GEN006: Applied Ethics

Module #6 Student Activity Sheet

Name: _____________________________________________________________ Class number:

_______ Section: ____________ Schedule: _______________________________________ Date:
______________

Learning Unit: Eastern Moral Philosophies Learning Materials:

Learning Objectives: Student Activity Sheets (PEN Modules)
At the end of the module, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize the nature of the basic units of ethics and Learning Resources: morality, and philosophical
reasoning. Coral, V. (2017). Introduction to World
2. Justify the significance of morality and ethics on a personal Religions. C&E Publishing, Inc.
and societal level.

Quote of the Day :

“If you want to know your past, look into your present conditions. If you want to know
your future, look into your present actions.”
- Waleed Basyouni

A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW

INTRODUCTION (5 MINS)
Recall of Previous Lesson:
CONSEQUENTIALISM (BENTHAM AND MILL)
Major Points
− The rightness or wrongness of an action depends on
outcomes/consequence, if it brings a good end or
intrinsic value.
− Bentham’s Principle of Utility believes that an
action should promote the greatest amount of
pleasure or least amount of pain. Pleasure is based
on quantity (Act Utilitarianism).
− Mill’s Greatest Happiness Principles believes that
an action should promote to achieve the happiness
for the greatest number of people. Happiness is
based on quality (Rule Utilitarianism).
Limitations
− It does not consider the agent and the motive, no
consideration for the duty or responsibility. Also,
immoral actions can be justified by the principle of
utility for it permits the interests of the majority to
override the minorities.
− In Act Utilitarianism, there is a difficulty in attaining
full knowledge and certainty of consequences.
− In Rule Utilitarianism, it is possible to generate
unjust rules

In this lesson, we are to learn the concepts of morality from various eastern philosophies namely Taoism,
Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam, and to understand how they observe ethical standards to
maintain a productive, peaceful, and harmonious way of life. We also will identify the differences of their beliefs
to continue our search for the ultimate good.

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 Instructions: Identify one (1) eastern philosophy, then draw its symbol in the space provided. Make sure to
provide a small description as what the symbol represents.

B. MAIN LESSON

LESSON PRESENTATION/CONTENT NOTES (15 MINS)

Instructions: Take your time to read and understand all the important information you need to know about the
lesson. Also, please do not forget to highlight important information to help you remember.

TAOISM
− Also known as Daoism, is an indigenous Chinese religion often associated with the Daode Jing (Tao Te Ching),
a philosophical and political text purportedly written by Laozi (Lao Tzu) sometime in the 3rd or 4th centuries
B.C.E. Rejects the hierarchy and strictness brought by Confucianism and would prefer a simple lifestyle and
its teachings thus aim to describe how to attain that life.
• TAO OR DAO
− A Chinese word signifying 'way', 'path', 'route', 'road' or sometimes more loosely 'doctrine', 'principle' or
'holistic beliefs’.
− It is the natural order of the universe whose character one’s human intuition must discern in order to
realize the potential for individual wisdom.
− This intuitive knowing of “life” cannot be grasped as a concept; it is known through actual living
experience of one’s everyday being.
• YIN AND YANG
− Two halves that together completes wholeness. They are the starting point for change. When something
is whole, by definition, it’s unchanging. So, when you split something into two halves, it upsets the
equilibrium of wholeness. Both halves are chasing after each other as they seek a new balance.
− Yin signifies softness, darkness, passivity, femininity, etc. while Yang signifies hardness, brightness, activity,
masculinity, etc.

“If you want to become full, let yourself be empty. If you want to be reborn, let
If you
yourself die.
want to be given everything, give everything up.”
- Lao Tzu

BUDDHISM
− Based on the teachings of a Nepali prince named Siddharta Gautama who lived around 500 BCE. Eventually he
succeeded, becoming the Buddha, “The Enlightened One”. He spent the remaining 45 years of his life
teaching the dharma (the path to liberation from suffering) and establishing the sangha (a community of
monks).

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 − For a Buddhist, taking refuge (meditation) is the first step on the path to enlightenment. Even if
enlightenment is not achieved in this life, one has a better chance to become enlightened in a future life.
One who take the precepts is called a lay person.

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind ollows
is pure, joy f
like a shadow that never leaves.”
- Buddha

• EIGHTFOLD PATH
1. Right View or Right Understanding. Insight into the true nature of reality.
2. Right Intention. The unselfish desire to realize enlightenment.
3. Right Speech. Use speech compassionately.
4. Right Action. Using ethical conduct to manifest compassion.
5. Right Livelihood. Making a living through ethical and non-harmful means.
6. Right Effort. Cultivating wholesome qualities and releasing unwholesome qualities.
7. Right Mindfulness. Body-mind awareness.
8. Right Concentration. Meditation as a dedicated, concentrated practice.

CONFUCIANISM
− The way of life propagated by Confucius in the 6th–5th century BCE and followed by the Chinese people for
more than two millennia. Although transformed over time, it is still the substance of learning, the source of
values, and the social code of the Chinese.
− A code of ethical conduct, of how one should properly act according to his/her relationship with other
people. The identity and self-concept of the individual are interwoven with the identity and status of
his/her community or culture, sharing its pride as well as its failures.
− Self-cultivation is seen as the ultimate purpose of life. The cultivated self in Confucianism is what some
scholars call a “subdued self” wherein personal needs are repressed for the good of many, making
Confucian society also hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and balance in society.

ISLAM
−Derived from the word “salam” which means peace or surrender whereas ‘Islam’ means the perfect peace out
of total surrender to Allah (God).
− Prophet Muhammad dedicated the remainder of his life to spreading a message of monotheism in a
polytheistic world. In 622, he fled north to the city of Medina to escape growing persecution. This event
marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Eight years later, Muhammad returned to Mecca with an
army and conquered the city for Islam. By Muhammad's death, 50 years later, the entire Arabian Peninsula
had come under Muslim control.

“No two things have been combined better than knowledge and patience.”
- Prophet Muhammad

− Morality in Islam encompasses the concept of righteousness, good character, and the body of moral qualities
and virtues prescribed in Islamic religious texts. The principle and fundamental purpose of Islamic morality
is love, love for God and love for God's creatures.
• PILLARS
1. Shahada. Obligation to profess the faith.
2. Salah. Obligation to pray.
3. Zakat. Obligation to give alms.

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 4. Saum. Obligation to fast.
5. Hajj. Obligation to do pilgrimage to Mecca.

HINDUISM
− The world's oldest religion, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years and the third-largest
religion behind Christianity and Islam.
− The broad term "Hinduism" encompasses a wide variety of traditions, which are closely related and share
common themes but do not constitute a unified set of beliefs or practices. Hinduism is not a homogeneous,
organized system.
− Caste System. The system which divides Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on their karma (work) and
dharma (duty) is generally accepted to be more than 3,000 years old.
• ATMAN
− The soul’s state of suffering because of its attachments to the senses or to the pleasures of the flesh. This
makes the Atman a slave of Maya (magic or illusion). Upanishads are teachings that would relinquish
the Atman from its enslavement for it allows the unification with the Universal Essence (Brahman).
− It must be noted that Hindus believe that a righteous life is necessary towards Atman’s union with the
Brahman which will achieved through the Samsara (Reincarnation) for the purpose of purification.
Thus, the moral injunction of Hinduism lies right in the heart of the teachings in the Upanishads.
• UPANISHADS
− Literally means, "sitting down near" or "sitting close to" and implies listening closely to the mystic
doctrines of a guru or a spiritual teacher, who has cognized the fundamental truths of the universe.
− It also means 'Brahma-knowledge' by which ignorance is annihilated.

“When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a
windless place.”
- Vedas

SKILL-BUILDING ACTIVITY: COMPARATIVE MATRIX (30 MINS)

Instructions: Complete the table below by supplying the necessary information regarding the following eastern
philosophies based on the criteria provided on the left.
ISLAM TAOISM HINDUISM

Basic
FASTING DAO BUDDHIST
Assumptions

Proponents PROPHET MUHAMMAD LAO TZU SIDDHARTA GAUTAMA

righteousness, good It disapproves of killing, Buddhists emphasise virtues

Concepts of character, and the body of stealing, lying and such as non-violence and
Morality moral qualities and virtues promiscuity, and promotes compassion and Buddhism
prescribed in Islamic religious altruistic, helpful and kindly counsels us not to do anything

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 to others we would not like
done to ourselves. Despite the
texts behaviour. diversity in the different
strands of Buddhism there is
much common ground.

Examples of
Moral zakat Love and help one another. Atman
Actions

Hindus believe in the

Islam is the religion and way
immortality of the soul, or
of life that teaches
atman. When the physical
wholehearted acceptance of
body dies, the soul
guidance from Allah, the
the taoism Taoism is a legacy reincarnates in a new body.
Arabic word for 'the one and
Personal of Asian civilization and is a Samsara refers to the never-
only true God'. Those who
Insights symbol of balancing nature ending cycle of life, death, and
follow this religion are called
and world rebirth. Karma governs
Muslims. The Arabic word
rebirth: the principle that
islam means the acceptance
every action (physical or
of, and obedience to, the
mental) has a result, similar to
guiding wisdom of Allah.
cause and effect.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING: TABLE COMPLETION (5 MINS)
Instructions: Complete the table below by providing one (1) example to each Eightfold Path in relation to being a
student.
EIGHTFOLD PATH EXAMPLE AS A STUDENT
Right View or Understanding Example: Knowing your goals or dreams.
Right Intention 1. my intention is to help other sick people in the future .
Right Speech 2. I will think twice before I speak so that no one can be harm .
Right Action 3. Abstaining from taking life, abstaining from stealing, abstaining from
sexual intercourse.
Right Livelihood 4. I may work in a department store that sells merchandise made with
exploited labor
Right Effort 5 nextweek I will put some effort to pass all my exam.
Right Mindfulness 6. A student practicing mindfulness in the middle of a school day might,
pause, take a conscious breath, check in with himself, and observe how he is
feeling before he takes a test.
Right Concentration 7. train my brain and focused on my reviewing all my subjects to pass all my
exam .

C. LESSON WRAP-UP

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 THINKING ABOUT LEARNING (5 MINS)
Think About Your learning. Take a few minutes to reflect on the quality of your work and effort.
1. Have you noticed any similarities with these eastern philosophies? Elaborate your answer.
They both contend that humans are born knowing right from wrong and good from bad and just need to be
encouraged to pursue goodness in order to live a satisfying life. Both of these thinkers have had a profound
impact on society through their works.
2. What parts were challenging for you to do? Why do you think was it challenging for you ?
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. What is the importance of religion?
- Religion shapes people morals, customs, beliefs, and behavior. It also provides purpose or direction to
the lives of people (e.g., serving your people and being just to others). Religion also promotes solidarity
for it unifies people through shared rituals and beliefs, and enforcement of norms to maintain
conformity. Lastly, religion provides answers or explanations for the unexplained events and/or
questions such as the origin of man.
2. If Islam is peaceful, then why do some Muslims kill?
- Crimes such as murder should not be attributed to religion. Some criminals are also Christians, Hindus,
among others but we do not attribute their actions to their religion. Muslims do not kill, criminals do.

RUBRICS
ESSAYS

Content is comprehensive, Content is somewhat Content is incomplete and

accurate, and credible. It comprehensive but appears inappropriate. It
demonstrates an in-depth disorganized. It demonstrates a lack of
Content
reflection and analysis of the demonstrates a general reflection and analysis of the
lesson. (3) analysis and minimal lesson. (1)
reflection of the lesson. (2)
There are no/few spelling There are some spelling or There are significant spelling
Mechanics
and/or punctuation errors. (2) punctuation errors. (1) and punctuation errors. (0)

COMPARATIVE MATRIX/TABLE COMPLETION

Output demonstrates the Output is factual but showed Output demonstrates no

learner’s own interpretation little interpretation from the interpretation and expression
and expression of the lesson, learners, and details from the learners, and details
Content somewhat show the concepts
and shows appropriate details has no connection with the
and concepts of the lesson. of the lesson. (2) concepts of the lesson. (1)
(4)
Output is well organized, easy Output is satisfactorily Output is poorly organized
Clarity to understand, and easy to organized but difficult to and very distracting to read
read. (4) understand and read. (2) and understand. (1)

Mechanics There are no/few spelling There are some spelling or There are significant spelling

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 and/or punctuation errors. (2) punctuation errors. (1) and punctuation errors. (0)

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