Introduction to Ethics and Morality

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Questions and Answers

What differentiates positive laws from customary laws?

Positive laws are based on personal beliefs, while customary laws are universal.

Positive laws evolve over time, while customary laws do not.

Positive laws result from rational discussion, while customary laws arise unconsciously. (correct)

Positive laws are not influenced by customs.

What is implied by the concept of 'Buntot mo, hila mo' in relation to freedom and obligation?

One should avoid responsibilities.

Freedom exists without any constraints or responsibilities.

One's decisions do not impact others.

Exercising freedom requires an understanding of one’s duties to others. (correct)

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with the concept of freedom in morality?

Responsibility for one’s actions

Making choices based on moral discernment

Imposing one's will on others (correct)

Rationality in decision-making

Which of the following statements best reflects the relationship between freedom and morality?

Personal freedom allows for moral decisions based on rationality and empathy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of exercising freedom in moral contexts?

Understanding and responding to the impact of one's actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of ethics as a branch of philosophy?

To critically examine underlying principles of morality Signup and view all the answers

Which term is derived from the Latin word 'Mores' and refers to societal customs?

Mores Signup and view all the answers

In general approaches to ethics, what does meta-ethics primarily investigate?

The justifications of ethical concepts Signup and view all the answers

How do folkways typically arise in a society?

From instinctive survival needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of mores in a society?

They reflect the philosophical underpinnings of folkways Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates an enacted institution?

The banking system Signup and view all the answers

What role do folkways play in the context of morality in a society?

They serve as a basis for what is considered 'right' Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the nature of the relationship between society and the individual regarding mores?

There is a dynamic interaction between societal customs and individual moral agency Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethics and Morality

Ethics is the systematic examination of the underlying principles of morality.
Morality is derived from the Latin word "Mores" (customs) and refers to the subject matter of ethics.

General Approaches to Ethics

Normative Ethics focuses on what is good and provides a moral framework for determining right and wrong.
Meta-ethics examines the basis for moral judgments, exploring if they are subjective or objective, and analyzes the presuppositions, meanings, and justifications of ethical concepts and principles.

The Role of Society and the Individual in the Emergence of Mores

Mores arise from our instinctive ways to survive or satisfy needs.
They are learned through tradition, imitation, and authority.
Mores serve as the basis for what is considered "right" within a particular society.

Folkways to Mores

Folkways are established through experiment and selection, based on conformity and sanctions.
Mores develop from folkways as they become associated with right and duty, and are perceived as essential for social welfare.

Mores are folkways, including philosophical and ethical generalizations about societal welfare.
They change through adaptation to new conditions and interests.
They represent the customs, social rules, and social sanctions of society, influencing the individual or free moral agent.

Institutions

Crescive Institutions are products of instinctive efforts, growing from the production of mores. Examples include marriage and religion.
Enacted Institutions are products of rational invention and intention. Examples include the banking system.

Laws

Positive Laws are formulated through rational reflection, discussion, and verification.
Customary Laws are part of the customs of society and emerge unconsciously as part of the culture's mores.

Freedom and Morality

Free Will is the ability to make choices, while Determinism suggests that actions are predetermined.
Freedom allows individuals to make choices based on moral discernment and take responsibility for their actions.
Obligation refers to one's duty to exercise freedom as a rational moral being.

Key Figures

William Graham Sumner was a sociologist who studied the development of folkways and mores.

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Description

Explore the foundational theories of ethics and morality, including normative and meta-ethics. Understand the role of society and individuals in shaping moral customs, known as mores. This quiz delves into the distinctions between folkways and mores and their significance in a cultural context.