LESSON 2

MORAL VS. NON MORAL STANDARDS

Learning Outcomes:
 Define moral standards
 Identify moral standards from non-moral standards
 Apply non moral standards in the Philippine context
 Evaluate the advantage of owning moral standards over abiding them
Time frame: 5 weeks
Introduction:
Good day students! This time we are going to continue our lesson on Morality. We
begin be understanding moral and non-moral standards. We do this to distinguish moral
rules from regular rules. I hope you’re interested in this lesson.
Activity:
What do you know about these terms below? In the space provided, give your OWN
personal understanding of these words. Note: It doesn’t have to be accurate. So no need to
search and read about it. If you have no idea, just write what you think it is all about based
on how it sounds.
1. Etiquette
 For me etiquette is all about proper behavior of a person towards something.

2. Policy
 As I understand, policy is a set of rules about anything that is needed to be
followed by anyone.

3. Law
 For me, law isn’t that far different to the policy. It is also a set of rules and
regulations that is need to be followed it aims to keep the harmony of a
nation.

4. Commandment
 Is a set of orders mostly coming from those who are in a higher position or
the elders which also needs to be followed as a sign of respect and having a
good character as a person.

Davao del Norte State College, SS121 (Ethics) Module

 Analysis:

Since we talked about the importance of rules in lesson 1, write down below at least three
examples of rules you think is moral and three examples of non-moral rules. Then explain
your answer.
Moral Rules Non Moral Rules

 Always tell the truth - Have a go to-outfit formula

 Be responsible to your actions -Do the household chores always
 Respect yourself and others -Always water the plant

Explanation:

From my given examples to both moral and non-moral rules I can say that moral
rules are more into human behavior it involve the rules people have about the kinds of
actions they believe are morally right and wrong, as well as the values they place on the
kinds of objects they believe are morally good and morally bad. While non-moral rules are
unrelated to ethical considerations. Either these standards are not necessarily linked to
morality or by nature lack ethical sense. It depends on the guidelines set and agreed by a
group of people.

Abstraction.

Moral standard is a code of what is right or wrong without reference to specific behaviors or
beliefs (Lynn, 1997). It deals with matters that the person thinks have serious consequence
and is based on good reason and impartial considerations overriding self-interest.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

Davao del Norte State College, SS121 (Ethics) Module

 1. Moral standards involve behaviors that seriously affect other people’s well-being. (it
can injure, or benefit them)
2. Moral standards take a more important consideration than other standards,
including self-interest.
3. Moral standards do not depend on any external authority but in how the person
perceives the reasonableness of the action. (no one is telling you it is right or wrong
but you just believe the action is right or wrong)
4. Moral standards are believed to be universal.
5. Moral standards are based on objectivity. (not based on
personal opinion)
6. Moral standards are associated with vocabulary that
depicts emotion or feelings. (When you hurt someone
you feel guilty.)

NON MORAL STANDARDS

Non-moral standards can be considered as relative standards by which something or

someone is judged as either good or bad. The rules of non-moral standards vary because
these rules depend on the guidelines agreed by a particular group.

Etiquette

Is a set of rules on how an individual should responsibly behave in the society. Table manners such
as the proper use of utensils and the proper manner of eating are examples of etiquette.
Policy
It is a clear, simple statement of how an organization plans to handle its services, actions, or
business. Policies are guiding rules to help with decision making. Example is the wearing of school
uniform and ID.
Law
Law is a rule created and enforced by the government and its agencies to maintain order, resolve
disputes, and protect a person’s liberty and rights.
Commandment
It is a rule that is to be strictly observed because it was said to be set by a divine entity such as those
in the Ten Commandments (Stahl, 2009).
References.

Aristotle: Nichomachean Ethics (London, Penguin, 2004)

Bulaong Jr., Calano J., Lagliva A., Mariano M., Principe J. Ethics: Foundations of Moral Valuation. (Rex Bookstore 2018)

Carl Cohen. The Case for the Use of Animals in Biomedical Research, in Daniel Bonevac,ed., Moral Issues today (Boston:
Mcgraw-Hill, 2002)

Davao del Norte State College, SS121 (Ethics) Module

Harry Blackmun. Majority Opinion in Roe vs Wade, in Daniel Bonevac, ed,. Moral Issues today. (Boston: Mcgraw-Hill, 2002)

Ronald Dworkin. Thomas Nagel, et at., The Brief of the Amici Curiae, in Daniel Bonevac, ed., (Boston: Mcgraw-Hill, 2002)

Tom Beauchamp and James Childress, Principles of Biomedical Ethics (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006)William
Baxter, People or Penguins, in Daniel Bonevac, ed, Moral Issues Today (Boston: Mcgraw-Hill, 2002)

Lesson 2 Application Activity : MORAL VS. NON MORAL STANDARDS

Name: Marly q. Dianasas Course/Year BSSW 1A

Date of Submission: March 18, 2021 Instructor: Bonita Cantere

Answer the following:

Provide at least two examples of each at least in the Philippine context, then, answer the following
question.
Moral standards
1. Do not do unto others if you don’t want others do unto you.
2. Be generous

Etiquette
1. Always say “po” and “opo” to the elders.
2. Always respect elders by doing “mano po”

Policy

1. Always throw your garbage on the right place.

2. “Bawal umihi dito” by. MGT

Law

1. R.A 53 Press Freedom Law

2. R.A 9003 Solid Waste Management

What do you think is the advantage of owning moral standards over merely abiding by moral
standards? (Owning moral standards means believing and living it while abiding is simply following
because society say so)

 Owning moral standards is great advantage to an individual for it will shape a person’s
behavior and personality as well as you don’t need to depend on what the society’s

Davao del Norte State College, SS121 (Ethics) Module

 standards for the reason that you already acquire the best of morality. There’s no need for
you to rely on what people may say towards you.

Davao del Norte State College, SS121 (Ethics) Module