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ETHICS

Lesson 1: Introduction: Key Concepts in the Study of Ethics

Moral Standards or Moral Frameworks and Non-Moral Standards

Since ethics is a study of moral standards, then the first question for the course is, what are
moral standards. The following are supposed to be examples of moral standards: “Stealing is wrong.”
“Killing is wrong.” Telling lies is wrong.” “Adultery is wrong.” “Environment preservation is the right to
do.” “Freedom with responsibility is the right way.” “Giving what is due to others is justice.” Hence,
moral standards are norms or prescriptions that serve as the frameworks for determining what ought
to be done or what is right or wrong action, what is good or bad character
Moral standards are either consequences standards (like Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism) or non-
consequence standards (like Aritstotle’s virtue, St. Thomas’ natural law, or Immanuel Kant’ good will or
sense of duty).
The consequence standards depend on results, outcome. An act that results in the general
welfare, in the greatest good of the greatest number, is moral.
The non-consequence standards are based on the natural law. Natural law is the law of God
revealed through human reason. It is the “law of God written in the heart of men.” To preserve human
life is in accordance with the natural law, therefore it is moral. Likewise, the non-consequence standard
may also be based on good will or intention, and on a sense of duty. Respect for humanity, treatment of
the other as a human person, an act that is moral, springs from a sense of duty, a sense of duty that you
wish will apply to all human person
On the other hand, non-moral standards are social rules, demands of etiquette and good manner. They
are the guides of action which should be followed as expected by society. Sometimes they may not be
followed or some people may not follow them. From time to time, changes are made regarding good
manners or etiquette. In sociology, non-moral standards or rules are called folkways. In short, non-moral
actions are those where moral categories cannot be applied.
Examples of non-moral standards are rules of good manners and right conduct, etiquette, rules
of behaviour set by parents, teachers, and standards of grammar or language, standards of art,
standards of sports set by other authorities. Examples are “do not eat with your mouth open,”
“observes rules of grammar,” and “do not wear socks that don’t match.”

Classification of the Theories of Moral Standards

Garner and Rosen (1967) classified the various moral standards formulated by moral philosophers as
follows: 1. Consequence (teleological, from tele which means end, result or consequence) standard
states that an act is right or wrong depending on the consequences of the act, that is, the good that is
produced in the world. Will it do you good if you go to school? If the answer is right, because you learn
how to read and write, then going to school is right. The consequence standard can also be a basis for
determining whether or not a rule is a right rule. So the consequence standards states that the rightness
or wrongness of a rule depends on standard or the good that is produced in following the rule. For
instance, if everyone follows the rule of a game, everyone will enjoy playing the game. This good
consequence proves the rule must be a correct rule. 2. Not-only-consequence standard (deontological),
holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action or rule depends on sense of duty, natural law, virtue
and the demand of the situation or circumstances. The rightness or wrongness of an action does not
only depend or rely on the consequence of what action or following that rule.
Natural and virtue ethics are deontological moral standards because their basis for determining
what is right or wrong does not depend on consequences but on the natural law and virtue. Situation
ethics, too, is deontological because the rightness or wrongness of an act depends on situation and
circumstances requiring or demanding exception to rule.

Reference:
Corpuz, Ruben A. and Corpuz, Brenda B. (2020). Ethics: Life As It Ought To Be. Lorimar Publishing Inc.