides moral disciplines to the people.
Weakness = Intolerance of other’s beliefs and practices.
7. Write your comment on this statement: “What I believe must be true if I feel very strongly about
it.”
- Just because we feel very strongly about something, doesn’t mean it must be true. The
probability is still present. There is only an assurance if the thing that you believe in is
supported by you reason and justifiable in abstract.
8. Is looking after the benefit of your own family over all aspects considered as another form of
egoism?
- No, egoism is the role of the self, or ego, as the motivation and goal of one's own action. It
is selfish in nature and relies upon the interest of the person itself. In this case, looking
after the benefit of your own family is selfless, and thus, provides no reason for egoism.