Introduction to Ethics Module 1 & 2

Module 1: Introduction, Scope, and Meaning of Ethics

Ethics can be understood as a branch of philosophy that systematically explores the concepts of morality and values, which are essential for navigating complex moral dilemmas.
This field of study not only differentiates human beings from other species through their capacity for critical reasoning but also emphasizes the importance of ethical theories in promoting well-being and happiness.
Through its established principles, ethics significantly shapes societal norms and expectations, offering a comprehensive framework for the development of legal systems and the promotion of social justice.
Furthermore, human ethics are influenced by various factors, including culture, religion, and personal experiences, which collectively contribute to the diverse moral landscape within societies.
Ethics is the philosophy of life, distinguishing humans from animals through critical thinking, guiding decision-making towards happiness.
Ethics guides societies by establishing standards for right and wrong, providing a framework for laws and order.
Human ethics are influenced by factors such as self-interest, environmental changes, and evolving societal norms.
Fundamental questions in ethics include the ultimate purpose of life, the greatest good for humans, and the meaning of human existence.
Ethics and human development are intertwined. Initially, human behavior is driven by instinct but evolves into ethical behavior through development.
Ethics and economics require ethical considerations in areas like resource allocation, fairness, and equity.
Examples of ethical dilemmas in economics are capital-labor relations, profit, and interest.

Module 2: Moral Standards and Human Freedom

Morality is present only in humans, requiring awareness of actions and their consequences.
Humans possess intellect and free will, enabling ethical decision-making.
Humans are the highest form of animal due to their ability to reason and make moral choices, distinguishing them from instinct-driven animals.
Moral standards are linked to human nature.
The module discusses voluntariness in human acts.
Factors that modify human actions include ignorance, passions, fear, violence, and habits.
Different kinds of ignorance are vincible, invincible, and affected ignorance.

Module 3: Morality

Morality relates to the rightness or wrongness of actions.
The meaning of life and ultimate good are related to morality.
Morality is the basis of happiness for humans.
Human nature serves as justification for moral actions.
Morality is the concept that dictates what is good or bad.
Philosophies on morality include hedonism, utilitarianism, moral rationalism, moral positivism, moral evolutionism, and moral sensism. These philosophies have different views on what constitutes a good life and how to achieve it.
Morality is linked to human happiness by promoting human well-being.

Module 4: Dilemma and Culture in Moral Behavior

A social dilemma is where an individual must choose an action that might be against accepted social norms.
Moral reasoning is a critical component in ethical decision-making.
Lawrence Kohlberg's moral reasoning model describes different developmental stages of moral reasoning, ranging from obedience to punishment to more complex considerations of rights and social contracts.
Cultural diversity affects moral behavior. Different societies have different values and principles, so what may be considered moral in one society might not be in another.
Examples of social dilemmas include cases of stealing medicine and avoiding punishment.

Module 5: Filipino Culture and Morality, Morality and Conscience

Cultural relativism is the idea that moral norms and values must be understood within their cultural context.
Different cultures have different moral values, but those differences are not relevant to ethical decisions or standards.
Filipino culture emphasizes values like family, respect, and harmony.
Filipino psyche is characterized by factors such as social harmony, respect for authority, and collectivism.
Conscience, influenced by cultural values, guides ethical judgments.
This module explores the Filipino concept of morality within specific cultural values.

Module 6: Feelings and Moral Decisions

Feelings and emotions are distinct from reasoning, and although felt, don't necessarily determine moral decisions.
Love is an intense feeling, but moral decisions should consider reason.
Virtues and vices are traits of character related to good and bad actions.
Moral decisions require deliberation and analysis, not solely based on feelings.
Emotions serve as motivations for actions.
Emotions are not always reliable as guides for ethical decisions,

Module 7: Human Reasoning

Reason is the ability to make sense of things, apply logic, and change beliefs.
Reasoning is crucial for making moral decisions.
The module differentiates between different types of reasoning, including deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, and reductive reasoning.
Steps for moral reasoning include stating the problem, checking facts, identifying factors, developing options, preparing questions, choosing the best solution, and review.
Moral reasoning uses logic and existing knowledge to understand moral dilemmas.

Module 8: The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, Courage, and Moral Courage

St. Thomas Aquinas, known as the "Angelic Doctor," emphasized the natural law.
The natural law is the idea that certain moral principles are inherent and discernible through reason, representing God's order in the world.
This module discusses the concept of happiness and the meaning of courage.
Types of courage are examined, including physical, social, intellectual, moral, emotional, and spiritual courage.
Moral courage is acting in accordance with one's values despite potential negative consequences.
Moral courage involves courage influenced by intellect, conscience, and divine will.

Module 9: Aristotle on Virtue, The Philosophy of Immanuel Kant, and Right

Aristotle's philosophy emphasizes virtue as a trait of character that enables a good life.
Aristotle's concept of 'telos,' or the purpose of a thing, is relevant to understanding human actions.
Immanuel Kant's ethical theory focuses on the good will and categorical imperative.
This module further examines the concept of rights and privileges.
The difference between rights, derived from morality, and privileges or legal rights granted by the state is explored.
Aristotle's virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of finding the "golden mean" for moral actions and character development.
Kant's deontological ethics highlights the concept of duty and universal moral principles.