MIDTERM REVIEWER

CHAPTER 1 PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS, AND STANDARDS OF MORALITY

Philosophy came from 2 Greek words:

1. Philos - Love
2. Sophia - Wisdom

Therefore, Philosophy is the Love of Wisdom (in its etymological meaning).

Philosophy is the science of beings in their ultimate reasons, causes, and principles, acquired by the aid
of human reason alone:

Branches of Philosophy

1. EPISTEMOLOGY is the study of knowledge and how to know.

2. LOGIC is the study of principles and methods for attaining correct and valid reasoning.
3. AESTHETICS is the philosophical study of beauty.
4. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY is the study of governments, justice, and the rights and obligations
of every citizen
5. PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON is the philosophical study of the mysteries of the
human person.
6. METAPHYSICS is the study of reality and existence
7. THEOLOGY is the philosophical study of God or BEING in its highest form.

Ethics is the general study of moral life.

ETHICUS means conduct or behavior.

Branches of Ethics

1. APPLIED ETHICS is the branch of Ethics that attempts to shed light on the basic ideas,
concepts, and assumptions that underlie our moral beliefs and judgments.
2. METAETHICS ETHICS is the branch of Ethics that attempts to shed light on the basic ideas,
concepts, and assumptions that underlie our moral beliefs and judgments.
3. NORMATIVE ETHICS is the branch of Ethics that attempts to identify the best moral values.

 ETHICS AND PSYCHOLOGY deals with the study of man, human nature, and human
behavior.

STANDARDS OF MORALITY

1. VALUES is derived from the French word valoir meaning worth, merit, or importance of a thing.
2. A BELIEF is an idea that a person holds as being true and is based upon certainties, probabilities,
or matters of faith.
 3. NORMS are the agreed-upon expectations and rules by which a culture guides the behavior of its
members in any given situation.
4. VIRTUE is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good, foundation of principle and good
moral being.

 ABSOLUTE TRUTH is the kind of truth that is unchanging and universal.

 RELATIVE TRUTH is the truth that depends on the person's perspective or view.

CHAPTER 2 ACT OF MAN VS HUMAN ACT

Act of Man vs Human Acts

actions we share with animals actions special for humans only
actions without the use of rationality actions with the use of rationality

Examples:
1. Perspiration Eating healthy foods and avoiding junk foods.
2. Sense of hearing Sending good morning messages
3. Heart Beat Solving Math quiz
4. Breathing Holding your breath for 1 minute
5. Walking (casually) Walking for 2 kms. to reduce weight

CHAPTER 3 - MORAL THEORIES

ARISTOTLE (VIRTUE ETHICS)

 According to Aristotle, everything has a function, and a thing is good to the extent that it fulfills
its function and bad to the extent that it doesn’t.
 Humans have a fixed nature – an essence – and the way we flourish is by adhering to that nature,
says Aristotle.
 Aristotle argued that nature has built into us the desire to be virtuous.
 According to Aristotle, VIRTUE is the just-right amount – the middle between the extreme of
excess and the extreme of deficiency.
 EUDAIMONIA is the ultimate purpose of life or the fulfillment of human life, says Aristotle.

EPICURUS (UTILITARIANISM)

 According to Epicurus, PLEASURE is the only thing that is intrinsically valuable and the highest
good for man.
 For Epicurus, anything that gives man pleasure is good and pain is evil.
IMMANUEL KANT (DEONTOLOGY)

 Immanuel Kant argued that to determine what’s right, you must use REASON.
 CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVES are commands you must follow, regardless of your desires.
They are our moral obligations, and Kant believed that they’re derived from REASON.

CONFUCIUS (CONFUCIANISM)

 ANALECTS is the book that composes Confucius’ ideas about how to live.
 According to Confucius, JUNZI is the Chinese term for the gentleman or superior man, by which
he means a man of virtue, learning, and good manners.
 Confucius believed that DE (VIRTUE) is not something Heaven-sent for the ruling classes, but
something that can be cultivated—and cultivated by anyone.
 Confucius believes in the POWER OF BENEVOLENCE, arguing that ruling by example rather
than by fear would inspire the people to follow a similarly virtuous life.

LAO TZU (TAOISM)

He is the Father of TAOISM

 TAO is the source of all things and the flow of life.

 TAOISM emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the Tao.
 WU WEI is a Chinese term that means "action without action" or "effortless action."
 YIN is associated with the feminine, the dark, and the passive.
 YANG It is associated with the masculine, the light, and the active.

ST. AUGUSTINE

 St. Augustine believed that LOVE is the greatest virtue and the key to living a good and moral
life.
 According to Aquinas, the following CARDINAL virtues are TEMPERANCE, JUSTICE,
FORTITUDE, and PRUDENCE.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

 According to Aquinas, NATURAL LAW is the law of reason inscribed in the human heart and
provides us with a guide to living a good and moral life.
 According to Aquinas, VIRTUE is a habit of choosing what is good and right, and it is essential
for living a good and moral life.
 According to Aquinas, the following THEOLOGICAL virtues are FAITH, HOPE, AND
CHARITY.

SOREN KIERKEGAARD (EXISTENTIALISM)

 Individuals are responsible for making their own moral decisions based on their own conscience
as emphasized by Kierkegaard.
 Kierkegaard believed that ANXIETY can be a positive force in the moral life because it can
motivate us to make better choices.
 FAITH can help us overcome our anxiety and to make better moral choices according to
Kierkegaard
 Kierkegaard believed that FAITH is essential for living a moral life because it allows us to trust
in God and to follow his guidance.