Group 4

The Ring
of Gyges
CAZON, Gabriel Oliver
CONDE, Arianne Andrea
DANQUE, Paulo
DELA PENA, Angeline
Kassandra
DEL PILAR, Carlo Gabriel
SUMMARIZE
Identify the problem
 What is Morality?
• Refers to the set of principles, values, and beliefs that
govern and guide human behavior, particularly in
terms of what is right and wrong, good and bad, and
just and unjust.
• Morality is often shaped by cultural, religious and
social norms and values.
 Glaucon suggests that people are only moral
because they fear punishment or hope for reward, but if they
could act without consequence, they would act immorally.
Morality is not an inherent quality of human nature, but rather
a social construct that is imposed upon individuals by society.

Socrates challenges this argument by

proposing that people are inherently moral and that the desire
to act virtuously comes from within. He argues that the true
reward of morality is not external, but rather internal, in the
sense that it leads to a virtuous and fulfilling life.
ANALYZE
Understand the Problem
 Why is Morality important?
Morality is often perceived as simple, but it holds significant weight when delving into
Perception of Morality multi-perspective studies. A sense of morality develops in each individual over time
through examples such as things to avoid or abide by.

Positive & Negative Doing the right thing typically leads to positive outcomes while doing wrong generally
results in negative consequences. However, there are instances where something
Consequences considered morally "right" may have detrimental effects and vice versa.

Various factors influence human behavior, including moral guidelines and punishments
Influences on Behavior for wrongdoing. Without these, chaos would ensue.

Morality is integral in shaping moral values and affects society at large by fostering
Importance of Moral Values developments such as innovation and growth. The absence of moral conduct rules
would result in a path void of progress and development.

Morality is a complex concept that is the subject of numerous debates. Its origins
Origin of Morality remain unresolved.
SYNTHESIZE
Solve the Problem
How do we justify our belief that
we morally ought to act in one
way rather than another?
Justifying beliefs can be complex and can be
divided into processes that one may apply. As
Glaucon said, one’s action can be based on how
heavy ones’ punishment is. Thus, one is based on
what the consequences are. Later on Socrates argued
that morality comes not from external factors but
internal. Therefore, experiences and beliefs are a
matter in justifying one’s self morality.
 Ethical factors that may affect one's
actions morally are:

Utilitarianism Virtue ethics Internalism

01 Actions are based on the
best outcome for the
03 Actions are based on the
virtue of living a good
05 Actions are based on
self experiences and
general. life. beliefs.

Deontology Care ethics Externalism

02 Actions are based on
particular rules,
04 Actions are based on the
relationship to others.
06 Actions are based on
how the actions'
regardless of the consequences are
consequences. viewed in the society.
EVALUATE
Determine the virtues and vices of the solution.
What would a man of virtue do and
what would a rogue man do?
A man of virtue is content with what he has, and
therefore, will not do as Gyges did. In a similar vein, a rogue
man might have done exactly as Gyges did as no morality
binds them into not doing it. A man of virtue will not think
of harming another person, while a rogue man will only
think for the betterment of themselves.
Once a person is freed from the fear of
reprisal, why shouldn’t a person simply do
what he pleases, or what he thinks is best for
himself?
A person free from fear of reprisal is still bound
by their own morality; hence, although a person is free
to do whatever they want, they should still consider the
way they treat others, always as an end and never as a
means only.
CALL TO ACTION
 If you are interested in reflecting on your own moral values, we encourage you to think
about the ring of Gyges and to consider how you would act if you had the power to do so with
impunity. Would you still act morally? Or would you give in to your selfish desires?

If you are interested in discussing the ring of Gyges with others, we encourage you to
start a conversation about the topic. You can do this with friends, family, or classmates.
Discussing the ring of Gyges can help you to better understand your own moral values and to
learn from the perspectives of others.

To think critically about the ring of Gyges and its implications for your own moral values.
There is no right or wrong answer to the question of whether or not you would act morally if
you had the power to do so with impunity. The important thing is to think about the issue
carefully and to make a decision that is based on your own values and beliefs. Hence, the
group’s answers to this presentation.
 THANKS
FOR
LISTENING!