GEC 7 Activity 1 (Preliminary Grading Period - Chapters 1 & 2)

GROUP 3

Chapter 1 Topic 1

Ethics and Morality

The notion that ethics is in a constant state of evolution, adapting to socio-cultural and
political changes, is akin to the ever-changing tides of human morality. Just like
language, it adapts and grows with our society.

The differentiation between the Greek tradition, where ethics was linked to the concept
of a good life, and the Judeo-Christian tradition, emphasizing righteousness before God
and love for fellow beings, highlights the rich tapestry of ethical thought. It's like two
different strokes on the canvas of morality. The distinction drawn between ethics and
morality is like separating theory from practice. Ethics is the philosopher pondering the
grand questions of right and wrong, while morality is the guide, urging us to walk the
path of righteousness.

The duality of normative ethics and metaethics is akin to the yin and yang of ethical
inquiry. Normative ethics prescribes the path we should follow, while meta ethics seeks
to understand the essence of that path. It's like setting the rules and then exploring the
very nature of rules themselves.This is where the rubber meets the road. Applied ethics
is the ethical theory in action. It's like the practical sculptor chiseling away at the marble
to form a beautiful and ethically sound statue. The example of the police officer faced
with the moral dilemma of shooting a terrorist about to harm innocent people is the
ultimate test of ethical principles. It's like a real-life trolley problem, where the values of
different ethical theories collide in the face of a dire situation.

In conclusion, ethics is like a living, breathing entity, adapting to the changing currents
of human existence. It's a philosophical journey through time and space, where we
grapple with the fundamental questions of right and wrong. The discussion's depth and
breadth are a testament to the complexity and richness of this field, making us ponder
and appreciate the intricate tapestry of human morality.

Chapter 1 Topic 2

Moral versus Non-Moral Standard

The culture one adheres to, the demography one dwells in, the people he is with, the
neighbourhood he lives in, and numerous other variables have a significant impact on
one's values or perspective of morality. This suggests that due to the things he grew
aware of, each person has a unique analogy of what is right and wrong as well as what
is good or evil. What is "good" for one person may not be good or pleasing for another,
and what is "bad" for one person may be morally just for one.

What is moral? What is not moral? How is it moral/not moral? Why?

All words have an open texture or a certain indeterminacy of application. As previously

stated, people have different interpretations of what is good and bad depending on their
provenance. The good news is that many individuals from many backgrounds have
agreed upon and have long-standingly followed a collectively developed set of societal
principles that correspond to what is good. This resulted from humanity's understanding
and regard for peace.

Now, morality is said to be the conformity to the established codes and accepted
notions of what is good and right, known as the MORAL STANDARDS. Moral
standards, therefore, are the sum of norms and values which means that they are
desirable actions of a human that we should abide by for us to be morally accepted.
Moral standards deal with what is harmful and beneficial for us, to secure our welfare,
for the animals, and for the environment &/or society. Serious harm such as moral injury
is the damage done to one's conscience or moral compass when that person
perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one's own moral beliefs,
values, or ethical codes of conduct. Benefits may also arise from compliance with moral
standards such as personal integrity and growth, and even peace and order in society.
Some moral standards are taken into consideration whilst drafting laws; in some cases,
they serve as the foundation for the law, which means they take precedence over other
values, especially self-interest. Since it was not established by law, authoritative figures
cannot nullify it. They are fair and reasonable since they are based on fair
considerations. The development of moral standards is also accompanied by a number
of sentiments, including guilt and shame, which help our intrinsic selves, or core, to be
as careful as possible in order to avoid doing what is "bad" and instead do what is better
or good. Moral Standards are projected to be universal since it is believed that humans
have an inherently moral character. It is applicable to all, but as mentioned, what is
good or bad varies across cultures and belief systems. In this sense, its application is to
be considered by people or communities who are in relevantly similar beliefs and
situations.

Moral standards can be violated through various means, such as fraud, unprofessional
conduct, scope-of-practice violations, being unfit to practice, improper patient record
management, violation of state laws, federal laws, or regulatory rules, and immoral
behaviour like lying, cheating, or stealing. These violations can lead to social sanctions,
such as shame or loss of reputation, and individual conscience disturbance. It is crucial
to consider moral standards in ethical decision-making, as they are not always codified
in law but are essential for maintaining a healthy and ethical professional environment.

Non-moral standards, on the other hand, are rules or norms that have nothing to do with
morality or ethical concerns. Rules in games, etiquette guidelines, legal requirements,
aesthetic standards, and dress codes are a few examples. These criteria are only
concerns of taste or desire and do not automatically constitute morality. They may not
always be associated with morality or lack ethical awareness. Non-moral standards
have significance as they give us a framework for assessing things like etiquette,
fashion, and art, which may be vital in interpersonal and cultural contexts. The rules of
games and other activities that are unrelated to moral considerations can also be better
understood with the aid of non-moral standards.

Because they are not founded on the same principles, it is of utmost importance to
know the difference between moral and non-moral standards. It will be easier for us to
comprehend and respect other people's origins and how they carry out their lives in line
with their customs and values if we are aware of the distinction between these two.
Understanding helps us make better decisions, and better decisions help us achieve our
goal of establishing universal harmony and security.

Chapter 1 Topic 3

Ø Moral Dilemmas

We have come to know that moral dilemmas are not just a product of external
environment but also can be due to our very own self. Experiencing a moral dilemma
can be extremely stressful and emotionally challenging. The emotional and
psychological burden of being torn between conflicting values or principles can lead to
significant discomfort and anxiety.

Moral dilemmas can be complex, and there may not always be a single right answer.
Our decisions should be based on our best understanding of the situation, our values,
and the ethical principles involved. It's also important to approach moral dilemmas with
empathy and a commitment to ethical growth and personal development.

This is one of the reasons why we need to fully understand our own individual values
and standards because, in times of deciding what to do, we approach these situations
with empathy and a commitment to making the best decision based on your ethical
reasoning and values.

Chapter 1 Topic 4

Freedom as a Foundation of Ethics

In its broadest sense, freedom refers to the condition of being free from restriction,
oppression, or force. It includes everyone's right to behave or express themselves as
they like, free from unreasonable limitations. The idea of freedom has many facets and
can be viewed from different perspectives, including philosophical, political, social, and
individual ones.

Understanding the extent and constraints of personal liberty within a society framework
is essential to understanding what freedom is. It frequently calls into question how
personal freedom and societal responsibility might coexist, as well as how freedom
should relate to ethics, morality, and the law. A variety of philosophical and political
viewpoints offer various interpretations of freedom, focusing on elements like free will,
autonomy, choice, and the lack of outside pressure. The depths of determinism, moral
responsibility, and the influence of societal systems on personal agency are frequently
covered in these talks.

Therefore, freedom can serve as a foundational principle for ethics as it allows

individuals to make choices based on their own values and beliefs. It enables people to
take responsibility for their actions, fostering a sense of accountability and self-
determination. However, it's crucial to balance this freedom with the understanding that
one's actions should not infringe upon the rights or well-being of others, emphasizing
the importance of ethical boundaries and considerations of societal impact.
Sources:

Sources:

 Admin. 2023. “Moral Standard versus Non-Moral Standard - PHILO-Notes.” PHILO. April 7.
https://philonotes.com/2022/05/moral-standard-versus-non-moral-standard.

 Van Bavel, Jay J, Dominic J Packer, Ingrid Johnsen Haas, and William A Cunningham. 2023. “The Importance of Moral
Construal: Moral versus Non-Moral Construal Elicits Faster, More Extreme, Universal Evaluations of the Same Actions.” PloS
One. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed October 13.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509100/.Quoidbach, Jordi. 2021. “Selective Morality: How Social Context
Affects Moral Values.” Esade. Esade Do Better. June 17. https://dobetter.esade.edu/en/selective-moral-values.

 What Are Moral Dilemmas? (See link below for more video lectures on Ethics) - YouTube