IN A NUTSHELL

LESSON 1: Ethics: A Moral Philosophy

Philosophy – It is a science that deals with the investigation of all things in
their ultimate causes and principles through the use of human mind or in the
light of reasoning.
Philosophy is the study of questions.
Love of wisdom = philo- meaning "love" and -sophos, or "wisdom.".
The term may have been coined by Pythagoras o more likely by Q.
It would include things like how you decide what is “good” and “bad”, what
“success” means, what your “purpose” in life is (including if you don't think
there is a purpose), whether there is a God, how we should treat each other,
etc.
Ethics – a practical philosophy that consists of the fundamental issues of
practical decision making, and its major concerns on the nature of ultimate
value and the standards by which human actions can be judged as right or
wrong.
-ethos which can mean custom, habit, character or disposition.
-is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make decisions and
lead their lives.
Branches of Philosophy Part I: Theoretical Philosophy
1. Metaphysics – deals with the intrinsic principles and those subjects
beyond the scope of Physics. Metaphysics (from meta – ‘beyond’). Branch of
philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality how the universe
began. e.g. study of God versus the Big Bang theory.
2. Cosmology – Philosophical study of the beginning of the world.
-Cosmology from kosmos (order or world) means the ‘study of the world,’
especially its origin and development. e.g. How old is the Universe?, What is
the evidence for the Big Bang?
3. 3. Epistemology – it is also called Philosophy of knowledge.
-‘episteme’(knowledge), means ‘the study of knowledge,’ -How do we know
what is true? What is knowledge? What is truth? How do we know something
to be true?
- e.g. “I think therefore I am” (you are capable of thinking you are there-
consciousness) – Descartes-
Practical philosophy
• Ethics – study of moral conduct and moral judgment. It is the science that
tells a man how he can act correctly with respect to morality. (reason)- what’s
right and what’s wrong and more about how humans should live with each
other
• Logic – study of correct thinking, formation of arguments and identification
of fallacies. a proper or reasonable way of thinking about something; sound
reasoning; the science of only thinking correctly.
-use to reason their arguments while avoiding fallacies.
Part II: Morality, Moral and Non-moral standards
• Morality refers to the extent to which an action is right or wrong. “It
concerns the recognition of the inherent value of people, both ourselves and
others, a value that is not reducible to how others benefit us” (Martin, 2001).
“It is the application of the theories of ethics” (Babor, 2010).
• Moral standard refers to norms we have about the types of actions which
we believe to be morally acceptable or morally unacceptable. It deals with
matters that can seriously injure or benefit human beings. e.g., theft, rape,
fraud, slander, murder, protect life, no cheating, etc..
May be enforce others to act accordingly. Normally promote the good, welfare
and well-being of the human, animals and environment. e.g. Killing is wrong,
Helping the poor is good, cheating is bad.
• Non-moral standards refers to norms that are unrelated to moral or
ethical considerations such as etiquette, fashion standards, rules in the game,
house rules and legal statutes. These rules are not necessarily linked to
morality, though they can be ethically relevant depending on circumstances.
We have no right to impose on others. Standards of etiquette, the law (legal
or illegal), standards of aesthetics (good or rubbish). Matters of taste or
preference.
Ex. Moral: Don’t harm innocent people Non-moral: Don’t talk while the mouth
is full.
Part III. Why do We Need Rules?
Rules are specific sets of norms of behavior and a prescribed guide for
conduct or action useful in guiding and monitoring the interactions of humans
in a society. Authoritative statement of what to do or not to do in a specific
situation, issued by an appropriate person or body. Provide for our general
safety. When properly set and followed, they provide a stable environment
and human co-existence in a community, resulting in peace and order.

LESSON 2: Moral Experiences & Dilemmas

Moral experience is an experience of moral value such that one’s moral
consciousness comes to work as one is called “to [make a] moral response”
(van Tongeren, p. 204) .Refers to anything we undergo, to our encounters,
and to what happens to us. Individual development of personality always
takes place through the study of one’s moral experience.

First, our moral experience puts our moral consciousness to work. Whether
it’s the arousal of moral consciousness that results in the occurrence of moral
experience or the reverse, is hardly the point at issue here.
-Moral consciousness or rectitude deals with what is right and the right
thing to do. Consciousness is the awareness. Careful reflection and calm
reasoning is required to understand the implications and importance of the
phrase ‘moral goodness’ or ‘moral rectitude’ which constitutes the major
component of moral experience.
Second, moral experience is an experience of moral value. Moral value
refers to the quality of something being good or bad, right or wrong, and just
or unjust.
-Moral values it refers to a set of principles that guide an individual on how to
evaluate right versus wrong.We test and consider whether the wrong or the
right of an action we’re thinking of doing is beneficial or harmful to ourselves
and/or other people that may be involved. If we consider it harmful, then we
don’t do it.
Third, as mentioned, moral experience which is an experience of moral
value, defines us.
-Our choice becomes us. e.g. we cannot say, Ann is beautiful, intelligent and
rich therefore she is a good person; but we can say, Ann is honest, truthful
and kind, hence, she is a good person.
Fourth, moral experience is not a one-time but is an ongoing, continuous
process.
- In a lifetime, we will have countless experiences.
Fifth, moral experience touches on and brings in one’s moral ideals. Our
moral ideals pertain to what are believed to constitute a life that is worthy of
humans which are products of generations of shaping via our tradition and
which come to the fore as summoned by experience. person or thing
regarded as perfect/standard.
Moral experience [happens when we are] being addressed by something or
someone in such a way that, by inherent authority, we are summoned or
obliged to commit ourselves to, or continue in a certain way of acting or
relating, or praxis, which is at the same time understood as being part of real
or good human life.
Finally, moral experience is action-oriented. In the face of a moral
situation, we feel compelled to respond and to respond personally and right
away.
-In order to have moral value, oral consciousness and moral ideals we need
to act.
Dilemmas are experiences where an agent is confused about the right
decision to make because there are several competing values that are
seemingly equally important and urgent.
-A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more
alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.
Personal dilemma is an extremely difficult situation for someone to handle.
It can be moral or non-moral issue.
e.g. a. If your parents are separated, you have to decide either you live with
your father or mother, or live away from them.(non-moral issue)
b. Someone deciding whether to let his/her family starve or steal bread from
someone else. (moral issue)
Moral dilemma when an individual can choose only one from a number of
possible actions, and there are compelling ethical reasons for the various
choices” (Bulaong Jr. and Calano et.al, 2018).
- A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person is torn between right and
wrong.
Crucial features of a Moral dilemma :
a. The agent is required to do each of two (or more) actions;
b. The agent can do each of the actions; but the agent cannot do both (or all)
of the actions.
c. The agent thus seems condemned to moral failure; no matter what he
does, he will do something wrong (or fail to do something that he ought to
do).

Lesson 3: Man: A Moral Agent with Freedom & Responsibility

Moral Agent is a person who has the ability to discern right from wrong and
to be held accountable for his or her own actions. those who can be held
responsible for their actions. Children, and adults with certain mental
disabilities, may have little or no capacity to be moral agents. Adults with full
mental capacity relinquish their moral agency only in extreme situations, like
being held hostage.
Rationality: Foundation of Moral Agency “Of all animals, only humans are
qualified as moral agents. This is evidenced by the fact that only humans are
rational animals. This rationality, being inherent, is not just a capability or a
potency. It is their being rational that makes humans humans … it is
therefore their destiny to be the only moral agents” (Babor, 2010).
Rationality: Man’s Natural Function “Aristotle (384-322 BCE) underscored
the necessity of our trying to achieve virtue or excellence, not just in some
particular field of endeavor, but also as human beings. He thought that things
have functions.
Responsibility: an obligation to do something or control over or care for
someone – it is the opportunity or ability to act independently and take
decisions without authorization. being accountable
Freedom:The ability to act or change without constraint. -at liberty rather
than in confinement or under physical restraint: The state of being
unrestricted and able to move easily

LESSON 4: Morality of Taoism and Buddhism

Taoism( Daoism) is an indigenous Chinese religion often associated with
the Daode jing (Tao Te Ching), a philosophical and political text purportedly
written by Laozi (Lao Tzu) sometime in the 3rd or 4th centuries B.C.E.
Tao or Dao is a Chinese word signifying 'way', 'path', 'route', 'road' or
sometimes more loosely 'doctrine', 'principle' or 'holistic beliefs'. Tao is the
natural order of the universe whose character one’s human intuition must
discern in order to realize the potential for individual wisdom. This intuitive
knowing of “life” cannot be grasped as a concept; it is known through actual
living experience of one’s everyday being.
Taoism or Daoism is a type of belief, or a way of thinking about life.
Taoists focus on living a simple and balanced life in harmony with nature.
The Yin and the Yang. Yin / Yang: Two halves that together complete
wholeness. it’s unchanging and complete. Both halves are chasing after each
other as they seek a new balance with each other.
-Yin and Yang universe is governed by a cosmic duality forming a whole.
Yin is the black side, and yang is the white side. E.g. Night (Yin) Day (Yang)
Buddhism is based on the teachings of a Nepali prince named Siddharta
Gautama who lived around 500 BCE. A Nepali prince named Siddharta
Gautama who saw the suffering outside his palace walls, and left his life to
seek answers. He became the Buddha- the Enlightened One. His life
teaching is dharma- means "right way of living/ the path to liberation from
suffering “and "path of rightness" and establish
Sangha - the community of monks. Lay person is the one who takes the
precepts or principles of Buddhism. Visiting temples to pray, burn incense,
place offerings of fruit or flowers at altars, and observe rituals performed by
monks, such as the consecration of new images or the celebration of a
Buddhist festival.

The Eightfold Path is composed of eight primary teachings that Buddhists

follow and use in their everyday lives:
• Right View or Right Understanding: Insight into the true nature of
reality- direct personal experience will then lead us to Right Understanding.
• Right Intention: The unselfish desire to realize enlightenment- (urges us to
decide what our heart wants.) ‘
• Right Speech: Using speech compassionately (Communicating
thoughtfully)
• Right Action: Using ethical conduct to manifest compassion (to take the
ethical approach in life)
• Right Livelihood: Making a living through ethical and non-harmful means
(has respect for life)
• Right Effort: Cultivating wholesome qualities and releasing unwholesome
qualities(cultivating an enthusiasm, a positive attitude in a balanced way)
• Right Mindfulness: Whole body-and-mind awareness (being aware of the
moment)
• Right Concentration: Meditation or some other dedicated, concentrated
practice (turning the mind to focus on an object.) "right" is samyanc
(Sanskrit) or samma (Pali), which means "wise," "wholesome," "skillful," and
"ideal." In the sense of equilibrium

LESSON 5: Morality of Hinduism & Islam

Islam derives its name from the word “salam” which means peace or
surrender. So literally, Islam means the perfect peace out of total surrender
to Allah (God). The Prophet Muhammad dedicated the remainder of his life to
spreading a message of monotheism in a polytheistic world.
“Islam” means “submission to the will of God.” Followers of Islam are called
Muslims. Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in
Arabic is known as Allah.
Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah.
Morality in Islam encompasses the concept of righteousness, good
character, and the body of moral qualities and virtues prescribed in Islamic
religious texts. The principle and fundamental purpose of Islamic morality is
love: love for God and love for God's creatures.
Ethical injunctions of Islam:
1. Abstention from alcohol, pork, and gambling
2. Obligations (Five Pillars) - obligation to profess the faith SHAHADAH -
obligation to pray SALAH – FIVE TIMES A DAY.
- obligation to give alms ZAKAT
- obligation to fast SAWM
- obligation to do pilgrimage to Mecca HAJJ

Hinduism - It is the world's oldest religion, It is the third-largest religion

behind Christianity and Islam. divine Self (atman)
Brahman, the unifying principle and Supreme Reality behind all that is.
The Atman is in the state of suffering, This makes Atman a slave of Maya
(Illusion).
Upanishads is teaching to relinquish the Atman from Maya for its unification
with the Universal essence (Brahman).
Trimurti: Brahma - the source of all creation.
Vishnu - responsible for keeping all good things on Earth and bringing
harmony when needed.
Shiva - assists in the creation of new things
– some things have to end for others to begin.
Samsara (reincarnation) for the purpose of purification. It must be noted
that Hindus believe that a righteous life is necessary towards Atman’s union
with the Brahman.
The moral injunction of Hinduism lies right in the heart of the teachings in the
Upanishads.
Meaning of 'Upanishad'
The term 'Upanishad' literally means, "sitting down near" or "sitting close
to", and implies listening closely to the mystic doctrines of a guru or a
spiritual teacher, who has cognized the fundamental truths of the universe
'Upanishad' means 'Brahma-knowledge' by which ignorance is annihilated.

Lesson 6: Teenage Pregnancy: Social and Moral Issues

Early pregnancy is defined as females between the ages of 13-15 who
engage in sexual activity and become pregnant either intentionally or
unintentionally. Many times, these teens are regarded as selfish, apathetic
and immoral by the general population regardless of the teens’ intention of
getting pregnant.
Some major Causes:
a. Low Socio-economic Status
b. Peer Pressure and Sexual Abuse
c. Media Influence

A pregnant teen has a variety of options to consider:

 Keep the baby.
 Give the baby up for adoption.
 End the pregnancy.