What I learn : Ethics

Tuesday, 4 July 2023 7:14 am

Coverage topics:
-Moral Principle & its Characteristics
-Human Act & Act of Man
-Voluntariness
-Determinants of Morality
-Square of Moral Evaluation & Decision
-Why do you need to study ethics
-Moral & Non-Moral standards
-Moral Dilemma
-Freedom
-How culture shape human behavior
-Cultural Relativism
-Universal Values
-The Filipino Way
-How is moral character Dev
-Stages of Moral Dev

Moral Principle & its Characteristics: Examples that I come up

Moral principles are fundamental guidelines or rules that prescribe how
individuals should behave or act in certain situations.
Characteristics of moral principles include:
Prescriptivity: They provide guidance and instructions on what actions
are right or wrong.
Impartiality: They treat all individuals equally, without favoritism or
discrimination.
Overridingness: They take precedence over other considerations when
determining the right course of action.
1. Moral Principle & its Characteristics:
Example: "Honesty is the best policy." This moral principle
prescribes that telling the truth is morally right and should be
followed in all situations.
2. Human Act & Act of Man:
Example: Choosing to help a person in need is a human act
because it involves a conscious decision made with knowledge
and free will. On the other hand, shivering when it's cold is an
act of man, as it is an automatic physiological response and not a
deliberate choice.

Autonomy from arbitrary authority: They are independent and not
subject to the whims of arbitrary figures.
Publicity: They are open to public scrutiny and can be collectively
discussed and evaluated.
3. Voluntariness:
Example: Donating money to a charity out of genuine
compassion and willingness is an act of perfect voluntariness. In
contrast, donating money under pressure or coercion would be
an act of imperfect voluntariness.

Practicability: They should be applicable and achievable in real-life 4. Determinants of Morality:

situations. Example: A person raised in a culture that values honesty and
integrity is more likely to consider truthfulness as a crucial moral
principle and incorporate it into their decision-making.
Human Act & Act of Man:
Human Act:
5. Square of Moral Evaluation & Decision:
Refers to actions that are intentionally performed with knowledge,
Example: Consider a situation where a person finds a lost wallet.
freedom, and moral responsibility. They involve conscious choice and
Legally, they could keep the money inside, but morally, they
deliberate decision-making.
know it's wrong. Evaluating the legality, morality, responsibility,
Act of Man:
and ethicality helps them decide to return the wallet to its
Refers to actions that are instinctive, automatic, or lacking conscious
rightful owner.
deliberation. These actions do not involve free will or moral
responsibility.
6. Why do you need to study ethics:
Example: A business professional facing an ethical dilemma
Voluntariness: related to product safety must study ethics to make an informed
→ Voluntariness refers to the presence of free will and conscious decision that aligns with ethical principles, even if it impacts the
choice in an action. company's profits.

→ It is a key aspect in determining moral responsibility. 7. Moral & Non-Moral Standards:

→ Actions can fall into different categories of voluntariness, such as
perfect voluntariness, imperfect voluntariness, involuntary, or non-
voluntary, depending on the degree of freedom and intention
involved.
Determinants of Morality:
 The determinants of morality are factors that influence an
individual's moral decisions and behavior.
They can include:
Cultural norms and values:
The moral standards and beliefs of a particular culture or society.
Example: Safety regulations in a workplace are non-moral
standards that ensure employees' well-being, while the principle
of not causing harm intentionally is a moral standard.
8. Moral Dilemma:
Example: A doctor facing a moral dilemma may have to choose
between preserving a patient's confidentiality and disclosing
information to protect a third party at risk.
9. Freedom:
Example: A person freely chooses to volunteer at a local shelter
because they genuinely care about helping others,
demonstrating the relationship between freedom and moral
responsibility.

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 individual's moral decisions and behavior.
They can include:
Cultural norms and values:
The moral standards and beliefs of a particular culture or society.
Personal beliefs and upbringing:
The individual's own moral beliefs and the values instilled during their
upbringing.
Social influences:
Peer pressure, societal expectations, and the influence of significant
others.
Rational thinking and ethical considerations:
Logical reasoning, ethical theories, and principles that guide moral
decision-making.
Emotional responses and empathy: Compassion, empathy, and
emotional reactions that impact moral judgments.
Square of Moral Evaluation & Decision:
 The square of moral evaluation and decision is a framework for
assessing the moral dimensions of an action.
It consists of four aspects:
Legality:
Examines whether the action is legal or violates any laws or regulations.
Morality:
Considers whether the action aligns with moral principles and ethical
standards.
Responsibility:
Evaluates whether the actor can be held morally accountable for the
action.
9. Freedom:
Example: A person freely chooses to volunteer at a local shelter
because they genuinely care about helping others,
demonstrating the relationship between freedom and moral
responsibility.
10. How Culture Shapes Human Behavior:
Example: In some cultures, showing respect to elders is
considered a moral duty and is ingrained in daily behavior,
whereas in others, individual achievements may be more
emphasized.
11. Cultural Relativism:
Example: Cultural relativism suggests that practices like arranged
marriages should be evaluated within the cultural context where
they occur rather than applying universal judgments.
12. Universal Values:
Example: The concept of human rights, emphasizing
fundamental freedoms and dignity for all individuals, is based on
universal values that transcend cultural boundaries.
13. The Filipino Way:
Example: The concept of "bayanihan" in Filipino culture
exemplifies cooperation and communal spirit, where neighbors
come together to help someone in need, such as assisting in
moving houses.
14. How Moral Character Develops:
Example: A child who is consistently taught the value of sharing
and experiences positive reinforcement when sharing with
others is more likely to develop a generous and empathetic
moral character.

Ethicality: 15. Stages of Moral Development:

Explores whether the action conforms to ethical guidelines and Example: At the pre-conventional level, a child might avoid
principles. stealing a toy from their friend to avoid punishment. At the post-
conventional level, an individual may refrain from stealing
because they recognize the value of respecting others' property
Why do you need to study ethics: rights.
→ Studying ethics is crucial for several reasons:
→ Ethical decision-making: It provides a framework for analyzing and
making ethical choices in various personal and professional
contexts.
→ Moral Reasoning: It enhances critical thinking skills and the ability
to evaluate complex moral issues.
→ Personal growth: It helps develop moral character, empathy, and a
deeper understanding of oneself and others.
→ Professional Conduct: It guides ethical behavior in professions that
involve moral responsibilities, such as medicine, law, and business.
→ Social impact: It contributes to a more just and compassionate
society by promoting ethical awareness and responsible citizenship.

Moral & Non-Moral Standards:

 Moral standards
refer to principles and rules that pertain to ethical matters, guiding
human behavior based on notions of right and wrong.

 Non-moral standards
are guidelines or criteria that are unrelated to ethical
considerations, such as technical standards or social conventions.

Moral Dilemma:
 A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person is faced with a
difficult choice between two or more morally conflicting options.
Each option presents potential benefits or harms, and there is no
clear or easy solution.

 Moral dilemmas often involve conflicting moral principles, values,

or duties, making it challenging to determine the right course of

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 or duties, making it challenging to determine the right course of
action.

 Resolving moral dilemmas requires careful ethical deliberation,

considering the consequences, ethical principles, and the potential
impact on all parties involved.

Freedom:
 Freedom refers to the capacity to act and make choices without
undue external constraints or coercion.
 In ethics, freedom is essential because it is closely linked to moral
responsibility.
 Moral actions are often associated with free and voluntary choices
made by individuals based on their own values, principles, and
understanding.

How Culture Shapes Human Behavior:

 Culture plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and
moral values.
 Cultural norms, beliefs, and practices influence how individuals
perceive and interpret ethical situations.
 Culture provides a framework that shapes individuals' moral
reasoning, judgments, and behaviors.
 Cultural factors such as language, religion, customs, and social
norms can significantly impact moral decision-making and ethical
standards within a society.

Cultural Relativism:
 Cultural relativism is the viewpoint that ethical standards and moral
values are culturally determined.
 According to cultural relativism, there is no universal or objective
moral truth, and moral judgments should be based on the specific
cultural context.
 This perspective recognizes the diversity of moral codes across
different cultures and emphasizes the importance of understanding
and respecting cultural differences when evaluating moral actions.

Universal Values:
 Universal values are ethical principles or moral norms that are
considered to hold true for all human beings, irrespective of
cultural, social, or individual differences.
 Examples of universal values include respect for human dignity,
fairness, justice, honesty, compassion, and non-violence.
 Universal values provide a foundation for ethical discussions,
human rights frameworks, and the promotion of shared ethical
standards across diverse cultures.

The Filipino Way:

 The Filipino Way refers to the unique cultural values, customs, and
practices prevalent in Filipino society.
 It encompasses values such as hospitality, strong family ties, respect
for elders, communal spirit, and cooperation.
 The Filipino Way emphasizes collective identity, harmonious
relationships, and the well-being of the community over individual
interests.
 It influences various aspects of life, including decision-making, social
interactions, and interpersonal relationships.

How Moral Character Develops:

 Moral character develops through a combination of innate traits,
environmental influences, and individual choices.
 Upbringing and early experiences play a crucial role in shaping
moral character, as parents, caregivers, and educational institutions
impart values and teach moral principles.
 Role models and mentors who exemplify moral behavior can inspire
and guide the development of moral character.

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 and guide the development of moral character.
 Moral education, both formal and informal, provides opportunities
for individuals to reflect on ethical issues, develop moral reasoning
skills, and cultivate virtues.
 Personal experiences, moral dilemmas, and making ethical choices
contribute to the growth and development of moral character.

Stages of Moral Development:

 Moral development refers to the progressive growth of an
individual's understanding and application of moral principles.
Kohlberg's theory of moral development suggests several stages:
Pre-conventional level:
Characterized by a focus on self-interest and obedience to avoid
punishment.

Conventional level:
Emphasizing conformity to social norms and seeking approval from
others.

Post-conventional level:
 Guided by internalized moral principles, universal ethical values,
and a sense of justice.
 The stages of moral development provide insights into how
individuals' moral reasoning evolves over time, influencing their
ethical judgments and behavior.

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