Introduction to Ethics

Module 1: Introduction to Ethics

• Ethics involves the study of morality, discerning what is right versus wrong.
• Ethics differs from Values Education by questioning whether an action is right or wrong.

Three Approaches in Ethics

• Meta-Ethics studies the meaning of moral concepts, such as "good”.
• Normative Ethics reviews moral theories that guide actions, like how one should act.
• Applied Ethics uses moral theories in real-life scenarios, for example, in business or medicine.

Moral Decision-Making Models

• The Deductive Model starts with a general rule, then applies it to a situation.
• For Example: If lying is always wrong, then Juan’s action of lying is wrong.
• The Reflective Equilibrium Model begins with specific experiences, then builds a moral belief.
• For example: If Juan lied, but helped others, lying has the potential to be acceptable in some cases.

Challenges in Ethics

• Moral Relativism proposes that what is right in one culture might be wrong in another.
• A question to think about: Are moral laws separate from religious beliefs?
• A question to think about: Is everything legal also moral?

Module 2: Filipino Ethics (Pilipinolohiya & Pilosopiyang Pilipino)

• Pilipinolohiya constitutes Filipino Studies

Filipino Identity

• Filipino identity is like a banga (clay jar) with three components.
• Labas (Outside) refers to how Filipinos behave in public.
• Loob (Inside) pertains to Filipinos' hidden feelings.
• Lalim (Depth) signifies a Filipino's true self.

Tambalang-Lapit (Paired Concepts)

• Mukha-Isip means appearance reflects thoughts.
• Dibdib-Puso means heart mirrors emotions.
• Tiyan-Bituka means the stomach is reflective of desires.

Pilosopiyang Pilipino (Filipino Philosophy)

• It is a unique Filipino way of thinking.
• ICICLE means Six factors define Filipino Philosophy:
• Ideology shapes Filipino beliefs.
• Culture uses local concepts.
• Individual experience is based on real-life situations.
• Citizenship is created by Filipinos.
• Language uses the Filipino language.
• Ethics guides Filipino morals.

Module 3: Asian Ethical Frameworks & Religions

Daoism (China)

• The motto is “Go with the Flow."
• One should follow Dao (The Way), which means living in harmony with nature.
• Wei-Wu-Wei (Action through Inaction) means to act naturally, without forcing things.
• Yin & Yang identifies that life is a balance of opposites (dark/light, cold/hot).

Confucianism (China)

• The motto is to “Follow Your Role in Society."
• The Five Key Virtues can be remembered as follows:
• Ren (Humanity) – Be kind to others.
• Yi (Duty) – Fulfill your social role (e.g., as a son, leader, etc.).
• Li (Propriety) – Show proper manners and behavior.
• Zhi (Wisdom) – Seek knowledge.
• Xin (Integrity) – Be trustworthy.

Hinduism (India)

• The motto is “Follow Your Dharma”.
• Dharma means your duty in life, based on your social role.
• Karma means your actions affect your future.
• Samsara is the cycle of rebirth.
• Moksha is liberation from rebirth, the ultimate goal.

Buddhism (India)

• The motto is to “Eliminate Suffering".
• The Four Noble Truths include:
• Life is suffering (Dukkha).
• Suffering comes from desires.
• To end suffering, eliminate desires.
• Follow the Eightfold Path (right action, right speech, etc.).
• Nirvana is the state of enlightenment, freedom from suffering.

Module 4: Western Ethical Theories

Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)

• The motto is to “Be a Good Person."
• There should be a focus on character instead of just actions.
• Golden Mean proposes balance between two extremes (e.g., courage is between recklessness and cowardice).

Deontology (Immanuel Kant)

• The motto is to “Follow the Rules".
• Actions are considered right if they follow moral rules, regardless of consequences.
• Categorical Imperative should be followed:
• Act as if your behavior should become a universal law.
• Treat others as ends, not as means, meaning don't use people.

Utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill & Jeremy Bentham)

• The motto is to “Maximize Happiness”.
• The best action is the one that brings the most happiness to the most people.
• Greatest Happiness Principle means to choose actions that create the most pleasure and least pain.