Module 1

General
Introduction
: What is
Ethics?
SHAIRA MAE M. REGALA,
RPM
 Explain Understand Utilize
Explain the Understand the Utilize the
LEARNING study of Ethics
and cultural
mechanics of
what constitutes
seven-step
moral reasoning
OUTCOMES conceptions of
the good;
a moral act; and model in
making ethical
decisions.  
The Study of Ethics and Cultural
Conceptions of the Good
Why study ethics?
- traditions
- good versus evil; proper
versus improper
- CULTURE – defines
how we live our life in
general
The Study of Ethics and
Cultural Conceptions of the
Good

- hook-up culture versus monogamy

- domestic violence or wife beating
- conception of the good based on tradition can
be dangerous

”The good is defined by what has worked

for people to flourish.”
What is Ethics?
•Greek word ethos - custom, a characteristic, or
habitual way of doing things, or action that
is properly derived from one’s character. 
•Latin word mos or moris (and its plural
form mores) from which the adjective moral is
derived is equivalent to ethos.
 Why Study Ethics?
•provides people with a basis upon which to discern
their own accepted ethical systems and a basis for
broadening their own conceptions of the good.
•grounded on the experience of free persons who
have to act in difficult situations.
•Actions only require ethical reflection when they
are free acts that involve a person’s desire to realize
the good.
Why Study
Ethics?
•Questions of the good are not
questions of practicality or
questions of realizing one’s desired
end.
•They are questions that refer to a
person’s freedom and ability to
live according to what he/she
considers to be the good.
Basic right?
Why Study Ethics?
•Certainly, eating canned fish could be
an easy and inexpensive way to get
nutrition, but it could also be unethical.  
•Ethics has something to do with realizing the
fullest potential as free persons acting in the
world and doing right for others.
Why Study Ethics?
•This means that living rightly is not only about searching for
happiness but living as one ought to live as a human being.
•The gravity of such an ethical consideration is given voice in the
Filipino saying, “madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao”.
•The Filipino student is therefore invited to outgrow “kung saan ka
masaya susuportahan kita” and get to “sa dapat mong gawin talaga
kang sasaya”.
 The Moral Act
•Human beings are complex beings.
•Most of the time, we act based on how we
feel. 
•Unlike animals that are instinctively programmed
to act in accordance with how they feel, we have
the capacity to reflexively examine a situation
before proceeding to act with respect to how we
feel.
 The Moral Act
•Feelings seek immediate fulfillment, and it is our reason that tempers
these compulsions.
•Feelings without reason are blind.
• Reason sets the course for making ethical and impartial decisions
especially in moral situations although it is not the sole determining factor
in coming up with such decisions.
•Reason and feelings must constructively complement each other
whenever we are making choices.
 The Moral Act
•Moral situations often involve not just one but others as well.
•Our decisions have consequences and the have an effect on others.
•Matters of moral import needs to be analysed with a perspective that takes the
welfare and feelings of others in consideration.
•What is good for one may not be good for others.
•Reason recognizes not only the good of oneself but also the good of others.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
Stop and think. Before making any decisions, it is
best to take a moment to think about the situation
itself, your place in it, and other surrounding factors
which merit consideration, such as the people
involved and the potential effects of your decisions
on them. This involves a step-back from the situation
to make sure that you do not act on impulse.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
Clarify goals. It is also necessary to clarify your
short-term, and long-term aims. Sometimes, in
the heat of the moment, short-term wants to
eclipse long-term goals. Thus, you must
determine if you are willing to sacrifice more
important life goals to achieve your short-term
goals.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
 Determine facts. Make sure you gather enough
information before you make a choice. An
intelligent choice is one that is supported by verified
facts. You must first make sure that what you know
is enough to merit action. Without verifying facts,
you may regret your choice in the future once
various aspects of the situations come to light.
Never make a choice on the basis of hearsay. Make
sure your sources are credible and have integrity.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
Develop options. Once you are clear in terms
of your goals and facts, try to come up with
alternative options to exhaust all possible
courses of action. Most of the time, the
pressure of a situation may make you feel you
have less options than you think. Clear your
mind and try to think of other creative ways of
clarifying your motives and implementing your
actions with the least ethical compromise.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
  Consider consequences. Filter your
choices and separate the ethical from the
unethical choices bearing in mind both your
motives and the potential consequences of you
action. Think of long-term consequences and
act in accordance with the principles of justice
and fairness. Make sure you do not regret the
decision you have conferred reality upon.
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
Choose. Make a decision. If the choice is hard to
make, try consulting others who may have
knowledge or experience in your situation. Find
people with virtuous character and compare your
reasoning with your moral analysis. Once you
make up your mind, summon the will to do the
right thing even if it is hard and seemingly
counter-intuitive.
 
Seven-Step Moral
Reasoning Model
Monitor and modify. Monitor what happens
after your decision and have enough humility
to modify your action or behavior, as
necessary.. Do not hesitate to revise your
decisions in light of new developments in the
situation.
 Seven-Step Moral Reasoning Model
•These seven steps can help you ensure that you do not take moral decisions lightly.
•They shed light on the various aspects of moral situations that you have to consider before
making a decision.
•An important element though is your will to commit to an action based on moral principles.
• You must have the necessary resolve to put your choice in motion after a long process of
deliberation. Goodwill, though sufficient as a ground for morality must nevertheless be
enacted and applied to make a difference in the world of practical moral affairs.