FILAMER CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Accredited Level IV – ACSCU-ACI
Roxas City, Capiz

GE 8 – ETHICS
First Semester, SY 2021-2022

Name: __________________________________________
Year & Section: ___________________________________
Subject Professor: PROF. JEHIEL C. CAMAN

Module 2
Freedom and Morality

What this module is about

Welcome to Module 2. Read and have fun in learning the following lessons:

Chapter 2: FREEDOM AND MORALITY

Lesson 1: Freedom and Moral Acts
Lesson 2: Culture and Morality
Lesson 3: The Filipino Culture

What you are expected to learn

After going through this module, you should be able to:
1. Explain why only human beings can be ethical;
2. Discuss the meaning of moral acts;
3. Analyze relationships of culture and morality;
4. Put into practice Kant’s definition of freedom and morality.

Chapter 2: FREEDOM AND MORALITY

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INTRODUCTION

R emember that morality deals with the choices that define who we become
and determine our eternal destiny. How we define and use our freedom would clearly
affect these defining choices. In fact, it defines how we make these decisions. Whether
we see our freedom as license to do whatever we want or as a mission to discern and
choose what will make us better peoples and our lives more fulfilled inform the entire
framework in which we make these defining choices. If we are off on how we
understand human freedom, or moral compass is inaccurate from the very start.

If we are to choose among possible goods, the goal would be to choose those
goods that meet the other goals of natural law- making us more human, choosing and
protecting authentic human goodness, being true to our physical and spiritual nature,
and enriching human society. For human freedom to fulfill its purpose, we need to have
not only the ability to choose, but the ability to choose what can do the greatest good for
us as human beings. Put simply, true human freedom is the ability to choose the best
possible good.

Lesson 1: Freedom and Moral Acts

In Kant’s Philosophy, freedom is defined as a concept which is involved in the

moral domain, at the question: what should I do?

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 Kantian freedom is closely linked to the notion of autonomy, which means law
itself: thus, freedom falls obedience to a law that I created myself. It is therefore, respect
its commitment to compliance with oneself.

To act freely is to act autonomously. To act autonomously is to act according to a

law I give myself. Whenever I act according to the laws of nature, demands of social
convention, when I pursue pleasure and comfort, I am not acting freely. To act freely is
not simply choose a means to a given end. To act freely is to choose the end itself, for
its own sake.
This is central to Kant’s notion of freedom. For Kant, acting freely (autonomously)
and acting morally are one and the same thing.

To arrive at a proper understanding of Kant’s notion of moral law and the

connection between morality, freedom and reason, let’s examine these contrasts:

Duty vs Inclination (morality)
Only the motive of duty, acting according
to the law I give myself confess moral
worth to an action. Any other motive
while possibly commendable, cannot
give an action moral worth.
Autonomy vs Heteronomy(freedom)
I am only free when my will is determined
autonomously, governed by the law I give
myself.Being part of nature, I am not exempt from
its laws and I’m inclined or compelled to act
according to those laws (act heteronomously). My
capacity for reason opens another possibility, that of
acting according to laws other than the laws of
nature: the laws I give myself.

Categorical vs Hypothetical Imperatives (reason)

Kant acknowledges two ways in which reason can command the will, two imperatives. Hypothetical imperative
uses instrumental reason: If I want X, I must I do Y. (If I want to stay out of jail, I must be a good citizen and
not rob banks). Hypothetical imperative is always conditional.

If the action would be good solely as a means to something else, the imperative is hypothetical. If the action is
represented as good in itself, and therefore necessary for a will which of itself accords with reason, the
imperative is categorical.

Categorical imperative is non-conditional. “It is concerned not with the matter of the action and its presumed
results, but with its form, and with its form, and with the principle from which it follows.

What is Categorical Imperative?

Here are two main formulations of the Categorical Imperative:

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 1. Act only on that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that is should
become a universal law. “Maxim” is a rule, a principle that gives reason to action.
This is a “universalizing test” that checks whether my action puts my interests
and circumstances ahead of everyone else’s. My action will fail the test if it
results in a contradiction.

Example: I want a loan, but I know I won’t have money to repay it. I’m considering
making a promise I know I can’t keep. Can I make this a universal law, the law that says
“every time one needs a loan and has no money to repay it, one should make a false
promise”? Imagine everyone then acting according to this maxim. We quickly realize
that this would result in negating the whole institution of promise-keeping. We arrive at a
contradiction.

2. “Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or
in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time
as an end.”

For Kant, human existence has in itself as absolute value- it is an end in itself and
the only ground of a possible categorical imperative.

Freedom: The Foundation of Moral Acts

The personal aspect of morality- ethics- is about the cultivation of virtue: the
development of character traits so that choosing the good becomes a matter of habit.
But a person, in order to be truly virtuous, must be free to cultivate the virtues, or not.

There is no virtue in being temperate when you are being forced not to indulge.
There is no virtue in being charitable when someone is forcing you to give up what is
yours. A virtuous man must also be a free man.

Freedom remains essential. Freedom is so precious that God will not override it,
even when we badly misuse that freedom. In other words, we can’t get where we’re
going if we’re not free to walk the road. Having freedom means having responsibility.
Every action you choose further determines our character.

Are animals free? Do they have freedom? What separates human from animals?
Reason (intellect) and will (moral action). Freedom is a power rooted in reason and will,
to act or not to act. Good and evil are forged in freedom. To the degree that a person
reaches higher level of freedom, he becomes capable of higher levels of morality.

Human Acts vs Acts of Humans

Human acts make use of his knowledge and free will. Example: love your
enemy, pray to God, and sacrifice for others. Acts of human do not make use of his

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intellect or will knowledge. His action is natural/ Examples of acts of human are
breathing, blinking and sneezing.

Human acts are free, they are worthy of praise or blame. By constantly doing
good, man grows in freedom. Doing evil leads man into a ‘slavery of sin’- Romans 6:17

Do you know that human history attests that the problems of

man come from man’s abuse of freedom? Freedom does not
give man the right to say and do everything, because man’s
purpose is not his own satisfaction. Deviating from the moral
law violates man’s own freedom and imprisons him within
himself.

The object directly chosen by the will determines the basic morality (good or
bad). The person’s intellect sees this as according to moral standards (good) or not
according to moral standards (evil). The person has an intention which determines the
acts of morality. An intention can guide many acts even a whole lifetime (as loving God).
One act can have a multiply of intentions (Doing a favor to help someone and also to
receive a favor in return).

An act is good when the object, the intention, and the circumstances are all good.
A good act is vitiated by an evil intention like praying in order to be seen as good.
v The person’s intention and the circumstances such as pressure or duress,
cannot change a morally evil act such as murder into a morally good.
We cannot do evil so good will come from it.

Remember:
Whenever man deliberately chooses, he is the ‘father of his acts’. These freely chosen
acts can be morally evaluated as good and evil.
What you will do
Self-Test 2.1

Central to Kant’s notion of freedom is acting freely and acting morally are one
and the same thing. Why? How? Support your answer.
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 Self- Test 2.2

What will happen to us if there is unlimited freedom or the absence of freedom in

our society? Is freedom absolute? Defend your answer.

Lesson 2: Culture and Morality

Culture is derived from the Latin word, “cultura” or “cultus” which means care
or cultivation. Culture as cultivation implies that every human being is a potential
member of his own social group. He is endowed with certain innate qualities to make
use.
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 Anthropologist Edward B. Tylor, an Englishman, developed one of the classic
definitions of culture. He said, “Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge,
belief, law, art, moral, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired as a member
of society”. In other words, culture refers to the totality of the humanly created world,
from material culture and cultivated landscapes, via social institutions (political,
religious, economic etc.), to knowledge and meaning something that human has created
and learned in a society. His theory defines culture in descriptive terms as the “complex
whole” that makes up social ideas and institutions.

On the other hand, sociologists defined culture as the entire way of life followed
be people, and everything learned and shared by people in society. According to Landis
(1992), culture is a complex set of learned and shared beliefs, customs, skills, habits,
traditions, and knowledge common to members of society.

The Influence of Culture in Moral Development

Culturehas been with us since the dawn of human existence. Significant as it is,
a culture considerably shapes its members on how they live and relate within
themselves and with other cultures. (Bretzke, 2004). Culture is a social environment in
which a person is born and wherein he or she lives together with other persons.

Moreover, culture is a person’s social heritage that has been passed from one
generation to the next basically through the relationship that binds the society
together.
At its fundamentals, culture has important characteristics. As I would emphasize,
culture is rooted from the collective “human experience”. Culture is always
transmitted, shared, or acquired through learning. Culture satisfies human needs as
a social being. Culture tends towards the participation of the members of the society.
Culture functions to mold and establish a social identity that brings people as well
to the knowledge of common objectives which members would try to achieve. So to
speak, in a culture there is consistency and systematic patterns of behavior. Culture
imprints the existing moral principles into its members, thus, shapes the character if
its members as well.
Let us particularize how culture influences the moral development of the people.
1. Culture is always social and communal by which the relationship of the people
towards one another and their experience as a people are the culture’s meadow.
Laws and rules and standards of attributes and behaviors are set and
promulgated by the community to promote that relationship that binds them
together as a people.
2. The Culture defines the normative principles and behaviors of the society. It
defines which particular principle and behavior that should be kept that would
serve the best interest of the community.

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 3. Culture as best exemplified in the experience of the people, develops restrictions
and sets boundaries and limitations as they live and relate with one another.

4. As culture helps in generating the character and identity of its people, it also
includes their moral character. Culture conditions the mind- the way people think
and the way they perceive the world and their relationship with one another.

5. The Culture identifies the authorities of the governing individuals or groups. They
are the symbol of guidance and control.

Dynamics of Culture

The cross-cultural relationship is the idea that people from different cultures can
have relationships that acknowledge, respect, and begin to understand each other’s
diverse lives. This cross-cultural relationship provides hope that new opportunities will
be discovered but at the same it is threating. The treat is that once the relationship
occurs, one can no longer claim that any single culture is the absolute truth.
The concept of cultural relativism as we know and use it today was established
as an analytic tool by German-American anthropologist Franz Boas in the early 20 th
century.
Cultural Relativism

Cultural relativism is the ability to understand a culture on its own terms and not
to make judgments using the standards of one’s own culture. The goal of this is promote
understanding of cultural practices that are not typically part of one’s own culture.
Cultural relativism leads to the view that no one culture is superior than another culture
when compared to systems of morality, law, politics, etc. There is no right or wrong
ethical system. Cultural relativismtries to promote the understanding of cultural practices
that are unfamiliar to other cultures such as eating insects, genocides or general cutting
(Leano, 1995).

Cultural relativismis a method or procedure for explaining and interpreting other

people’s culture. It offers anthropologists a means of investigating other societies
without imposing ethnocentric assumptions (Scupin, 2000)
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 Cultural relativismis closely related to ethical relativism, which views truth as
variable and not absolute. What constitutes right and wrong is determined solely by the
individual or by society. Since truth is not objective, there can be no objective standard
which applies to all cultures. No one can say if someone else is right and wrong; it is a
matter of personal opinion, and no society can pass judgment on another’s society
(Ladd, 1973).

Cultural relativismsees nothing inherently wrong and nothing inherently good

with any cultural expression. Marriage practices of Muslims should not be judged based
on the culture of the Roman Catholics is one example. The celebration of fiesta in the
Philippines should not look into by other nation as too much religiosity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultural Relativism

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultural Relativism key points to consider
(Vinttana.org)
Advantages
1. It is a system which promotes cooperation.
2. It creates a society where equality is possible.
3. People can pursue a genuine interest.
4. Respect is encouraged in a system of cultural relativism.
5. It preserves human cultures.
6. Cultural relativism creates a society without judgment.
7. Moral relativism can be excluded from cultural relativism.
8. We can create personal moral codes based on societal standards with ease.
9. It stops cultural conditioning.

Disadvantages
1. It creates a system that is fueled by personal bias.
2. It would create chaos.
3. It is an idea that is based on the perfection of humanity.
4. It could promote a lack of diversity.
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 5. It draws people away from one another.
6. It could limit moral progress.
7. It could limit humanity’s progress.
8. Cultural relativism can turn perceptions into truth.

Lesson 3: The Filipino Customs and Traditions

What is it about the Philippines that makes it different from the rest of the world?
Well, for one thing, it is all about their culture.
“Mano po” is the term used when kissing the hands of elders. Mano is a
Spanish word for “hand” while po is used at the end of the sentence when addressing
elders or superiors. The Filipinos are one of the most hospitable people you may find
anywhere. Filipino hospitality is a trait you can’t take away from them.
1. Having Close Family Ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the
outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have.
2. The Bayanihan- It is the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular
objective. Also describe as a community spirit.
3. Courtship- Serenading or harana in Tagalog is one of the most popular forms of
courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to a woman. A
serenade would require the young man to sing a love song in front of the young
lady’s house.
4. Religion-The Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic nations in
Asia-Pacific. Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better
life and their guidance to face everyday life.
5. Superstition- Come from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that
aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a person refrain from doing
something in particular. Filipinos believe that there is nothing to lose if they will
comply with these beliefs.
6. Marriage and Wedding Customs- Marriage is a sacred union of man and
woman after a period of courtship and engagement. A sacred marriage is a
covenant between two who love each other in God and with God.
7. Death- A death of a relative is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the family. To
pay respect and honor the relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives and
even relatives working abroad are reunited.
The morning and the weeping are still present, but a happy and
welcoming atmosphere would envelop the place. After the death of a person, a
nine-day period of having a novena of prayers and masses offered up to the
deceased is held. “Siyamnaaraw” varies but usually ends the week after the
death. Another is the 40 day mourning period. Family members wear black pin
and a ceremonial mass at the end of 40- period. Common belief state that the
soul goes to Heaven after these 40 days, following the belief that Jesus Christ
ascended to Heaven after the said period of days.
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8. Society- The primary ancestors of Filipinos are Malays who came from the
southeastern Asian country. The Philippines is a combined society, both singular
and plural in form. The nation is divided between Christians, Muslims, and other
religious-ethno-linguistic groups; between urban and rural people; between
upland and lowland people; and between the rich and the poor.
9. Christmas in the Philippines- Considered as one of the biggest holidays in the
archipelago. We earned the distinction of celebrating the world’s longest
Christmas season with Christmas carols heard as early as September until
January 9.
10. Fiestas- Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint. Every
town and city has a fiesta of its own. Celebrations take the form of music,
dancing, feasting, beauty contests, balls, processions, sports challenges or a
host of other events. Spanish influence is evident in the elaborate masks,
makeup, headdresses and customs worn and outfits.
11. Living with Parents- Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than
anything. Adult children living with their parents unlike in the United Sates where
children leave the home after finishing high school.

Characteristics of Filipino Culture

1. The Filipino people are very resilient- In times of calamities, they manage to
rise above the challenge.
2. Filipinos take pride in their families- You are treated as family member
(whether immediate or extended).
3. Filipinos are very religious- You can see images of crosses and other religious
items. They go to church every Sunday.
4. Filipinos are very respectful- ‘Po’ and ‘Opo’ are taught to address elders as a
sign of respect. They have a culture of Pagmamano.
5. Filipinos help one other- ‘Bayanihan’ sytem where Filipinos help one another
without expecting something in return.
6. Filipinos value traditions and culture- Set aside day for celebration like fiestas,
festivals, birthdays, reunions and etc.
7. Filipinos love art and architecture- They love design creatively, to think
intuitively and a passion for anything unique.
8. Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations- Christmas season starts
on September until 2nd week of January.
9. Filipinos are hospitable people- Visitors are treated with the utmost respect.

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Filipino Moral Ideal

Filipinos subscribe to the concept of moral integrity as the ideal ultimately

desirable ideal. Success is measured in terms of moral respectability. ” DI NA BALING
MAHIRAP BASTA’T MAY DANGAL” expresses this noble aspirations.

One who falls short from the general expectation does not deserve respect. In
the mental frame of a Filipino, one who chooses to reduce himself to the level of the
brutes, does not deserve to be in the company of decent people. Thus, such
unfortunate individual is ostracized and dismissed as “ HAYOP”, or “WALANG HIYA”,
implying that only a brute can act so shamelessly

Moral Commitment

Values are not acquired genetically ; they are personally cultivated and lived.
They involve a commitment where one submits himself to the rational demands of his
intellect for truth and the moral demands of the will to abide by what is good.

Commitment implies responsibility. A responsible person is one who can think for
himself and make his own decisions independently of others.

Core Values of the New Filipino

Moral maturity is a process of conversion. It means shedding off the old self and
putting on the new self. For the Filipino, this conversion begins with the fresh view of
human dignity.

The core values are the central to the education and transformation of the
Filipino.

What you will do

Self-Test 2.3

How do you think your community influences your behavior? Discuss your answer.

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 What you will do
Self-Test 2.4

Tylor, an Englishman, developed one of the classis definitions of culture. Explain

the meaning of culture according to Tylor.

Self-Test 2.5

Based on your experience, how does your family differ from other families in your
place. List down these differences .

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 Self-Test 2.6

As a student, how can you contribute to the propagation of Filipino culture? List
down your answers.

What to do after (Posttest)

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choice the letter of the correct answer and write it
down on the space provided in each item.

_______ 1.Making use of his knowledge and free will.

a. Human Acts b. Acts of Human c. Freedom d. All of the above

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_______ 2. Only the act and the intention make an act good or bad.
a. True b. False c. neither of the above d. Sana all

_______ 3. Natural action of human

a. Human Acts b. Acts of Human c. Freedom d. All of the above

_______ 4. True freedom is based on….

a. Reason b. Idea c. Will d. Truth

_______ 5. The following are elements of a good act except…

a. Object b. Intention c. Circumstances d. None of the
Above

_______ 6. For Kant, acting freely (autonomously) and acting morally are…
a. One and the same thing
b. Elements of morality
c. Culture is a power that create something.
d. Art is part of culture.

_______ 7. This is the power rooted un reason and will.

a. Human Acts b. Acts of Man c. Freedom d. Free will

_______ 8.The sum total of human creation.

a. Culture b. Language c. Beliefs d. Values

_______ 9. That culture is created and developed by man implies that it is….
a. Learned b. Shared c. Cumulative d. Dynamic

_______ 10. Culture is cumulative because…

a. It is fixed or static
b. It is continuous
c. It varies from one culture to another
d. It has a tendency to grow and expand.

_______ 11. According to Tylor, culture includes the following except..

a. Laws b. Mores c. Customs d. Nature

_______ 12. Which of the following statements is true of culture?

a. Languages are culture.
b. Archaeologists dig up culture in their excavations.
c. Culture is a powerful tool for survival.
d. All of the above

_______ 13.Who first defined culture as that complex whole?

a. E. B. Tylor b. Tylor Edwards c. Frank Wagnalls d. John Macionis
_______ 14.Culture is…..
a. The same thing as society
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 b. Limited to humans
c. Possessed only by males
d. Sana all
_______ 15. National pride is conceived when nation has common….
a. Feelings b. Aspirations c. Goals d. All of the
above

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