Overview of Ethics

Study Notes

Overview of Ethics

Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, studies beliefs about right and wrong, good and bad, encompassing judgments, values, rules, principles, and theories.
The term "ethics" originates from the Greek word "ethos," which signifies customs, characteristics, or habitual actions derived from one's character.
The Latin word "mos," which relates to morals, aligns with the Greek concept of ethos, indicating that "ethical" and "moral" are etymologically synonymous.

Contextualized Ethics

Gawa represents free actions aimed towards a specific outcome, while gawi signifies habitual types of work or actions people routinely undertake.
Kagawian translates to habitual action and resembles the Greek ethos; it reflects the Filipino perspective on ethics and moral behavior.
"Madaling maging tao, mahirap magpakatao" suggests the complexity of truly embodying ethical behavior beyond mere existence.
Ethics is seen as a pathway to happiness and fulfilling human obligations, encouraging individuals to prioritize ethical decisions over mere personal happiness.

Importance of Ethics

Ethical discipline is crucial for helping individuals discern their accepted ethical systems, influencing everything of significance in their lives.
Moral Philosophy utilizes critical reasoning to tackle fundamental life questions related to morality.

Major Divisions of Ethics

Normative Ethics: Focuses on principles, rules, or theories that direct actions and judgments.
Metaethics: Investigates the meanings and logical structures of moral beliefs.
Applied Ethics: Involves applying moral norms to specific issues, especially in professions like medicine or law.

Ethical vs. Legal Judgment

Moral judgment pertains to personal beliefs about right and wrong, while legal judgment concerns adherence to laws.
Example: A legal claim states that driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.09 is wrong based on traffic regulations, reflecting a legal judgment rather than a moral one.

Description

Explore the foundational concepts of ethics, including the significance of moral philosophy in understanding right and wrong. Delve into the etymological origins of ethics, its cultural perspectives, and the complexities of embodying ethical behavior. This quiz will enhance your understanding of how ethics influences human actions and well-being.