Romblon State University

College of Engineering and Technology

Liwanag, Odiongan, Romblon

Prepared by:
CELENIA M. AGAS
 COURSE INTRODUCTION
Ethics is concerned with the principles of ethical behavior in
modern society at the individual, societal, and environmental levels, as
well as in interactions with other shared resources. (CMO 20, 2013)

Morality refers to the values of good and wrong that an individual

picks up from their surroundings. The background and principles of
ethical behavior in modern society are discussed at the level of the
individual, society, and relationship with the environment and other
shared resources in this course. The course also teaches students how
to make moral judgments by analyzing and solving moral issues
utilizing prevailing moral frameworks and a seven-step moral
reasoning methodology.

The course is divided into three (3) sections based on the three
(3) key aspects of the moral experience: (a) agent, which includes
context (cultural, communal, and environmental); (b) act, and (c)
reason or framework (for the act).

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 2|P a g e

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODULE ONE: INTRODUCTION: KEY CONCEPTS

INTRODUCTION 6
LEARNING OUTCOMES 6
LESSON 1: BASIC CONCEPTS 6
CONTENT EXPLORATION 6

MODULE TWO: THE MORAL AGENT

INTRODUCTION 19
LEARNING OUTCOMES 19
LESSON 2: CULTURE AND MORAL 19
LEARNING OBJECTIVES 19
CONTENT EXPLORATION 19

MODULE THREE: THE ACT: FEELINGS AND MORAL DECISION-MAKING

INTRODUCTION 30
LEARNING OUTCOMES 30
LESSON 3: CULTURE AND MORAL 30
CONTENT EXPLORATION 30

MODULE FOUR: FRAMEWORKS AND PRINCIPLES BEHIND OUR MORAL DISPOSITION

INTRODUCTION 52
LEARNING OUTCOMES 52
LESSON 4A: MENTAL FRAMES 52
LESSON 4B: MORAL THEORIES 52
CONTENT EXPLORATION 52

MODULE FIVE: ETHICS THROUGH THICK AND THIN, AND ETHICS AND RELIGION
INTRODUCTION 75
LEARNING OUTCOMES 75
LESSON 3:GLOBALIZATION AND PLURALISM:
NEW CHALLENGES TO ETHICS 75
CONTENT EXPLORATION 75
ASSESSMENT 96
REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS 96

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 3|P a g e

 GE 8 - ETHICS

INTRODUCTION:
KEY CONCEPTS
MODULE ONE

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 4|P a g e

INTRODUCTION
One way to think about ethics is through its historical meaning, which has to do
with a person’s ethos. This is the idea that ethics is connected with the character,
and it is sort of a high standard approach to what it means to act in a particularly
cogent and courageous way, as well as to demonstrate personal integrity. And then
there is a more important conceptual distinction a person could make, particularly
between ethics and morals. This is needed because when defining ethics, many will
use the word “morals” interchangeably, which confuses the issue.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Differentiate between moral and non-moral standards.
2. Recognize and recall a moral experience
3. Detect a moral dilemma.
4. Identify the three levels of moral dilemmas
5. Explain why only human beings can be ethical

LESSON 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ETHICS

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Develop a better knowledge of how different moral standards and ethics
affect each other.
2. Discuss the definition, nature, and importance of ethics to an individual and
society. Explain the difference between moral standards and non-moral
standards.
3. Enumerate the characteristics of moral standards to easily identify their
dissimilarities to non-moral standards.
4. Explore how moral standards are formed.
5. Learn its contribution to Man’s development

 CONTENT EXPLORATION:

Definition of Ethics

What is the significance of it in every society? First, let's define ethics: it's the
philosophy of life, in a nutshell. Critical thinking distinguishes mankind from
brutes, allowing men to make better decisions than a priori judgment. Men's
mental growth is reflected in the quality of their lives.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 5|P a g e

 Ethics is the primary way by which men might reach life's ultimate goal:
happiness. Since the dawn of civilization, societies have been formed to
secure their safety from predators - real or imagined. To do so, they must
develop rules, but what good are laws if they are not led by reason, which is
where Ethics comes in. Written law is employed to maintain order, but what is
the ultimate root of all of this? Without a question, ethics. If uncertainty in the
written law exists, ethics made mankind determine what is right or wrong,
guided by reason. As we all know, nothing is flawless, and everything has
defects. As a result, there is a lot of misunderstanding. Man's self-interest has
obscured human ethics, making law and order interpretation as confusing as
a needle in a haystack. Changes in the environment, as well as the intricacies
of the human world and his thinking, influenced his view of ethics throughout
time. That is a fact that cannot be denied. Unfortunately, today's leaders lack
ethical standards, and their values may be condescending at times.

In today's world, there are age-old questions that have perplexed even
geniuses, such as:

1) What is the ultimate goal of human existence?

2) What is the highest good and perfection that man can achieve?
3) what is the ultimate goal of human strivings, and is it attainable?
4) what is the summum bonum (highest good) of human life, and
5) what is the root cause and remedy of human suffering? Is man
inherently good or bad?

If we consider man to be a member of the Animal Kingdom, we might

conclude that he is a terrible person. Consider office coworkers who show
"decency" in front of each other but fabricate stories behind their backs to
mock them in front of their employer and get brownie points, a definite
indicator of a lack of professional ethics.

We may argue that this is unethical, but it is rational nonetheless; we live in

a dog-eat-dog world. The goal is to stay alive at any cost. This leads to another
philosophical question: why aren't moral acts lawful, and vice versa? Going to
church is moral, so why wasn't it made a law? Similarly, why is divorce regarded
sinful in the Philippines yet allowed in other societies? Ethics degeneration is
not confined to the corporate sector. It has had an impact on all aspects of
society, including sports and entertainment.

The ethics of morality an empirical study of moral decisions can be loosely

defined as philosophy. It's a discipline that looks at what's ethically good and

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 6|P a g e

 bad, right and wrong. The term is frequently used to describe any program or
ideology based on universal values or ideas.

The word "ethos" comes from Greek and can indicate "tradition," "habit,"
"character," or "attitude." This is about the goodness of individuals and what it
is to live a decent life, not just the nature of specific courses of action. (Leaño
& Gubia-on, 2018)

Ethics is also a systematic examination of the nature of human acts. It is

concerned with the act's correctness and incorrectness. The intent, context, or
character of an act determines whether it is right or wrong. Philosophy is an
important discipline because it explores and describes underlying beliefs,
standards, values, and traditions, which requires critical thinking. As a result, this
is a more advanced degree of human discipline.

Ethics is separated into normative and meta-ethics as a branch of

philosophy. The goal of normative ethics, which is concerned with human
behavior in general, is to answer our questions regarding human behavior's
essence. By definition, normative ethics examines whether or not a specific
action should be performed.

Moral philosophy and applied ethics, often known as practical ethics, are
two disciplines of normative ethics. Moral philosophy is concerned with moral
principles such as what humans "must do" or "should be." This also pertains to
our moral duties, as well as the meaning or goal of the act. Applied ethics, on
the other hand, is a philosophy that examines fundamental moral dilemmas
such as abortion.

Meta-ethics is a discipline that is based on the concept of meaning. It's a

science that aims to answer moral concerns that aren't moral. These are
concerns concerning the interpretation and justification of moral assertions, as
well as questions about the nature of moral declarations, the purpose and
relevance of moral truths.

In contrast to meta-ethics, normative ethics focuses on how people

respond to moral dilemmas. This also seeks to define and prescribe common
expectations for how humans should engage with one another in a
meaningful way in society. (Maboloc, 2010)

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 7|P a g e

 Importance of Ethics

Ethics is a collection of guidelines that help us distinguish between right and

wrong, good and bad. Ethics can provide us specific direction in our life.
Fairness, trustworthiness, and responsibility are ethical concepts that help us
deal more effectively with ethical difficulties by removing behaviors that do
not accord to our sense of right and wrong – our moral interests – without
jeopardizing others' moral interests.

Furthermore, ethics is about making choices or decisions. We are constantly

confronted with difficulties that have an impact on our quality of life. We know
that the decisions we make have ramifications for ourselves and others. We
are conscious of the fact that we have responsibility for our actions.

Why should other individuals have a lack of ethics? The blind spots,
according to (Bazerman & Tenbrunsel, 2011) are the discrepancies between
who you wish to be and who you are. As a result, the majority of us want to do
the right thing, but internal and external obstacles prevent us from doing so.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 8|P a g e

 Ethicists, on the other hand, place less stress on learning philosophic ideas
and instead highlight the significance of developing good character habits -
they need to do the right thing at the right time and in the right way.

When presented with an ethical dilemma, the virtues of knowledge,

bravery, patience, and justice lead to ethical decision-making since they give
the basis for logical conclusions. We must be ethical because it defines who
we are as individuals and as a society. Moral principles must exist and must be
followed by everyone. Some people will lie, others will not do what they say
they will, and yet others will act irresponsibly and engage in hazardous
behavior.

Following one's interests is not wrong, according to moralists. Because of

our responsibility to civil society, and ethical individuals must be able to put the
needs of others ahead of self-interest at least occasionally. (Bazerman &
Tenbrunsel, 2011) (Mintz, 2017)

According to Leaño Jr, & Gunta-on (2018), the study of ethics entails
enabling an individual to thoroughly comprehend what his conscience is, how
he acquired it, how far he is willing and able to guard his outer manifestations,
and how well he can strengthen and even start it. Furthermore, a person can
have a better understanding of his or her claims to society as well as his or her
responsibility to society. He must learn to discern between situations in which
everyone is highly reliant and those in which each person is accountable for
his or her own life, with a focus on personal initiative. It will eventually allow us
to make these decisions by allowing certain observations, understanding, self-
sacrifice, and obligations.

Several perspectives on the relevance of ethics were supported by the

above-mentioned authors, and they are as follows: (1) People can determine
the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, through ethics; (2)
people can eliminate actions that do not conform to what is right; (3) people
will be extremely cautious in their actions and decisions; (4) people will not be
disturbed by internal and external factors of not doing the right thing; (5)
establish good character habits; (6) come up with new ideas.

The Difference of Moral and Non-Moral Standards and Characteristics

of Moral Standards

Rich or poor, developed or underdeveloped, countries and nations have

their own set of laws, regulations, cultures, traditions, customs, and beliefs. It
may be allowed in certain nations, but not in others. Some ideas and ideals
have societal ramifications, whereas others do not. It is a question of moral

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 9|P a g e

 indifference, which means that what is a matter of taste in one community
may have moral significance in another. As a result, individuals must be able
to distinguish between moral and non-moral concepts to identify the
fundamental ethical ideals that can guide our activities. Moral standards
require us to act in a certain way, yet we have no authority to impose non-
moral norms on others based on the preceding rationale. (Steph, 2018)

Moral standards are the rules we use to determine which actions are
ethically permitted and which are morally undesirable. It generally addresses
challenges that have the potential to either endanger or substantially benefit
humans. Moral ethics, according to some ethicists, is on par with social values
and moral principles. (Leaño & Gubia-on, 2018)

The common good, or the welfare and well-being of humans, animals, and
the environment, is usually promoted by moral norms. Moral standards are a
mix of ideas and conventions. As a result, moral standards are defined by
norms and values. Norms, often known as standards, are fundamental rules for
human behavior. Values, on the other hand, are universal views about what is
or is not acceptable, desirable, or helpful.

According to Velasquez, (2012), moral norms include numerous features,

including vocabulary like:

1. Moral standards have the potential to cause significant harm or gain. Theft,
the murder of innocent people, others' respect, a poor feeding program,
and so on are all examples of this. The actions in the first two instances
create harm, whereas the actions in the third and fourth examples provide
rewards, thus the activity is beneficial to humans.
2. Authority figures do not set moral norms. Even when moral ideals conflict
with one's self-interest, they should be preserved. Exam cheating is an
example of where students should not cheat during tests as a norm in an
educational institution, and cheating is wrong in doing so. It's not those
students who are frightened of the teacher, instructor, or professor; rather,
they are aware that this is a bad thing to do.
3. Other values, including self-interest, should be prioritized over moral
standards. Even when self-interest is at risk, moral norms should always be
maintained.
4. Moral standards are based on facts. Considerations and choices must not
be biased in favor of a single individual or group. Anyone who makes
mistakes or commits wrongdoing gets penalized as a result. It must be a fair
and unbiased assessment.
5. Moral principles are thought to be universal. We want everyone to follow
these rules, and we become irritated when they aren't followed. Moral

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 10 | P a g e

 standards are seen to be universal since they may be applied anywhere
and at any time. Take, for example, lying. It is a global standard, to tell the
truth. As a result, we should avoid lying.

6. Moral standards are correlated with different feelings and vocabulary. We expect
everyone to follow these rules and get irritated when they don't. Moral
principles are considered universal because they may be applied
anywhere and at any time. Consider the case of deception. It is a universal
rule, to tell the truth. As a result, we must not deceive one another.

On the other hand, non-moral standards apply to rules that are not based on
social or legal concerns. Perhaps these criteria aren't necessarily linked to
morality or, under their legislation, codes of professional ethics, and so forth.
(Gubia-on and Leandro, Jr., 2018)

Propriety implies regard for the formal rules guiding behavior in a civilized
society. Etiquette is a decorum. Etiquette refers to the norms of etiquette and
how they are applied. A fine sense of decorum entails humility and an
understanding of what is appropriate or fitting for a person of good breeding.
(dictionary.com, 2012)

Noisily eating meals is considered immoral in the Philippines, while in other

nations such as Japan, China, and South Korea, it is seen as a sign that a
person enjoys the food, particularly when it comes to soup.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 11 | P a g e

 According to the Oxford English and Spanish Dictionary, a statute is written
legislation approved by a legislative body.
(https://www.lexico.com/definition/statute) Acts of Congress, Local Charters,
Municipal Codes, Districts, Administrative Rules and Regulations, Statutory
Rules, and Presidential Issues are all included in the laws, according to the
University of Melbourne Library Guide. (Southeast Asian Legal Research Guide
(ARCHIVE): Introduction to the Philippines & its Legal System, 2021)

REPUBLIC ACT No. 11463. An Act Establishing Malasakit Center in all

Department of Health (DOH) Hospitals in the Country and the Philippine
General Hospital (PGH). Providing Funds Thereof and for Other Purposes is an
example of one of the statutes in the Philippines. The powers conferred by the
laws on the Medical Director, the Chief of the Hospital (PGH). Providing Funds
Therefor and for Other Purposes is an example of one of the statutes in the
Philippines. The powers conferred by the laws on the Medical Director, the
Chief of the Hospital, or the Chief of the Medical Center. The Director of the
Malasakit Centers shall oversee the proper management and effective
operation of the Malasakit Center. If its powers do not conflict with any other
form of law, it is legally binding. (REPUBLIC ACT No. 11463, 2019)

Although there is a distinction between legality and morality, the concepts

are frequently misunderstood. What we think is that what is moral is likewise
lawful and that what is immoral is bad. That which is legal is not always moral.

As a result, the professional Code of Ethics is a collection of principles

designed to assist practitioners in distinguishing between right and wrong to
guide their decision-making. Such guidelines, often known as the Code of
Ethics, describe the company's mission and goals, as well as how employees
inside the organization are to address difficulties and the expectations to
which they are bound. (Indeed Editorial Team, 2021)

Members of the profession to which he or she belongs have learned,

approved, and followed the profession's laws, regulations, and requirements.
Violations of the Code may result in the Members' disapproval. In severe
instances, a lawyer's career may be terminated and he or she may be barred
from practicing law. The Professional Code of Ethics is not intended to be a
complete or accurate guide to one's moral duties. Almost all professional
codes are strictly moral, however just because a rule is legally enshrined in a
professional code does not mean it is a solid moral idea.

A practitioner must take his or her profession's sanctions seriously, but he or she
also has the right to objectively assess some laws for himself or herself.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 12 | P a g e

 HOW MORAL STANDARDS ARE FORMED

An individual's morals are influenced by his or her beliefs. Values are the
foundation of a person's ability to discern between good and wrong. Morals
expand on this to provide tangible, context-driven laws that govern an
individual's behavior. They are shaped by a person's life experiences and are
open to debate.

In our daily acts in society, we all adhere to basic moral norms. Moral
standards are influenced by a variety of variables, including:

1. In our upbringing, we adhere to moral ideals or beliefs;

2. The attitude and demeanor that was ingrained in us as a result of our
birthright;
3. Religious values instilled in us by our ancestors;
4. The ideals we were taught in school
5. The moral behavior, manners, and habits of those who surround us
6. Cultural conventions, both explicit and implicit;
7. Our personal life experiences
8. In these situations, our critical thinking

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 13 | P a g e

 Learning Activity
DIRECTION: In a letter-size bond paper, do the following activities and submit it
online on our Google Classroom on the prescribed submission date.

ACTIVITY 1: WORD FINDER

Direction: Encircle the terms related to the course and define each term. There
are three (3) words that you can find below.

D N Q E T H I C S D
C E S Q H V H T H S
V Z C W Q B W E E T
Q T Q O Z M X F D A
E U X B R N Z O L N
S Q A T U U E E J D
T W H Z G Q M S N A
Y V X I Q O D A Q R
R P R B C U Y Q B D
M O R A L S S Z C S
J Z D Q L F K M L N
L K P Y K J T R X M
A S D F J K L R D B

ACTIVITY 2

1. Select a partner from your classmate and do the following task:

a. ask about the importance of ethics to him or her in an interview.
b. Compare and contrast your notes with those of your classmates.
c. List at least 5 instances of moral and non-moral criteria, and
explain why they belong to those categories.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 14 | P a g e

 EXERCISE 1: ESSAY: CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS (SELECT ONLY 1)

1. Discuss ethics and its importance to you being a student, a daughter

or son, and as a citizen of this nation.
2. Differentiate morals standards and non-moral standards and cite
some examples.
3. Specify the characteristics of moral standards
4. How moral standards are formed? Discuss further

Rubrics of Essay / Reflection / Reaction

Excellent Good Fair Poor

Criteria Score
4 3 2 1
Focus and There is one specific, There is one clear, well- There is one topic, but The topic and main
Details well-focused topic. The focused topic. The the main ideas are not ideas are not clear.
main ideas are clear main ideas are clear especially clear
and are well supported but are not supported
by detailed and by detailed information
accurate information or facts
Organization The introduction is The introduction states The introduction states There is no clear
inviting, states the main the main topic and the main topic. A introduction, structure,
topic, and provides an provides an overview conclusion is included or conclusion.
overview of the of the paper. A but is not especially
argument. Information conclusion is included relevant/supportive
is relevant and but does not
presented in logical strengthen the
order. The conclusion is argument/position
strong.
Voice The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of The author’s purpose of
writing is very clear, writing is somewhat writing is somewhat writing is unclear.
and there is strong clear, and there is clear, and there is
evidence of attention some evidence of evidence of attention
to the audience. The attention to the to the audience. The
author’s knowledge of audience. The author’s author’s knowledge of
and/or experience knowledge of and/or the topic seems
with the topic is experience with the limited.
evident. topic is evident.
Word The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
Choice words and phrases. The words and phrases. The that communicate vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement choice and placement clearly, but the writing cliches are not used
of words seem of words are lacks variety and properly and detract
accurate, natural, and inaccurate at times seems inappropriate to from the meaning.
appropriate. and/or seem overdone the subject matter.
or inappropriate for the
subject matter.
Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are Most sentences are Sentences sound
Structure, constructed and have well constructed and well constructed, but awkward, are
Grammar, varied structure and have varied structure they have a similar distractingly repetitive,
Mechanics, length. The author and length. The author structure and/or or are difficult to
and Spelling makes very few errors makes a few errors in length. The author understand. The author
in grammar, grammar, mechanics, makes several errors in makes numerous errors
mechanics, and/or and /or spelling, but grammar, mechanics, in grammar,
spelling. these mistakes do not and /or spelling that mechanics, and/or
interfere with interfere with spelling that interfere
understanding understanding. with understanding.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 15 | P a g e

 REFERENCES

Bazerman, M. H., & Tenbrunsel, A. E. (2011). Blind Spots: Why We Fail to Do What's
Right and What to Do About It. Princeton University Press.

Berryman, S. (2016, December 15). Ancient Atomism. Retrieved March 17, 2021, from
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atomism-ancient/

dictionary.com. (2012). Etiquette. Retrieved from Collins English Dictionary - Complete

& Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition:
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/etiquette?s=t

Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, June 10). Professional Code of Ethics: Definition and
Examples. Retrieved from Indeed Career Guide:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professional-
code-of-ethics

Leaño, R., & Gubia-on, A. (2018). ETHICS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS. MINDSHAPERS CO.,
INC.

Maboloc, C. B. (2010). Ethics and Human Dignity. Rex Bookstore.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 11463. (2019). Retrieved from The LawPhil Project:
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11463_2019.html

University of Melbourne Webmaster. (2021, June 12). Southeast Asian Legal Research
Guide (ARCHIVE): Introduction to the Philippines & its Legal System. Retrieved
from University of Melbourne:
https://unimelb.libguides.com/c.php?g=402982&p=5443355

Velasquez, M. G. (2012). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases: International Edition,

7th Edition. Santa Clara University: Pearson.

COMPILED BY CELENIA M. AGAS 16 | P a g e

AGAS