ETHICS WEEK 1

What is GOOD?
 In August 2007, newspaper reported what seemed to be yet another sad incident of fraternity
violence. Cris Anthony Mendez, a twenty-year-old student of the University of the Philippines
(UP), was rushed to the hospital in the early morning hours, unconscious, with large bruises on
his chest, back, and legs. He passed away that morning, and the subsequent autopsy report
strongly suggests that his physical injuries were most probably the result of “Hazing” (the term
colloquially used to refer to initiation rites in which neophytes may be subjected to various forms
of physical abuse). What exactly happened remains an open question, as none of those who were
with him that night came forward to shed light on what had transpired. Needless to say, none of
them came forward to assume responsibility for the death of Cris.
 Even as the leaders of the Sigma Rho fraternity publicly denounced the death of Cris, those
members of theirs who had been with him that night vanished, avoiding and refusing to cooperate
with legal authorities. Meanwhile, UP students and the general public clamored for justice. In a
move that surprised the student body, the UP chancellor called on all fraternities to justify their
continued existence. Meanwhile, the case of the tragic death of Cris Anthony Mendez was left
unresolved. It remains that way up to this day.
 No one knows just what exactly happened. No charges have been filed, no definitive testimony
has been forthcoming. But there is more to this for us than just a criminal mystery. Pondering on
the death of Cris, we may find ourselves asking questions such as, “What is the value of one’s
life?” ”What exactly were the wrongs done to Cris by his so-called fraternity brother?” or perhaps
even “Is there any good to fraternities?” These questions that concern good and bad, or right and
wrong—and these are questions concerning value—are the kind of questions that we deal with in
ethics.

Reflect and answer the following questions:

1. What is the value of life?
~The value of life is more than anything, it can't be replaced by a million or even billion
dollars. Life is so precious than the diamonds, and for us to have a peaceful life, always remember to do a
good thing. But sometimes there are times that the people thought to take advantage and forgot that we
need to treasure our life.

2. If you are a member of this fraternity, what will you do?

~ If I’m one of the members of that fraternity? of course I will do the right thing and
it is to quit that fraternity and report them about too much violent that they have done to the other
members. I know joining in the fraternity is not a good so I’m ready for any consequences give
to me, but as soon as possible I will do the right thing so I can also help other people who wants
to stop the bad things and accept the consequences in their actions.
3. Based from the given story, what is the concept of morality that this fraternity
advocates?
 ~ The group was uncooperative and abusive to their powers and unluckily led to
death of their members, they advocate and violated the social and individual morality (moral
hazard).