Mallari, Rachelle M.

BEEd 2A
GE-Ethics | ASSESSMENT 1

1. Cite a specific rule in your barangay and examine this rule using the
principles learned in this Module.

One of the rules in our barangay that I could think of right now is the Karaoke and
Loud Sound System curfew at 10:00 pm. It is also a National Law naming the House
Bill No. 1035 – “An Act prohibiting the use of Videoke/Karaoke systems and Other
Sound Amplifying Equipment that Cause Unnecessary Disturbance to the Public within
the Residential Areas, and Providing Penalties Therefor” – the operation of such
equipment audible within 50 feet distance from the source should be considered as
evidence.
In my own perspective, I think it is a good ethic to know the limit – even when the
party is not yet over – that we have to turn of all things that can cause noise and
disturbance in the community at late hours. For we know that it is also the time where
people take their good night sleep and rest after a long day. It’s a non-moral standard
that we can judge as good or bad and something as legal or illegal.
It is not prohibited to throw a party at your own residence as long as you know the
sense of considering the people around you by respecting their peace.

2. Cite three differences between moral and non-moral standards. Discuss

your answers and cite specific examples.

Moral standards are beliefs or norms that are absolute and world-wide. In other
words, they are the kinds of actions that are believed to be morally right or wrong and
are common to all sorts of humanity. Moral standards usually promotes “the good” that
is doing some virtuous actions that aid oneself or other well-being as well as the
animals and the environment.
Examples of moral standards are “always tell the truth”, “do not commit adultery”, and
“love your neighbor”.

On the other note, non-moral standards are those we judge in a non-moral way.
These are usually the rules that are not related to moral considerations. Humans have
the choice whether to follow these values or not, hence they are related to things that do
not affect human conditions.

Examples of non-moral standards are “don’t play with your food”, “do not wear red shirt
on a burial or wake” and “wear decent dress/clothes inside the church”.
 3. Research for the Heinz Dilemma and discuss your stand on the dilemma
presented.

Heinz Dilemma is used as an illustration that helps us easily understand

Lawrence Kolberg’s 1958 Stages of Moral Development. This story is all about a
man with his dying wife on the hospital, only the expensive medicine could treat his
wife, however, they do not have the money to pay for this treatment. And so Heinz
faced an ethical dilemma. He was left with choices; “to NOT steal the medicine
since he would be breaking the law”, “to steal the drug and accept any prison
sentence “and “to steal the medicine and not go to prison but this is unfair”.
In line with this, if a person chooses the first choice, then this person is
probably on the Pre-conventional stage of moral development where this person’s
sense of morality comes from authority figures in his/her life. This choice avoids the
breaking of the law which is an obvious rule for all citizens in a community.
If a person chooses the second choice, then this person is probably on the
Conventional stage of moral development where this person’s sense of morality is
influenced by persona or social interactions. The second action mentioned above,
obviously have considerations for fairness and just. It shows that if you have done
something wrong, then you should face the consequences whatever the reason
might be, because it is a common standards of all humanity.
If a person chooses the third choice, then this person is probably on the
Post Conventional stage of moral development where this person’s sense of
morality is based on a person’s own and personal beliefs about right or wrong and
justice and injustice. The third action above shows that doing something wrong and
not paying for it is definitely unjust and unfair. In this stage, I can say that conscience
is taking its place in a person’s mind.
Honestly, when I saw these choices without knowing the corresponding
stages of moral development, I instantly chose the first choice. I am still in that stage
where I believe in the power of authority, observing all the rules and laws, may it be
at school, church, home or at the community. Yes, sometimes I am at a different
stage because it can’t be helped to be influenced by other people or even by my own
self. But above all, I’d still choose to follow all rules and laws for the better welfare of
everyone, to be fair and just.