Module 1 – LESSON 1 LESSON 2

Ethics - from the Greek word “ethos,” which means Moral Standards - codes of right and wrong that have
“character” or “custom.” no reference to specific behaviors or beliefs
• “ethikos” which refers to “customary or habitual Characteristics of Moral Standards
character”
• Marcus Tullius Cicero: ascribed the Latin 1. Reasonability - appeal directly to the intellect and
equivalent of the term “ethikos’ to the word reason, common sense and experience
“mos,” which means “one’s disposition.” 2. Impartiality - neutral, fair and unbiased in determining
right of wrong
Morality - “moralis” and “moralitas” which refer to 3. Prescriptivity - clearly allow us to determine “what we
“proper manner, behavior, and character of a person in ought to do” and “what we ought not to do”
society” 4. Overridingness - they have the ability to override
Ethics & Morality - Both pertain to the habitual or other kinds of principles; and take precedence over
customary disposition towards proper behavior and other norms and rules.
distinguishing between right and wrong, good and bad. 5. Autonomous from Arbitrary Authority - stay
Essentially, both Ethics and morality flow from each independent from the influence of any form of
other authority
6. Publicity - publicly held to be the moral rules and
Moral Philosophy - branch of Philosophy that deals principles that serve as clear guidelines to human
with the study of right and wrong. actions
• It does this by first, asking and clarifying 7. Practicability - “doable” and not be beyond what can
concepts and beliefs on morality; second, be done by human beings
providing frameworks that prescribe what we 8. Universalizability - applicable to everyone, without
“ought to do” and what we “ought not to do”; exception given the same situation and context
and lastly, applying all these in more practical Non-Moral Standards - Standards of behavior
terms. that vary from social group to social group
• Aristotle said that ethics and morality are depending on their own shared values, beliefs
necessary in attaining “eudaimonia,” a state of
and/ or goals
not just existing but of “flourishing” or “thriving”
in one’s day-to-day life 1. Etiquette - outlines what is expected and
accepted social behaviour in line with norms of
Ethics and Civilized Society politeness and proper demeanour; differs from
• Rules - accepted principle or instruction that states culture to culture.
the way things are or should be done, and tells you 2. Policy - statement that is adopted and
what you are allowed or are not allowed to do implemented as a matter of procedure or
protocol by a group of people in order to assist
Why Study Ethics? in managing daily activities, operations,
• Understanding how to determine the “right thing to decision-making and governance; serve as
do” is critical in making wise decisions since all our guides
actions have consequences to others and ourselves. 3. Law - system of rules that society through
• In whatever profession you go or whatever life you governments and its agencies create, develop
choose to lead, moral questions will inevitably arise and implement within their jurisdictions in order
• The study of Ethics allows us to be more critical of to regulate behavior and aid in governance;
compel or prohibit behavior and impose
issues we are confronted with.
sanctions for non-compliance
• The study of Ethics also allows us to act with
stewardship • Rudolf von Ihering said that the law is
• The study of Ethics is essential in maintaining social a means of social control, which aims to
harmony. serve the purposes of society
4. Commandment - a strict rule for behavior as an
imposition of the will or law of God or Divine
being
LESSON 3 Module 2 – LESSON 1
Moral Experiences - situations wherein human Human Beings - consciously choose to pursue an
beings are actively engaged in examining, action while animals are driven by instinct
evaluating and eventually applying their moral • Humans have conscious choice tied to their
values
rationality. While it is true that humans have
Moral Dilemmas - situations where there are two or base instincts like animals, we are not bound
more moral choices that can possibly be pursued, with by them. We can choose to go against these
all options having their own moral reasons to be chosen urges. Animals are bound to behave according
as a course of action and only one course of action can to their instincts.
be ultimately chosen • Altruism: belief in or practice of disinterested
and selfless concern for the well being of
Levels of Moral Dilemmas
others; often observed in animals
1. Personal - centered around an individual,
Rational Behavior - a decision making process where
whether with himself/ herself or with another
the person acts in ways that best achieves his/ her
person or group of people. Moral dilemma
needs in conformity to personal morals, his/ her needs
stems from the role of an individual and its
in conformity to personal morals, principles, beliefs,
direct impact on their own lives
preferences, and priorities
2. Organizational - stems from the role of the
organization in greater society and relationship Freedom - being able to choose and do things on our
with other stakeholders and not just its own own with or without the guidance or undue control of
members. Moral dilemmas at the external forces or influences.
organizational level can also manifest in its
Freedom as the Foundation of Moral Acts
decision making process, its practices, and its
structures Freedom - foundation of morality because it means
3. Structural - comes about when leaders or choosing the good instead of the bad, the right instead
people who hold high positions in society have of the wrong, whenever me are choosing what to do
to make difficult decisions that have systemic
or societal implications. These decisions could • C.S. Lewis: observed that many people viewed
affect people of a particular demographics or morality as something that took away human
geographical locations freedom and saw moralists as “kill joys” intent
on controlling others from doing what they
really wanted to do
Structural Moral
Dilemma Aspects of Freedom
1. Personal Aspect - A person uses his freedom
towards seeking and attaining virtue so that
Organizational
Moral Dilemma they make moral choices by habit. Virtue is
thought or behaviour that display high moral
standards. Living a moral life means that the
person has internalized moral standards to live
by and put them into practice.
2. Interpersonal Aspect - allows us to make
Personal Moral
Dilemma choices that you and those around you can live
with. If we want to truly flourish as a society, we
need act towards avoiding harming others and
not just ourselves.
3. Aspect of the Ultimate End - allows us to view
freedom and morality in line with the overall
purpose of human life- the destination which
Lewis refers to in his analogy
The Human Person as a Free Being Basic Elements of Culture
• Any action, whether moral or immoral begins with 1. Symbols - from the Greek term “symbolon”
the Human Person- the moral agent which means “token” or “watchword”
• Aristotle’s idea of a “being” suggests the actual - a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies,
condition of humans, their actuality or existence. or is understood as representing an idea,
object, or relationship in which people of a
• Humans are born as free beings.
particular culture find significant meaning
Philosophical Understanding of Freedom 2. Language - complex symbol system that
enables members of a shared culture to
1. Freedom is a Gift
communicate verbally whether orally or in
- Gabriel Marcel: French Existentialist saw
writing
freedom as a God- given gift which allows
3. Beliefs - assumptions or convictions held to be
humans to be who they are by making
true by an individual or group of people. Beliefs
choices that are important to their self-
are grounded in the shared confidence on the
actualization.
truth or existence of something without
- being free meant being able to choose
necessarily requiring proof for it.
according to what we think is right for us and
- Beliefs also include superstitious beliefs;
towards achieving the life we hope to have
they provide basis for many practices within
2. Freedom is Complementary to Reason
particular cultures
- Aristotle: practical rationality not only
4. Values - principles or standards of behavior.
enhances, but emphasizes freedom;
They are one's judgment of what is important
freedom and reason are necessary for
in life and thus guide and motivate attitudes or
consciously making sense of things and that
actions.
human ability for self-direction allows us to
- Values are what people in shared cultures
pursue and achieve our ultimate end.
deem as good, desirable and worth
3. Freedom is Absolute
emulating, pursuing and being. Cultural
- Jean Paul Sartre: freedom in humans goes
values are values accepted by religions or
beyond freedom from restrictions. Humans
societies and reflect what is important in
have freedom in terms of their ability to think,
each context.
to make changes to themselves and their
5. Norm - shared expectations and rules that
lives and pursue self-actualization and
guide behaviour of people within social groups.
fulfilment
- Cultural norms are learned and reinforced
4. Freedom Demands Responsibility
from parents, friends, teachers and others
- Jean Paul Sartre: freedom meant taking
while growing up in a society.
responsibility for how our freedom is used.
- Lao Tzu: our responsibility in exercising our Cultural and Moral Behavior
freedom lies in choosing actions that result in
• Cultural variations in morality within societies can
peaceful coexistence with others
vary as much as cultural variations in morality
between societies. Just as people belong to specific
cultures so their behaviours in terms of their moral
LESSON 2 judgement and moral behaviour vary as well. Since
Culture - the “way of life” a particular group of culture is such a powerful force in the life of an
people. individually, it is also a powerful influence on one’s
moral behaviour
- very powerful in shaping social and • cultural beliefs are conditioned by external and
personal decisions, behaviour and material elements around us that, in turn, provide
practice because it provides the basis the basis for principles that orient our judgment and
how and why things are done in a valuation of things
particular way.
LESSON 3 • Considerations When Looking at Cultural
Practices
Cultural Relativism – coined by philosopher and
1. consider “whether the practice promotes or
social theorist Alain Locke in 1924
hinders the welfare of the people whose lives
- is the belief that the concepts and values of a are affected by it.”
culture cannot be fully translated into, or fully 2. “see whether an alternative set of social
understood in other languages; that a specific arrangements that would do a better job of
cultural artifact has to be understood in terms of promoting their welfare”
the larger symbolic system of which it is a part.
Ethnocentrism - the tendency to look at the world
LESSON 4
primarily from the perspective of one’s own culture
- coined by William Graham Sumner and entails Key Factors that Contributed to the Filipino
having the belief that one’s own culture is the Moral Behavior (by Dr. Patricia Licuanan)
“right way” or the “only way” of looking at the world 1. Home Environment - instrumental in imbibing
- the belief that one’s own race or ethnic group is Filipino values to an in individual.
the most important or that some or all aspects of 2. Culture and Language - It is typical for a
its culture are superior to those of other groups. Filipino to speak a native dialect and the
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultural national language of Filipino. It is also common
for urban areas in the Philippines to be melting
Relativism
pots of regional cultures
• Dr. James Rachels - two important lessons that can 3. History - Many Filipino traits can also be traced
be learned from cultural relativism: from our colonial history. The term “colonial
1. it warns us from assuming that our preferences mentality” refers to this directly to explain the
are the absolute rational standard internalized attitude of ethnic or cultural
2. it teaches us to keep an open mind and to be inferiority felt by people as a result of
more amenable in discovering the truth colonization
• Tolerance - the ability or willingness to be 4. Educational System - In the Philippine setting,
understanding or at the very least, allow the many schools are authoritarian, placing
existence of opinions or behaviour that one does not emphasis on being well-behaved and being
necessarily agree with. obedient. Many studies have shown that this
• Consequences of Taking Cultural Relativism contributes to passivity and conformity
Seriously 5. Religion - The deep spirituality of Filipinos is
1. Some practices cannot be seen as abominable credited as one important factor in their
or wrong because they happen in the context inherent resilience and optimism, because of
of a particular culture. (e.g. child brides, honor their firm belief in the Divine Provision and
killing) Care. However this same factor is also
2. If we cannot call out the harmful practices of associated with passivity and conformity such
other cultures, in the same manner we cannot as the “Bahala na attitude” where Filipinos
also criticize harmful practices taking place in passively believe that everything will eventually
our own culture because the only way of sort itself out.
judging right or wrong would be to consult our 6. Economic Environment - Filipinos are known to
cultural standard. be hard working and frugal which could stem
3. Ultimately, if we are unable to criticize harmful from their economic circumstances. Resilience
cultural practices, the whole idea of moral during times of difficulty is another Filipino trait
progress becomes doubtful because we would that can be traced to the economic
have to be tolerant with practices that have a environment as well as strong community ties
cultural aspect in spite of the fact that they are where the spirit of “Bayanihan” or helping each
harmful. other in time of need is very much alive
7. Political Environment - The Philippine political
landscape also contributes in large part the
“kanya kanya mentality” and the “barrio barrio
 mentality”. The political environment is also resilient by a deep and abiding faith in God and
known for the power imbalance that is being prayerful
evidenced by political dynasties, corruption
Weaknesses:
and impunity of the rich and elite
8. Leaders and Role Models - The “idol” status 1. Kanya-kanya Syndrome - refers to the selfish,
bestowed upon leaders and perceived role self- serving attitude possessed by many
models in Philippine society plays a part in the Filipinos; This trait can manifest itself
way Filipinos view and form opinions about particularly towards others who have gained
specific issues. some status or prestige or in terms of personal
9. Mass Media - The media also contributes drive for power, privilege and status causing
heavily to the Filipino identity because it greatly one to forsake the interests of others and being
impacts many aspects of culture. It can insensitive to the common good.
reinforce or erode Filipino culture by exposing 2. Crab Mentality - This is manifested by
us to foreign cultures insecurity and envy towards others that leads
to pulling others down by pointing out their
Filipino Character Traits faults, negative gossip and back- biting or
Strengths: outright sabotage
3. Mañana Habit - refers to the attitude of some
1. Family orientation or Family- Centeredness Filipinos to put off for tomorrow or until the last
(Makapamilya) - This trait solidifies the Filipino moment something that can be done today.
family unit, enabling them to withstand 4. Filipino Time - non- observance of scheduled
hardships by providing a comprehensive or standard time and overall punctuality
support system. However, the trait can also 5. Ningas Kugon - This attitude captures the
lead to dependency on the family unit. This attitude of many Filipinos who engages in
can lead to a lackadaisical attitude in some something with zeal only at the beginning and
individuals knowing that their families will not quickly loses interest or enthusiasm for the
abandon them no matter what task
2. Pakikipagkapwa-tao - Pakikipagkapwa-tao 6. Lack of Self-Discipline - the tendency to
figures into many aspects of Filipino culture in disregard or bend rules in order to serve their
close tandem with Filipinos being innately own interests.
social personality. In some respects this can 7. Colonial Mentality - apparent lack of
also lead to having an extremely collectivist appreciation for our own culture by preferring
mind-set where an individual forgoes his or her foreign things because they are viewed to be
own interests for the sake of many superior
3. Pagiging Matatag, Matiisin at Maparaan 8. Bahala Na attitude - manifested by abandoning
4. Pagiging Masayahin - this trait allows Filipinos proper rationalization in favour of leaving a
to weather even the most extreme hardships. situation to the hands of fate or Divine
Humor is another aspect that is a large part of Providence
the Filipinos fun-loving nature. This pleasant
disposition towards life eases the struggles of Universal or Core Ethical Values
daily lives and allows Filipinos to thrive even in Universal:
difficult situations.
1. It is wrong to kill
5. Pagiging Masipag at Matiyaga - Filipinos are
2. Tell the truth
also known for being hardworking and
3. The young should be cared for
industrious. This trait is most noticeable in the
willingness to take on difficult jobs, even to the Core:
point of going abroad if the need calls for it and
1. Trustworthiness
the ability to persevere under these
2. Respectfulness
circumstances
3. Responsibility
6. Pagiging Makadiyos at Madasalin - The
4. Fairness
Filipino character is also made inherently
5. Caring
6. Citizenship