Module 3

Ethics as Values Education

Ethics relies solely on human reason to investigate truths. Ethics takes the form of Value
Education. A value is something a person prizes, cherishes and esteems as important to him. The
aim of Value Education is to guide the individual in choosing wisely his values and in acting
upon them.

Man is a person who possesses an intellect (insight) and will (volition). Person is considered as
self or ego which implies self-sufficiency of the person and implies worth or value.

The first and most fundamental of the values is self.

Values

"Values" is the term given to those ideas, behaviors, and actions that are important to us.
- Values are those things worth fighting for and those things worth sacrificing for.
- They're what we hold most dear.
- Values form the basis for our understanding of ethics.

Within society, we have personal values and societal values. Our personal values are ours alone
and are informed by our upbringing, cultural and ethnic background, religious beliefs and
personal experiences Because personal values are unique to each individual. they are not a
proper platform on which to base professional ethics though they may inform how we view
appreciate and approach ethical behavior

It comes from the Latin word "valere" which means "to be strong or to be worth"

In ethics, value denotes the degree of importance of some thing or action with the aim of
determining what actions are best to do or what way is best to live (normative ethics), or to
describe the significance of different actions. Value systems are proscriptive and prescriptive
beliefs, they affect ethical behavior of a person or are the basis of their intentional activities.
Often primary values are strong and secondary values are suitable for changes. What makes an
action valuable may in turn depend on the ethical values of the objects it increases, decreases or
alters. An object with "ethic value" may be termed an "ethic or philosophic good" (noun sense)

Societal Values
✓ Integrity
✓ Honesty
✓ Hard work
✓ Kindness
✓ Compassion
✓ Empathy
✓ Sympathy
✓ Justice
✓ Bravery

1. Integrity-the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral
uprightness.

2. Honesty-Honesty is when you speak the truth and act truthfully. Many children think
honesty means you "don't tell a lie- and that is definitely part of being honest. But
honesty means more than not lying. A more complete definition of honesty shows that an
honest person doesn't do things that are morally wrong.

3. Hard work a great deal of effort or endurance Working intelligently and vigorously at a
given task to complete it maximum efficiency.

4. Kindness - Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and

considerate Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are
associated with kindness.
 5. Compassion sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or
emotional pains of another and themselves.

6. Empathy the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

7. Sympathy is a shared feeling, usually of sorrow. pity or compassion for another person.
You show concern for another person when you feel sympathy for them.

The differences between the most commonly used meanings of these two terms is

Sympathy is feeling compassion, sorrow, or pity for the hardships that another person
encounters. Empathy is putting yourself in the shoes of another, which is why actors often
talk about it

8. Justice is the morally fair and right state of everything. To have justice as a person's
character trait means that they are just and treat everyone the same or how they would
like to be treated.

9. Formal justice is the impartial. consistent and strict application of established rules or
laws, material justice concerns the justice or injustice of the content of rules or laws. Now
formal justice can be defined as treating persons in accordance with their rights, where
the question of what a person's rights are.

10. Bravery the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger
fear or difficulty courageous behavior or character.

Personal Values

Personal values evolve from circumstances with the external world and can change over time
Integrity in the application of values refers to its continuity persons have integrity if they apply
their values appropriately regardless of arguments or negative reinforcement from others Values
are applied appropriately when they are applied in the right area.

For example, it would be appropriate to apply religious values in times of happiness as well as in
times of despair.

Personal values are implicitly related to choice; they guide decisions by allowing for an
individual's choices to be compared to each choice's associated values.

Personal values developed early in life may be resistant to change They may be derived from
those of particular groups or systems, such as culture, religion, and political party. However,
personal values are not universal, one's genes, family, nation and historical environment help
determine one's personal values. This is not to say that the value concepts themselves are not
universal, merely that each individual possesses a unique conception of them.

Types of values

Values tend to influence attitudes and behavior and these types include

1 Ethical/moral values
2. Doctrinal/ideological (political, religious) values
3. Social values
4. Aesthetic values

1. Ethical/moral values - A person who knows the difference between right and wrong and
chooses right is moral. A person whose morality is reflected in his willingness to do the
right thing - even if it is hard or dangerous - is ethical. Ethics are moral values in action.

2. Doctrinal/ideological values
Doctrine (from Latin doctrina, meaning "teaching", "instruction" or "doctrine") is a
codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as
the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system.
 Ideological - is an adjective that describes political, cultural, or religious beliefs. An
ideology is a body of ideas, and those who agree with the main idea of something take an
ideological stand to support it.

3. Social values are a set of moral principles defined by society dynamics, institutions,
traditions and cultural beliefs.

4. Aesthetic values - Aesthetic value is the value that an object, event or state of affairs
(most paradigmatically an art work or the natural environment) possesses in virtue of its
capacity to elicit pleasure (positive value) or displeasure (negative value) when
appreciated or experienced aesthetically.

Kinds of Values-According to the level of human life to which they correspond

1 Biological Values
2 Social Values
3 Rational Values

1. Biological Values - necessary to the physical survival of man as an organism

 Life and health

 Food and shelter
 Work

2. Social Values-necessary to the sensual needs and fulfillment

 Leisure and Sex

 Marriage
 Family and Home
 Parental Authority
 Education

3. Rational Values - necessary to the functions and fulfillment of intellect and will

 Understanding and Control of Nature

 Guide and Control of Oneself
 Solidarity
 Parental Authority with Fellowmen
 Religion

Characteristics of Moral Values

1. Moral Values are goods having intrinsic qualities desirability

2. Moral Values are universal - they appeal to man as man and to man as a specific
individual
3. Moral Values are obligatory- they come as natural duty because possession of them is
expected as an Integral quality to man as rational creature directed by natural powers
towards truth, beauty and goodness.

VIRTUE

The ancient Romans used the Latin word virtus (derived from vir, their word for man) to refer to
all of the "excellent qualities of men, including physical strength, valorous conduct, and moral
rectitude"
The French words vertu and virtu came from this Latin root. In the 13th century, the word virtue
was <borrowed into English>>

Virtue (Latin virtus, Ancient Greek aperη «arete») is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or
quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and
good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting collective and
individual greatness.
Four moral virtues according to scholastic philosophy

1. Prudence - treats how you handle yourself

2. Justice treats your interactions with other people
3. Fortitude/courage treats your aversion
4. Temperance/moderation treats your desire

Aristotle’s Cardinal Virtues and Their Subdivision

Subjective Potential Integral parts

PRUDENCE – - In Self- - Ability in - Memory
Habit of choosing Direction command - Docility
right means to - In domestic - Ability in - Sagacity
achieve worthy ends behavior execution - Valuation
- In public - Reasoning
affairs - Inventiveness
- Foresight
- Circumspection
- Caution
JUSTICE – - Commutative - Religion - Give rights to
habit of rendering justice - Piety to others
the other his/her - Distributive parents - Avoid injury to
rights justice - Obedience others
- Legal justice - Respect to
superiors
- Liberality
- Fidelity
- Friendliness
- Gratitude
- Patriotism
TEMPERANCE – - Frugality - Continence - Sense of shame
habit of moderation - Abstinence - Meekness - Sense of
in use of pleasurable - Sobriety - Clemency propriety
things - Chastity - Humility - Calmness
- Modesty - Self-respect
- Dignity - Studiousness
- Good temper - Good
manners
- Proper dress
FORTITUDE - - None - Same as About actions;
habit of restraining integrals magnanimity
fear or moderation - Magnificence
of rash behavior in - Munificence
the face of danger or About Bearing:
difficulty - Patience
- Perseverance

1. Subjective Parts - sub-categories of the virtues that are distinct from each other
2. Potential Parts- Virtues related to the cardinal virtues but are not a complete expression of the
cardinal virtue
3. Integral Parts- Conditions and actions that are necessary to perfect the virtue as a habit

Aristotle's ethics is an inquiry into how humans should live in order to achieve the highest good.
eudiamonia in Greek. This term is often translated as 'happiness but can also mean flourishing.
Humans seek this highest good, this flourishing. in accordance with human nature, which, for
Aristotle is set apart by rationality.

Aristotle describes virtue as a habit, a tendency of character to act in accordance with practical
reason toward worthy ends.
1- Prudence

It is characterized by "being careful about one's choices, not taking undue risks, and not saying
or doing things that might later be regretted. Prudence's roots date back to Aristotle's writings on
practical wisdom, in which he hails it as a crucial linking virtue.

Prudence is described as an intellectual habit (virtue) enabling the person to deliberate properly
in order to choose the virtuous course, the right means of action in any here and now situation.
As such, it is primary over the other cardinal virtues. Its integral parts all relate to cognitive
activities related to making good choices.

Currently, prudence is usually used in reference to financial or political situations, but to

psychologists prudence's meaning extends much further According to Peterson and Seligman
(2004). "Individuals with this strength have the following attributes.

1. They take a foresighted stance toward their personal future, thinking and caring about it,
planning for it, and holding long-term goals and aspirations
2.They are skilled at resisting self-defeating impulses and at persisting in beneficial activities that
lack immediate appeal.
3. They show a style of thinking about everyday life choices that is reflective, deliberate, and
practical.
4. They harmonize the multiple goals and interests that motivate them, forming these into a
stable, coherent. and un-conflicted form of life

II - Justice

It is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law natural law, religion fairness,
or equity along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics

According to most theories of justice, it is overwhelmingly important. [John Rawls] claims that
"Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought " Justice can be
thought of as distinct from and more fundamental than benevolence charity. mercy, generosity or
compassion.

Variations of justice

1.Utilitarianism

It is a form of consequentialism, where punishment is forward-looking. Justified by the ability to

achieve future social benefits resulting in crime reduction, the moral worth of an action is
determined by its outcome.

2. Retributive Justice

It regulates proportionate response to crime proven by lawful evidence, so that punishment is

justly imposed and considered as morally correct and fully deserved.

3. Restorative Justice

It is concerned not so much with retribution and punishment as with (a) making the victim whole
and (b) reintegrating the offender into society. This approach frequently brings an offender and a
victim together, so that the offender can better understand the effect his/ her offense had on the
victim

4. Distributive Justice

It is directed at the proper allocation of things-wealth power, reward, respect among different
people

5. Oppressive Law
Exercises an authoritarian approach to legislation that is "totally unrelated to justice" a tyrannical
interpretation of law is one in which the population lives under restriction from unlawful
legislation
III - Fortitude

Enables a person to stand firm against and endure the hardships of life, to restrain fear, or to
moderate fear in the face of danger all done in accordance with reason

Fortitude is commonly called courage, but it is different from what much of what we think of as
courage today. Fortitude is always reasoned and reasonable, the person exercising fortitude is
willing to put himself in danger if necessary, but he does not seek danger for danger's sake

IV-Temperance

(Sophrosyne) in Greek is defined as "moderation in action. thought, or feeling, restraint." It is the

habit of moderation in the use of pleasurable things.

Temperance is generally defined by control over excess, so that it has many classes, such as
abstinence, chastity. modesty, humility. prudence, self-regulation, and forgiveness and mercy
each of these involves restraining some impulse. such as sexual desire, vanity, or anger

Other Values

1. Religious Values - pertain to man's relationship with God, guiding and regulating his
communion with Him.
2. Cultural Values - pertain to man's relationship sharing with others in a given community of
persons, shaping their spiritual kinship. and directing their attention to definite ideals of
behavior.
3. Social Values - pertain to the relationship necessary in the promotion of human society as a
whole, integrating the motivation and interests of members towards the common objective or
goal

Hierarchy of Values

- It refers to the order of values from the lowest to the highest in importance

Choosing our Values

Guides in our preference to choose values.

1. Permanent or lasting values must be preferred over temporary values.

2. Values favored by greater number of people must be preferred over those that appeal only to
the few.
3. Values that are essential must be preferred over those that are accidental
4. Values that give greater satisfaction must be preferred over those that provide short-lived
pleasures

The Highest Value - GOD

Summum bonum is a Latin expression meaning «<the highest good»> which was introduced by
the Roman philosopher Cicero, to correspond to the Idea of the Good in ancient Greek
philosophy.

The term was used in medieval philosophy.

- In the Thomist synthesis of Aristotelianism and Christianity, the highest good is usually
defined as the life of the righteous and/or the life led in communion with God and
according to God's precepts.
- In Kantianism, it was used to describe the ultimate importance. the singular and
overriding end which human beings ought to pursue.

He is the Summum Bonum, the ultimate and absolute good that will fulfill all human desires.
God is the ultimate end of human life. God is not only the Alpha and the Omega of the created
universe, he is the preserver of values.
Benefits of Knowing God

I-Eternal Life/Quality of Life

The first benefit is eternal life Eternal life is not primarily about length of life, for everybody will
live eternally in one of two places It is also about quality of life. This means the more we know
God and the more we understand and build a relationship with him, the more our quality of life
increases We start to live life the way it was meant to be lived.

Il-Proper Evaluation of Humanity

There is something else that happens when we encounter God. We begin to rightly evaluate
ourselves and others. Studying God is like looking at a mirror We see our faults, our problems,
and maybe even our virtues. This happens in order that we may be changed.

III-Knowing God Reveals Our Sin

Many people have a tendency to wrongly evaluate themselves because they judge themselves by
looking at other people am really smart in comparison with him. am really beautiful In
comparison with her I am really holy in comparison with those people. Pride exists because
people are looking at the wrong person. They are looking at themselves or one another instead of
God. Pride would be eliminated if people had a proper relationship with God Knowing God not
only helps us evaluate ourselves but also others. As our society turns farther away from God, the
more it will be common for man to praise evil and hate good.

IV-Knowing God Helps Us Give Value to Humanity

When we look at our society and see the killing of innocent babies, sex trafficking, the growing
murder rates and suicide rates around the world, we should realize this is happening because
people don't know God and can't properly value human life. Man is made in the image of God,
and therefore, has value I have value because in some way or another even though I sin, I bear
the image of God. Having God as my maker and having been created in his likeness, gives me
innate value Humanity has value.

V - Proper Evaluation of Morality

The next benefit of knowing God is a proper evaluation of morality. We have hinted at this
already in looking at humanity but a proper understanding of God also affects how we evaluate
morality-what is right and wrong. We see varying lifestyles in society based on our
understanding of God.

When society starts to deny God, they will become an unwise incompetent, and loveless society.
Without proper thinking proper decision making, and proper love, the whole value system of
society will be fractured

VI- Not Knowing God Leads to Approval of Sin

When you look at society and see the movies, the media, am the people that are elevated or put
on pedestals, it is a picture of the result of not knowing God.

Society says sex before marriage is right, homosexuality is right, pornography is right, the
murder of the innocent is right, drug and alcohol abuse is right, and the worship of the biblical
God and the practice of biblical values is wrong, and often met with persecution.

The knowledge of God is necessary to help us properly evaluate morality-what is right and
wrong. We must study. God to properly calibrate our hearts and minds.

VII-Peace and Security

Therefore, the proverb means that those who "know God and his characteristics" will find safety,
security, and peace. When others are afraid and fearful at events in life, God keeps those who
know him at peace and protects them.

VIII- Increased Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Next, when Solomon says, the knowledge of
the Holy One is understanding. he probably is just using Hebrew parallelism to say the same
thing. To fear the Lord means to know the Holy One, and to receive wisdom is the same as
understanding. Solomon is using a parallel statement for emphasis.

IX - Multiplication of Blessings

Peter says the knowledge of God leads to "multiplied" blessings. It is through the knowledge of
God that grace, peace, and power are multiplied to believers.

X-Multiplied Grace

The first multiplied blessing he names is "grace," which means unmerited favor

XI-Multiplied Peace

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord"
(emphasis mine). In the Bible there are two kinds of peace. There is peace with God that we
receive by accepting Christ as Lord and Savior

XII-Multiplied Power

Finally, we also receive power. Being in God's presence and knowing him brings a certain
amount of power in the life of the seeker. Peter says the person who knows God receives power
to be godly.

XIII-A Worthy and Pleasing Life

The next benefit of knowing God is a worthy and pleasing life

Christians who offer God "everything plus" are people who are "pleasing" to God He enjoys
them and rejoices over them with songs. That is what happens when a person really knows God:
they start to demonstrate God's worth in varying ways.

XIV Fruitfulness

The next benefit of knowing God is a fruitful life And we pray this in order that you may live a
life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way

"bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God"

XV - Endurance, Patience, Joy, and Thanksgiving

Endurance
Endurance means "to bear up under a heavy weight. Through knowing God, we receive power to
endure a hard life situation. God gives us grace to persevere through trials

Patience
What is the difference between endurance and patience? It seems that the difference between
patience and endurance is the fact that patience primarily has to do with people. God gives us
power to endure difficult people without retaliation.

Joy
Joy is an inward attitude that has nothing to do with circumstances, but is based on one's
relationship with God. A person that is growing in the knowledge of God can go through
difficult situations with joy.

Thanksgiving
Finally we see that thanksgiving is also a result of knowing God Thanksgiving is the outward
expression of this internal joy in all circumstances We saw this perfectly modeled by Job as he
thanked God even in the midst of his trials This was a man "filled with the knowledge of God's
will.