FEEth – A.Y.

23-24
Bulacan State University
College of Social Science and Philosophy
FINAL EXAMINATION
ETHICS 101
A.Y. 2023-2024

Name: Aguilar, Aubrey Yzabella D. Date: 11/26/2023

PHILOSOPHY: A Wisdom to be Lived and Fulfilled

Philosophy isn't only about thoughts; it's also about what our feelings desire. Our hearts guide
us, but our minds keep things in check. The whispers of our hearts are powerful and unstoppable,
driving us in ways we can't resist. Yet, our minds step in to balance these emotions, preventing us
from being overwhelmed by what we feel.

Understanding morality can be pretty tricky. You might get the idea of it, but when folks
actually put it into action, it's hard to know if they're being genuinely good or if they're just aiming for
their own gain. Figuring out what's truly right and wrong can feel like a puzzle, especially when you're
faced with tough situations that make you question where the line is drawn. Taking an ethics class
has really given me a chance to dig deep into the philosophy behind morality itself. It's like trying to
untangle a knot to see what really makes actions moral or not.

In my own understanding, moral standards are rules about what's good or bad, right or wrong.
They're like a guide that helps us decide how to behave towards others and ourselves. These
standards often come from things like our families, communities, and personal beliefs. For example,
sharing with others or being honest are usually seen as good moral standards. They're about being
fair, kind, and respecting others' feelings. On the other hand, non-moral standards are more about
personal preferences or societal norms that aren't about what's right or wrong. These are like the way
we prefer certain foods or clothes. They're not about being good or bad people, but rather about
choices that don't involve moral judgments. For instance, liking a specific type of music or preferring a
certain color shirt are non-moral standards. They're just things we like or do without it being linked to
morals.

In our class, we dove into the topic of Filipino values and beliefs, something we already had
some understanding of. But it's crucial to openly talk about these traditions together. Some of these
Filipino beliefs might seem strange or illogical, and the movie "Ded na si Lolo" really shed light on the
culture I've been a part of. Even if it doesn't fully click for me, it's simply part of Filipino culture. These
beliefs were passed down through generations, shaping how they see the world. Understanding
these customs is like unlocking the secrets of their existence and how they relate to everything
around them.

The moral reasoning process involves 8 steps, which I didn't know about before. These steps
could be used in court to judge someone's ethics before giving a sentence. My favorite memory from
the class was when I explained these steps with an example to help my classmates understand
better. The process, outlined in "The Act," starts with gathering facts, defining ethical issues, checking
ethical guidelines, obtain consultation, list alternative course of action, compare the alternatives with
the principles, weigh the consequences, and finally make a decision. However, it's important to note
that this method doesn't always guarantee the best decision. So, it's crucial to think about whether the
action will benefit others or not.

I never knew Immanuel Kant has a wide philosophy when it comes to ethics. According to
Kant, a human person is an autonomous self-regulator who is capable of making their own moral
decisions. His understandings and philosophy broaden the definition of ethics. He thought deeply
about what's right and said people can think and decide what's good or bad. Kant believed we're
naturally able to solve moral problems alone, making us responsible for our actions. His ideas make
ethics about how we think for ourselves and use logic to make good choices.

Deontologism is a way of thinking about what's right and wrong based on rules and duties. It
says certain actions are good or bad, no matter the outcome. Instead of looking at the results,
deontologism focuses on following moral rules and doing our duty, like telling the truth or helping
others, because they're the right things to do, not just because they lead to something good.

The categorical imperative is basically a moral rule that says you should act in a way that you'd
be cool with everyone doing the same thing in the same situation. It's like a golden rule for making
decisions: if everyone followed it, things would be better for everyone. Kant thought this rule could
help us figure out what's right or wrong in any situation.

Utilitarianism says the best thing to do is what makes the most happiness for the most people.
It's about making choices that create the most joy and least pain for everyone involved. This idea
looks at the consequences of actions to decide what's right or wrong. So, according to utilitarianism,
the best action is the one that brings the most happiness to the greatest number of people.

Applying the insights from philosophy and ethics can profoundly impact how we navigate our
lives. Firstly, understanding the relationship between emotions and rationality can guide decision-
making. Recognizing moral standards as guidelines stemming from personal beliefs and societal
influences helps in discerning right from wrong, nurturing fair and respectful behavior. Also, delving
into cultural beliefs, even if they seem unfamiliar, enables a deeper comprehension of different
perspectives and traditions, enhancing empathy and understanding in diverse contexts. The ethical
reasoning process, exemplified through steps and philosophies like Kant's deontologism or
utilitarianism, provides a structured approach to making sound decisions while considering broader
consequences.

In exploring ethics and philosophy, I've come to realize that our hearts and minds play a
unique role in guiding our actions. While our emotions propel us, our rationality keeps us balanced.
delving into ethics has illuminated the distinction between moral and non-moral standards, guiding us
in understanding the principles that shape our conduct towards others and ourselves. Ethics, then,
becomes not just a philosophical discourse but a practical guide in navigating the complexities of
human behavior and moral decision-making. Through this, we will attain happiness or in ethical
terms, the good life.