Ethics
Lecture: Its Meaning, Nature and Scope
Mr. Phil Baguio
2nd Semester | A.Y. 2022-2023
Etymology Difference between Law and Ethics
Ethical Rules are necessary even if laws
Ethics – Gk. “ethos” translated as custom in
implemented by civil authorities exists.
English; which means behavior or character.
“mos” or “mores” is the Latin equivalent of Legality is diff. from morality.
“ethos.”
Importance:
Morality and Ethics are literally synonymous;
1. Laws are concerned with the “public.”
however, there is a distinction.
2. Morality goes beyond legality.
3. Theories in ethics are the foundations of law.
According to Friedrich Nietzsche
4. Morality precedes legality.
Ethics - doing what is right because you know
that it is right; it stems from the person’s
consciousness and common sense
Distinction: Ethics and Religion
Morality - stems from tradition, religion, the law,
constitution, and our upbringing. A person does
Ethics solely rely on natural reason, religion
what is right because someone taught them.
relies on super- natural reason.
The practice of morality need not be motivated
Ethics and Praxis (Fernandez)
by religious considerations.
Theory and action differs; thus, it does not mean
when one knows one also acts.
Morality actualizes the theory in ethics.
Ethics: A Definition
We transform one’s ethics, not only by knowing
the theories but treating it as a “way of life.”
It is a branch of philosophy and a practical
Ethics makes us human.
science of the morality of human act or conduct
Without moral perception, man is only an and of the good life.
animal. Without morality, man as a rational
It constitutes the “good life” for human beings;
being is a failure.
and consequently teaches us to be truly human.
It is a philosophical discipline which deals with
Importance of Ethics ultimate principles and truth concerning morality
of human conduct through the use of human
reason alone.
We become good or bad persons depending on
the choices we make.
Oftentimes, there are dilemmas that are difficult
Objects of Ethics
to solve; and ethical decisions must be met.
It will enable us to examine our moral beliefs Material
rationally. The subject matter of ethics is human conduct or
It will widen one’s horizon to the paradigm of human act.
justice. the deed
“The Unexamined life is not worth living.” –
Socrates
1 Clemard C. Leopardas
Ethics
Lecture: Its Meaning, Nature and Scope
Mr. Phil Baguio
2nd Semester | A.Y. 2022-2023
Formal The experience of morality is part of every
In the investigation of ethics flows the morality or person’s life. It is found in the various obligations
the moral rectitude of human act or human that arise, the experience of actions which
conduct. should be either performed or avoided. [Moga,
the rightness or wrongness of the deed 1993, 1]
Division of Ethics Moral Dimension of Human Existence
It is traditionally divided into two general areas: Answers the application of morality to human
General Ethics and Special (Applied) Ethics existence.
General Ethics Moga’s Three Positions:
1. Basic course in the study of ethics. 1. A-Morality
2. Deals with the morality of human acts. o Morality occupies only one area of life;
other areas [non-moral] have their own
Special Ethics meanings (or rules).
1. Applies the specific and fundamental norms in 2. Morality is ever-present and necessary
the specific areas of human life. o To be human is to follow the moral
rules.
3. Morality as found in every situations in various
Norms
ways; and sometimes not.
It is the criteria of judgment about the sorts of To be human is to balance out all these areas…
person we ought to be and sorts of actions we without neglecting any. Thus avoid focusing on
ought to perform. one area and fail to justify others.
Norm of morality – standard of right and
wrong in human actions Characteristics of Moral Principles
Types of Norms:
1. Technical Norm – man’s needs Moral principles are important feature of morality
2. Societal Norm – keeps community since it outlines the importance of morality itself.
3. Aesthetic Norm – considers beauty However, not all ethical philosophers agree to all
4. Ethical/Moral Norm – ultimate norm/ non- the shortlisted principles.
negotiable; subordinates other norms.
1. Reasonability
Why do we need to know the Norms? This means that primarily, moral
It allows us to pinpoint our valuations; which leads us to judgements must be backed by good
do a more critical and meaningful assessment on issues. reasons and not with unguided emotions
2 Clemard C. Leopardas
Ethics
Lecture: Its Meaning, Nature and Scope
Mr. Phil Baguio
2nd Semester | A.Y. 2022-2023
If it is not reasonable and appeal to 7. Practicability
experience /common sense, then it has Moral standards should be at reach.
to be viewed with reservation. Meaning to say, it must be doable by
human beings.
2. Impartiality 8. Universalizability
This means that an ethical or moral rule It must be applied to all regardless of
should be neutral regardless of who the the context or situation.
recipients are. If a certain act is wrong [or right] for this
This means that an ethical or moral rule person, then this act must also be wrong
should be neutral regardless of who the [or right] for any other person.
recipients are.
In other words, moral standards should
be applied to all without special
treatment.
3. Prescriptivity
Also known as “the commanding aspect
of morality.”
Moral principles should be in a form of
imperatives for us to know what to do
and not to do.
4. Overridingness
Moral standards must reign above all
other standards or norms of valuation.
5. Autonomous from Arbitrary Authority
Moral standards should stand in spite of
the biases of the majority.
6. Publicity
Moral standards should be made public
for us to have a guideline to our actions.
After all, if an act is right, we will not be
ashamed of showing it to the public.
3 Clemard C. Leopardas
