ON NORMS

LESSON NO.3
 NORMS

◦ Etymologically,
it is literally means a carpenter’s pattern,
from the Latin root norma,
NORMA is referring to the laying down of the correct
angles

◦ Generally, the standards of wrong and right

 TYPES OF NORMS

One measure in which human act is evaluated

morally is in reference to norms. With this, man can see
how the term “normal” works in geometrical terms. One
can identify different types of norms, namely:
 TYPES OF NORMS

1. Technical Norms
These are standards that has something to do with
craft of art (from the root techne) as an application of
knowledge (in Latin episteme), hence the term. These
norms pertain to survival, well-being, and health.
 TYPES OF NORMS
1. Technical Norms
EXAMPLES:
1. The right way of preparing the field for planting rice.
2. The correct way of building the roof of a house.
3. The precise way of operating the brain.
4. The proper way of washing the dishes.
5. The right manner of dribbling the ball.
6. The correct and proper way of doing and submitting your assignments and
activities.
 TYPES OF NORMS

1. Technical Norms
Thus, if you do this norm properly your are
considered as good, meaning you are efficient and
productive.
And if you fail, you could be considered as lazy or
good-for-nothing.
 TYPES OF NORMS

2. Societal Norms
These are standards for group cohesion and
strengthening the bonds that keep the community
together. This primarily covers values, customs,
manners, and practices that are considered
appropriate by the society.
 TYPES OF NORMS
2. Societal Norms
EXAMPLES:
1. Fitting manners and attire.
2. Appropriate ways of speaking and conducting oneself.
3. Proper ways of doing the rituals and ceremony.
4. One is ought to knock before opening the door.
5. One should not pick one’s nose or fart in public.
6. One must not talk when mouth is full.
7. One should send a message first before calling someone and ask if it is alright
to call.
 TYPES OF NORMS
2. Societal Norms
Thus, these norms maintain and strengthen the
bonds that keep the community together. Other
ways of behaviour or contrary behaviours, other
than the presentation of what is prescribed, are
frowned upon because they are unmindful of or
destructive of social relations.
 TYPES OF NORMS

3. Aesthetic Norms
From the Greek root aesthesis, which means sense or
feeling, these are standards that correspond to human
perception which become the basis of our approval or
disapproval of things that has something to do with
material appearances like color, taste, odor, texture, and
sound.
 TYPES OF NORMS
3. Aesthetic Norms
EXAMPLES:
1. The red colour in the funeral is bad.
2. Country music in a restaurant is good.
3. The orange colour in the eggplant is not acceptable.
4. Wearing of tattered and obscene dress in school is a terrible idea.
5. Adding curses and vulgar words in your regular conversation.
6. Sexy dancing in the school events.
 TYPES OF NORMS
3. Aesthetic Norms
Thus, these norms are considered as ennobling,
cathartic and heightening of man’s existence if they are
violated. Yet, they are considered as beautiful if they
represent a certain free play and celebration of the
human spirit.
 TYPES OF NORMS

4. Ethical or Moral Norms

In this type, man and his actions re judged to be good
or bad, right or wrong. This refers to some ideal vision
of Human Person, an ideal stage of perfection of his/her
being, which is the Ultimate Goal and Ultimate Norm.
All other norms are to be subordinated to this moral
 TYPES OF NORMS

4. Ethical or Moral Norms

EXAMPLES:
All other examples of norms above if done correctly
or properly is considered moral, yet if they are violated
or go against the norms then they are considered as
immoral.
 TYPES OF NORMS

It is of high importance to learn to differentiate

various types of norms. Such knowledge would bring us
guidance as to what is appropriate for a discussion in
Ethics and Morality.
 THE PROBLEM OF NORMS

There is still one problem that we need to grapple with even if we

are successful in making the distinction of what belongs to the domain
of ethics and what does not.
Take for instance the matter of wearing clothes. Is this a question
of taste or is there really certain manner of wearing them that call for
some kind of moral judgement or evaluation?
 THE PROBLEM OF NORMS

Another instance, can we say that cursing and saying of

vulgar words are simply showing bad manners, which
questions etiquette, or this is just a “cultural thing” and not a
moral reality? Like what most ‘bisaya’ do when they are
excited, doubtful or have extreme emotions that they would
add ‘yawa’ ‘gago’ ‘buanga’ ‘putragis’ and others.