COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course aims to discuss the philosophical basis of morality of human actions. This covers mainly, first,
the nature of ethical study, secondly, the discussion on ethical frameworks, namely, Virtue Ethics, Natural Law,
Deontology, and Utilitarianism, and lastly, the critical analysis and evaluation of those ethical frameworks, and
contextualizing them at personal and societal level of human interaction.

COURSE OUTCOMES
After completing this course, the student must be able to:
1. Have a clear grasp of this course as a branch of philosophy dealing with the morality of human actions
distinguished from religious teachings and values education.
2. Discuss the four major ethical theories, namely, Virtue Ethics, Natural Law, De-ontology, and
Utilitarianism and their corresponding concepts.
3. Realize the demand for ethical basis for our actions that proceed from deliberative thinking needed in
moral judgment for human actions.
4. Engage in and provide a critical analysis of moral issues confronting one in society by applying the
ethical framework discussed.

COURSE OUTLINE:

PART I: ETHICS AND MORAL EXPERIENCE

A. Introduction: What is Ethics?
1. Common Assumptions on the study of Ethics
2. Ethics as a Rational Search for Norms of Morality
3. Moral Demand and Assessing Moral Problems

B. Ethics and Its Challenges

1. Subjectivism
2. Cultural Relativism
c. Psychological Egoism
d. Ethical Egoism

C. Ethics & Values

1. Definition of Values
2. Properties of Values
3. Classification of Values
4. Moral Values

D. Aspects Of Moral Experience

1. Action
2. Freedom
3. Action as Good or Bad/ Right or Wrong
4. Universality
5. Obligation

PART II: ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS

A. VIRTUE ETHICS
1. Aristotle
2. The Purpose of Man
3. The Function of Man
4. On Attaining Moral Virtues

B. NATURAL LAW THEORY

1. Thomas Aquinas
2. The Essence of Law
3. Kinds of Law
4. Eternal Law and Natural Law, & Moral Law

C. DEONTOLOGY
1. Immanuel Kant
2. The Ground of Morality
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 3. Categorical Imperative
a. Universality of Actions
b. Autonomy of Actions
c. Man as an End of Actions

D. UTILITARIANISM
1. Bentham’s Utilitarianism
a. Jeremy Bentham
b. Hedonism
c. The Felicific Calculus
d. Moral Criteria: The Greatest Happiness of the Greatest Number of the Member of Society
2. J.S. Mill’s Utilitarianism
a. J.S. Mill
b. Moral Criteria: Qualitative Pleasure

E. ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS IN CONTEXT

1. Ethics & Self
2. Ethics & Society
a. Philippine Society
b. Global Society
3. Ethics & Laws
4. Ethics & Culture
5. Ethics & Religion

F. ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS: STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

1. Critique on Virtue Ethics
2. Critique on Natural Law Theory
3. Critique on Deontology
4. Critique on Utilitarianism

PART III: ETHICAL ISSUES AND ARGUMENTS

A. Abortion
B. Euthanasia
C. Genetics
D. Rights and Animal Welfare
E. Environment & Moral Obligation

CLASSROOM POLICIES:

1. The use of cellphone is prohibited during class hour.

2. No chatting and doing things not related to the course.
3. Regarding late’s and absences, refer to MINSCAT student manual

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Quizzes and Long Tests

Class Recitation
Group Activities
Project
Mid-term & Final Exam

GRADING SYSTEM
Quizzes and Long Tests 40%
Class Recitation 20%
Project 10%
Mid-term & Final Exams 30%
100%

LEARNING RESOURCES:

1. REFERENCE BOOKS

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 Babor, Eddie R. (2006), Ethics, Updated Edition: The Philosophical Discipline of Action (Manila: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.).

Maboloc, Christopher Ryan B. (2010). Ethics and Human Dignity. ( Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.)

Reyes, Ramon C. (1989), Ground and Norm of Morality: Ethics for College Students, ( Manila: Ateneo de
Manila University Press).

Rachels, James & Rachels, Stuart (2011), Elements of Morality, 7th Edition, (New York:The McGraw-Hill
Companies). PDF Format

Sterba, James P., (Editor) (2004). Morality in Practice, 7th Edition. (Toronto: Wadsworth/Thomson
Learning Inc.)

2. JOURNALS

3. INTERNET
https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/what-is-ethics/

https://studylib.net/doc/7565905/chapter-13-theories-strengths-and-weaknesses

https://owlcation.com/humanities/A-Summary-of-the-Terms-and-Types-of-Ethical-Theories-and-their-Critiques

4. OTHER MATERIALS

Ateneo de Manila University CHED Ethics Teacher -Training Workshop (ACETT-W) PDF
ReadingMaterials, ( A training workshop sponsored by CHED and facilitated by the Ateneo de
Manila Philosophy Professors, Oscar G. Bulaong Jr., Ph.D., Albert M. Lagliva, M.A., Michael Ner
E. Mariano, M.A. and Jesus Deogracias Z. Principe, Ph.D. , for 30 selected educators in Luzon
Region and held in New Town Plaza Hotel, Baguio City on May 22-24 2017).

Prepared by: Reviewed and Recommended for Approval by:

HERBERT F. CHAVEZ ________________________

Instructor Program Chair

Approved by:

_________________________
Dean

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