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MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO KEY CONCEPTS
LESSON 1 : Ethics: Its Meaning, Nature, and Scope Specific Learning Outcomes: During the students’ engagements, they will be able to:
- explain the meaning of Ethics and concepts related to it;
- differentiate Morality from Ethics;
- write a personal reflection/essay on their own application to morality and ethics. TEACHING LEARNING ACTIVITIES Engaging Activity No. 1: Diagnostic Exercise Instruction: Define the following terms in your own understanding: Ethics Morality Education Art Logic Religious Law Sociology Economics Psycholog y
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- How do you find the activity? Engaging Activity No. 2 : Video clip presentation Instruction: Watch the video clip presentation on the difference of Morality and Ethics https://www.ligonier.org/blog/difference-between-ethics- and-morality/ Engaging Activity No. 3 : Class discussion Learning Guide Mapping:
- What is Ethics?
- What are the division of ethics?
- What is the difference between ethics and morality?
- Why do we study ethics? LECTURETTE Definition of Ethics:
- Ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos , meaning characteristic way of acting.
- Ethics is the practical science of the morality of human actions.
- Ethics is a scientific inquiry into the principles of morality.
- Ethics is the science of human acts concerning right and wrong.
- Ethics is the study of human conduct from the standpoint of morality.
- Ethics is the study of the rectitude of human conduct.
- Ethics is the science which lays down the principles of right living.
- Ethics is the practical science that guides us in our actions that we may live rightly and well.
- Ethics is a normative and practical science, based on reason, which studies human conduct and provides the norm for its natural integrity and honesty.
- According to Socrates, ethics is the investigation of life.
Is the term morality synonymous with the word ethics? The answer is yes in terms of etymological meaning. But there remains a shade of difference, however. Ethics deals more on the principles and laws on the morality of human acts; it provides the person with the knowledge that he may know what to do and how to do it. In other words, ethics provides the guides to the performance of an act. Knowledge, however, is not always performed. Knowledge could remain knowledge without its translation into action. Knowing is different from doing. Man does not necessarily do what he knows. The implementation of ethical principles and laws is called morality. One who acts in accordance with ethical norms is called a morally good person. Morality is the practice of ethics (Gualdo, 2000). Relations of Ethics With other Sciences: Ethical Science is particularly concerned with the study of man and the human conduct, and is, therefore, especially related to all those sciences dealing with the study of human nature and human living. There are indeed other sciences which also study human conduct, such as psychology, sociology, and education; but ethics differs from each of these in its standpoint, or in the particular aspect of human acts with which it is particularly concerned; and this is the morality of human actions.
- Ethics and logic – logic is the science of right thinking. Ethics is the science of right living. To think right often lead to correct doing.
- Ethics and Psychology – Both deal with the study of man, human nature, and human behavior. Psychology is not interested in the morality of human behavior, unlike ethics, but it studies how a man behaves while ethics studies how man ought to behave.
- Ethics and Sociology – Ethics deals with the moral order of the society which is called social order while Sociology studies how a particular society behaves.
- Ethics and Economics – man is also an economic being because he has to support himself by earning a living, thus its relation to ethics is on the moral order of earning a living.
- Ethics and Education – Education develops the whole man, his moral, intellectual, and physical capacities, hence it needs the concept of ethics to make a person whole.
- Morality and Law – Right and wrong, good and bad in human actions presuppose a law or rule of conduct. The laws of the state are restatements, specifications, or interpretations of an interior natural moral law as we shall learn on Ethics and Law.
- Ethics and Art – Ethics stands for moral goodness, art, for beauty. But as transcendentals, the beautiful and the good are one. Evil always implies ugliness or defects and the good is always beautiful since it is very object of desire and therefore, like beauty, pleases when perceived.
- Ethics and Politics – Man owes allegiance to the State. Politics aims at the good government for the temporal welfare of the citizens. But between the temporal and the spiritual and eternal welfare there is no conflict.
- Religion and Ethics – Religion is the root of morality without it, morality will die. They are inseparable because both have the same end – the attainment of man’s supreme purpose or man’s ultimate end. The Object of Ethics Any course of study has its proper objects for which it exists. Such objects are distinguished as material object, formal object and formula object quo. Though distinct from each other, the three objects are inseparable from one another. They are interrelated, however. Material Object of Ethics refers to the subject matter to be studied, namely, the human act. The Formal Object is the morality of the human act. It is that which is learned and to be applied. The Formula Object Quo is the human reason employed in the study of the course.
Issue, Decision, Judgment and Dilemma It may be helpful to distinguish a situation that calls for moral valuation. It can be called MORAL ISSUE. When one is placed in a situation and confronted by the choice of what action to perform, she is called to make a MORAL DECISION. e.g. I choose not to take something I did not pay for. When a person is an observer who assesses the actions or behavior of someone, she is making a MORAL JUDGMENT. For instance, a friend of mine chooses to steal from a store, and I make a wrong assessment. Reasoning Why do we suppose that a certain way of acting right and its opposite wrong? The study of ethics is interested in questions like these: Why do we decide to consider this way of acting as acceptable while that way of acting, its opposite, is unacceptable? To put it in another way, what reasons do we give to decide or to judge that a certain way of acting is either right or wrong? Asking the question “WHY” might bring us to no more than a superficial discussion of rewards and punishments, but it could also bring us to another level of thinking. Perhaps one can rise above the particulars of a specific situation, going beyond whatever motivation or incentive is present in the instance. Beyond rewards and punishments. It is possible for our moral valuation – our decisions and judgments – to be based on a principle. Thus, one may conclude that cheating is wrong based on a sense of fair play or respect for the importance and validity of testing.
Principles – rationally established grounds by which one justifies and maintains her moral decision and judgments. Discerning Moral Dilemma Every normal, moral individual encounter a moral dilemma, whether consciously or unconsciously. The dilemma is defined as “a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones” (Dictionary.com @2017). A typical moral example of this is a mother who has an ectopic pregnancy. She has to decide between two equally undesirable options; whether to abort the child and save her life or let the baby born and endanger/sacrifice her life. If you face a problem “but the solutions available to you will only create another problem or worse create more problems, then you are in a dilemma” (Gallinero, p. 9). Gallinero continued: A moral dilemma is a situation where: 1.) There are two or more actions that you can do. 2.) There is a moral reason(s) for doing such actions. 3.) You cannot do all the possible actions presented to you. You only need to choose one. Moral dilemma is a moral conflict, where the decision must be made between two or more equipollent obligations viz. in cases of broad equivalence of the forces of moral duties involved, which conflict with each other and cannot be met at the same time, in situations that are often hard to assess and are or may be accompanied with emotional burden (e.g. Heinz's dilemma). Example : Heinz’s dilemma. This is a conflict case or dilemma story that was used by Lawrence Kohlberg to determine the stages of moral development. The story has several variations, one of them goes like this. Heinz’s wife is dying from a particular type of cancer. Doctors say that a newly developed drug might save her life. The drug had been discovered by a local chemist and Heinz tried desperately to buy some, but the chemist was charging ten times the money it cost to make the drug
- To sharpen the moral nature of the learners by inculcating the moral norms.
- To make them aware of the moral principles and laws governing man’s actions.
- To help the students become aware of the intimate relation between their moral nature and laws.
- To show to the learners that acting in accordance with his rational and moral nature could lead them to their supernatural destiny- God.
- To develop in the students a morally upright living.
- To let the students realize that people cannot live together harmoniously in society without the ethical norms and laws applied or followed. SYNTHESIS Ethics studies human acts or human conduct. There are indeed other sciences which also study human conduct, such as psychology, sociology, and education; but ethics differs from each of these in its standpoint, or in the particular aspect of human acts with which it is particularly concerned; and this is the morality of human actions. Morality is life itself. It must not be considered as a mere extract from the crude ore of facts and events that happen to us daily. Neither must morality be considered as a product of brooding, about one’s own feelings, nor must it be construed as a matter of frills rather than fundamentals. (Babor, 2006). Moral Dilemma is going beyond the matter of choosing right over wrong, or good over bad, and considering instead the more complicated situation wherein one is torn between choosing one of two goods or choosing between the lesser of two evils. Since there is a moral reason(s) for doing each of the possible courses of action that you can do, it follows that no matter what action you choose you will go against your sense of what is right and wrong. That somehow, no matter what you do, you are doing something morally wrong, but at the same time, you are also doing something right.
The importance of the study of ethics follows immediately from the importance of ethics itself. Ethics means right living and good moral character, and it is in good moral character that man finds his true worth and perfection. All the great teachers of the ages maintain that the supreme purpose of human living lies not in the acquisition of material goods or bodily pleasures, nor the attainment of bodily perfections such as health and strength; nor even in the development of intellectual skills but in the development of the moral qualities which lift man far above the brute creation. According to Socrates, “the unexamined life is not worth living for man.” Now ethics, as we already said before, is the very investigation of the meaning of life. That is why Plato calls and considers ethics the supreme science, the science par excellence, as it is this science that deals with the Summum Bonum, the supreme purpose of human living. ASSESSMENTS
1. The output of the Engaging Activity No. 1 2. Misconception Check: (learning from the video clip in Engaging Activity No. 2 Pre -learned New Learning ASSIGNMENTS A. Reflective Learning : Make a reflection on “ My Personal Values and Ethics” (FLA # 1) Rubrics for Reflective Learning (Reflection) Criteria Strong (3 ) Average ( 2 ) Weak (1) Total Content Reflections reveals strong insights about Reflections shows some insights about Reflections shows little insights about
MODULE II
FRAMEWORKS AND THEORIES BEHIND OUR MORAL DISPOSITION
LESSON 2 : Natural Law Ethics Specific Learning Outcomes : During the students’ engagements, they will be able to:
- define and understand the idea of Natural Law Ethics;
- identify the natural law in distinction from the other types of law: eternal law and human law; and
- apply the principles of natural law to contemporary moral issues. TEACHING LEARNING ACTIVITIES Engaging Activity No. 1 : Problem Analysis Instruction: Read and answer. You may use print and online scholarly resources to add up to your discussion outcomes. The Problem of Overpopulation The Catholic Church argues that artificial family planning methods are against natural law. It only agrees with natural birth control. But the government says that overpopulation is a huge social problem that needs to be addressed to solve human poverty. Politicians say that a huge population requires sufficient resources. But the Church says that the problem is not in the number of people but the rampant corruption among public officials.
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- Do you agree with the Church?
- Would it be morally acceptable to use artificial methods of family planning?
- Does the dynamism of the natural law mean that it has to adapt to the circumstances of the present? Explain your answer. Engaging Activity No. 2 : Class Discussion Learning Guide Mapping:
- What is a natural law for St. Thomas Aquinas?
- How does it guide the human being’s realization of the good?
- What makes it an imprint of the Divine Will on the free person? LECTURETTE The Natural Law or Teleological Tradition The term “teleological” alludes to a way of doing morality which emphasizes the end “telos”, or purpose of human existence. The ethical views can be traced to Aristotle (4th^ cent. B.C.) and Thomas Aquinas (13th^ cent. A.D.). Aristotle placed the biological sciences at the forefront of knowledge. He explained why something exists (Nabor-Nery, 2003). Thomas Aquinas synthesized Aristotle’s science by interpreting it as a evidence of a divine plan operating in nature. Nature itself has a purpose, and the harmonious functioning of nature reveals the goodness of God’s plan. Nature obliges all to perfect their nature by means of actions that promote self- development and fulfillment. All find their happiness and fulfillment by acting in accord with not just nature but also reason, grace, and virtues. The foundation of natural law is the eternally established order of God. It is in the context of the exitus et reditus principle : All things come from God and return to God.
has forfeited his or her innocence (and his/her right to life) by threatening yours” (Harris 1997:104). The Just War Theory A related principle and application of the principle of forfeiture is in the so-called Just War theory. The principle of forfeiture can be used not only to justify an act of individual self-defense but also in the case of defending a whole country from an unjust aggressor (foreign invader). Just War theory employed by a country under attack to protect itself is only justified under specific conditions; a. Lawful Authority b. Just Cause c. Last Resort d. Good Intention e. Reasonable Chance of Success f. Right Use of Means g. Proportional Response D. The Principle of Totality A traditional element in biomedical discussions, the principle of totality, is often Invoked when a particular part or organ of the human body has to be cut off, mutilated or removed. A person is morally permitted to do this, " only insofar as the general well-being of the whole body requires it “ (Timbreza 1993:57). On this regard, therefore, we can say that the principle of totality considers as immoral the mutilation or removal of healthy organs for commercial purposes. E_. The Principle of Stewardship_ The principle of stewardship has its basis on the religious belief that all life comes from God, the supreme creator and maker of all. It is therefore morally wrong to commit actions such as suicide and euthanasia since stewardship entails proper protection and responsible care of what the Almighty has given.
The principle of stewardship also finds concrete and practical application on issues concerning the natural environment. The earth and everything in nature as a gift from God, has to be taken cared of and should not be abused in any way. Ethics and Religion: Religion from the Latin word re-ligare or “to bind back”; religio or religion implies “bond”, a relationship between man and God. Religion determines its true value from the role it plays in the enrichment of the quality of life. It has a role to play, a contributive role in the evolution of man, by providing society with ethical codes, social rules and ideals, rituals and devotion. Religion also enhances human values and self-awareness. According to some, religion is necessary for moral behavior. Without religion or some kind of belief in a supernatural being or a divine reality, it would be impossible to lead a good life or even pursue anything of moral value. This particular belief and philosophy that grounds morality and the good life to religion is known in the realm of ethical thought as the Divine Command Theory (Fernandez, 2010). Divine Command Theory claims that whatever God permits/ commands and prohibits/forbids is what makes certain actions right or wrong. God then becomes the ultimate source of morality. Christian Ethics What is the ethical ultimate goal of Christianity? It is two-faced: GOD’S GLORY and SALVATION OF MANKIND. There are two basic points in Christian ethics:
1. God promises salvation to man, and 2. Man freely accepts the condition for his salvation: to do or not to do God’s will (the commandments). SYNTHESIS
The Mother or the Fetus: Who Should be Saved? A woman in her early twenties is a two-month’s pregnant with her first baby. She is diagnosed with uterine cancer. If her uterine is removed, chances are, she will live but the operation also endangers the life of the fetus. Her doctors told her that she has to undergo the said operation as soon as possible to save her life. The woman wants her baby to live but her husband disagrees with her. Should the operation be done? Is it morally permissible under the principle of double effect? Why or why not?
- Write T if the statement is True. Write F if the statement is False. _____ a. Since God is in nature, God puts order into nature. This order is the order of reason. To follow God or natural law means to follow this rational order. _____ b. Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches that morality is ultimately grounded on God since he is the author of nature, including human nature. _____ c. The natural law reconciles with the freedom of the human being because it manifests the idea of self-realization. ______d. The natural law is a moral demand that emanates from the inner nature of the person. _____ e. The natural law is proof of the participation of the person to the eternal law of the Creator. ASSIGNMENTS Cite a particular issue where natural law theory is employed in the discussions. Show how these issues are resolved using the natural law paradigm. RESOURCES Bulaong, O. G. (2018): Ethics: Foundations of Moral Valuation, Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc. Fernandez, A.(2010).Ethics for Todays Inquiring Filipinos. MS Lopez Printing &
Publishing. Nabor-Nery M. (2003) Ethics. KATHA Publishing Co.,Inc.388 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. Pasco, M. O. et. al., (2018): Ethics, Quezon City, Philippines: C & E Publishing, Inc. https://www.ethicssage.com/2012/09/the-role-of-ethics-in-religion.html retrieved Jan. 12, 2020. LESSON 3 : Ethical and Cultural/Moral Relativism Specific Learning Outcomes: During the students’ engagements, they will be able to:
- define and understand the idea of ethical and cultural relativism;
- determine and analyze the different points of view related to cultural relativism;
- distinguish and assess (Position Paper) how culture plays a part in our moral behavior and development. TEACHING LEARNING ACTIVITIES Engaging Activity No. 1 : Brainstorming Instruction: Enumerate at least five (5) several practices that you find true in one place but not so in the other. It could be local, regional, national, or even international.
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