1.
Meaning and Nature of Ethics
• Definition:
The systematic study of right and wrong human conduct, focusing on moral standards and
reasoning.
• Etymology:
From the Greek word ethos (character, custom).
• Branches of Philosophy Connection:
o Metaphysics: Nature of reality.
o Epistemology: Nature of knowledge.
o Ethics: Nature of the good and moral duty.
• Difference from Related Terms:
o Morality: Actual beliefs and practices about right and wrong.
o Law: Enforceable rules of society; not all laws are moral, and not all moral actions are
legal.
2. Major Divisions of Ethics
1. Normative Ethics
o Sets standards for right and wrong.
o Explores questions like “What should I do?”
2. Meta-Ethics
o Examines the meaning of ethical terms and moral reasoning itself.
o “What do we mean by good or evil?”
3. Applied Ethics
o Applies ethical theories to real-world issues (e.g., medical ethics, environmental ethics).
4. Descriptive Ethics
o Observes and describes people’s moral beliefs without judgment.
3. Classical Ethical Theories
A. Deontological (Duty-Based)
• Associated with Immanuel Kant.
• Morality is based on adherence to duty or rules, not consequences.
• Categorical Imperative: Act only according to a maxim you can will as a universal law.
B. Consequentialism / Utilitarianism
• Associated with Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
• Morality depends on outcomes: the greatest good for the greatest number.
C. Virtue Ethics
• Rooted in Aristotle.
• Focuses on developing good character traits (virtues) like courage, justice, temperance.
• Goal: Eudaimonia (flourishing, living well).
D. Natural Law Ethics
• Associated with Thomas Aquinas.
• Morality is grounded in the nature and purpose of humans as created beings.
E. Ethical Relativism
• Morality depends on cultural or individual perspectives.
• Cultural Relativism: No universal moral standards.
4. Contemporary Ethical Theories
• Care Ethics: Emphasizes empathy, relationships, and caring responsibilities (Carol Gilligan, Nel
Noddings).
• Existentialist Ethics: Human freedom and responsibility (Jean-Paul Sartre).
• Pragmatic Ethics: Morality evolves through practical problem solving (John Dewey).
5. Moral Decision-Making
• Steps:
1. Recognize the moral issue.
2. Gather facts.
3. Evaluate alternative actions using ethical principles.
4. Make a judgment and act.
5. Reflect on the outcome.
• Moral Dilemma: A situation with conflicting moral principles and no clear solution.
6. Key Moral Principles
• Respect for Persons: Treat individuals as ends, not merely as means.
• Justice: Fair distribution of benefits and burdens.
• Beneficence: Promote good.
• Non-Maleficence: Do no harm.
• Autonomy: Respect individual freedom of choice.
• Integrity & Honesty: Uphold truthfulness and consistency.
7. Ethics in Different Fields
Personal Ethics
• Honesty, integrity, responsibility in daily life.
Professional Ethics
• Teaching: Fairness, confidentiality, dedication to students.
• Medical Ethics: Informed consent, patient confidentiality, Hippocratic Oath.
• Business Ethics: Corporate social responsibility, fair trade, transparency.
Social/Political Ethics
• Human rights, justice, governance, equality.
Environmental Ethics
• Stewardship of nature, sustainability, animal rights.
Digital/Ethics of Technology
• Data privacy, AI responsibility, cyber ethics.
8. Global Ethical Frameworks
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
• UN Sustainable Development Goals: Ethical responsibilities for global development.
• World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki for medical research.
9. Common Ethical Issues Today
• Bioethics: Cloning, genetic engineering, euthanasia.
• Media and Information: Fake news, privacy, copyright.
• Environmental: Climate change, deforestation.
• Technology: Artificial intelligence, data privacy, surveillance.
• Social Justice: Gender equality, racial discrimination, poverty.
10. Filipino Values and Ethics
• Core Values: Pakikipagkapwa, Bayanihan, Utang na Loob, Hiya.
• Influence of family, religion, and community on moral choices.
• Balancing traditional values with global ethical standards.
Quick Review Questions
1. Differentiate ethics from morality and law.
2. Compare deontological and utilitarian ethics.
3. What is virtue ethics and how does it define a “good life”?
4. Explain the principle of autonomy in professional ethics.
5. Give two contemporary ethical issues related to technology.
Study Tips
• Understand concepts and theories, not just definitions.
• Use real-life examples to explain theories during essays or oral exams.
• Practice analyzing moral dilemmas: identify the ethical principle involved and justify a decision.
