Ethical Relativism, Moral Absolutism, Free Will

Ethical Relativism

• Morality is based on culture, history, and personal views, varying across societies
• Universal moral standards is rejected
• Ethics is determined by individual cultures
• Societal norms and context influence moral judgements
• Examples are arranged marriages and dietary practices
• Criticisms include justification of unethical practices, prevention of moral progress, and moral inconsistency

Moral Absolutism

• Certain ethical principles are universal and unchanging
• Moral laws apply to all, regardless of culture or time
• Ethical truths are independent of cultural influence
• Certain actions are inherently immoral
• Examples include universal human rights and the wrongness of murder
• Criticisms include a lack of flexibility, difficulty in resolving moral dilemmas, and interpretation variation

Free Will

• The ability to make independent choices, not entirely controlled by external forces
• Individuals have autonomy over their decisions
• People are accountable for their choices
• Human actions are independent of total biological or environmental control
• Examples include choosing a career, moral choices, personal growth, and voting
• Criticisms include influence of external factors, neuroscience findings, and limitations in extreme situations

Moral Responsibility

• The obligation to act ethically and be accountable for one's actions
• Requires the ability to make choices (agency)
• People are held accountable for their actions
• The intention behind an action is important
• Requires awareness of potential consequences
• Assumes the person can understand right from wrong (capacity)

Determinism

• All events, including human actions, are caused by prior conditions
• Every action results from preceding causes
• Human behavior is shaped by biological, environmental, and social factors
• Free will is questioned
• Examples include genetic influence and psychological trauma
• Criticisms include undermining moral accountability, complex decision-making, and capacity for change

Business Ethics

• Moral principles guiding corporate behavior
• Governs decision-making for fairness and integrity
• Principles include honesty, transparency, fair treatment of employees, consumer protection, and corporate governance

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Ethical obligations of businesses toward social and environmental well-being
• Key areas include environmental sustainability, community engagement, ethical labor practices, and philanthropy
• Examples include eco-friendly packaging and fair-trade practices

Benefits of Business Ethics and CSR

• Consumer trust
• Employee morale
• Investor confidence
• Long-term profitability
• Contribute to sustainable development and a strong company image

Environmental Ethics

• Philosophy focusing on the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment
• Explores human interaction with the planet and ecosystems
• Examines conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice

Why Environmental Ethics Matters

• The environment provides essential resources
• Human activities impact ecosystems, causing problems like pollution and climate change
• Ethical principles guide responsible actions toward nature and future generations

Ethical Theories in Environmental Ethics

• Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered Ethics): Values nature for human usefulness and assumes human superiority
• Biocentrism (Life-Centered Ethics): Recognizes the intrinsic value of all living things and emphasizes their moral consideration
• Example: Wildlife conservation laws protect endangered species
• Ecocentrism (Ecosystem-Centered Ethics): Prioritizes entire ecosystems, including living and non-living elements
• Example: Bans on mining in protected areas to preserve biodiversity

Environmental Ethics Issues

• Focus on the moral responsibility to protect nature and address human impact
• Deforestation destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity
• Example: Logging endangering wildlife and displacing indigenous people
• Climate change, caused by pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), affects communities
• Example: Rising sea levels flooding coastal cities
• Water pollution harms marine life and human health
• Example: Factory dumping chemicals into a river
• Overfishing depletes fish populations and disrupts marine ecosystems
• Example: Countries enforcing fishing limits after tuna populations drop
• Animal rights issues include factory farming and poaching
• Example: Wildlife groups fighting elephant poaching for ivory

Sustainable Development

• Meets present needs without harming future generations
• Balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

• Work together for long-term prosperity
• Economic Sustainability: Ensures economic growth without long-term harm
• Environmental Sustainability: Protects natural resources and ecosystems while supporting human needs
• Social Sustainability: Promotes fairness, equality, and access to essential services

Role of Individuals in Sustainable Development

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle
• Conserve energy and water
• Support sustainable businesses and products
• Raise awareness and advocate for sustainable policies

Sustainable Development in the Philippines

• Balances economic growth, environmental conservation, and social well-being
• The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) aligns with the SDGs
• Programs include renewable energy, waste management, and reforestation
• Government and private sectors collaborate for improvements
• Essential for a better future, requiring responsible consumption, conservation, and social equity
• Collaboration can create a sustainable and just society