C1 - Ethics Basic Concepts PDF

C1 - Ethics Basic Concepts Prepared by: Renard A. Sotto  "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.’ -Socrates Learning Outcomes Students are expected to d...

C1 - Ethics Basic Concepts Prepared by: Renard A. Sotto  "A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.’ -Socrates Learning Outcomes Students are expected to demonstrate the following at the end of this chapter: 1. Differentiate between moral and non-moral standards; 2. Recognize and recall a moral experience; 3. Detect a moral dilemma; 4. Identify the three levels of moral dilemmas; and 5. Explain why only human beings can be ethical. WHEN DO WE SAY THEN THAT AN ACT IS MORAL OR NON-MORAL? Is it morally right to end the life of an individual, even by just administering what the patient so wishes? What is Euthanasia? Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient's suffering. A TikTok model made viral videos of her grandmother’s choice to die Cases: On November 2017, The Australian state parliament of Victoria, has legalized Voluntary Euthanasia after 20 years (McGuirk 2017). State Premier Daniel Andrews, a euthanasia advocate after his father died of cancer in 2016, called on the reform as compassionate saying that... I'm very proud to have made this reform and to have led a team that has delivered the sort of leadership that all Victorians can be proud of." In many parts of the world, the issue of legalizing euthanasia, also called as assisted suicide, has gone through major debates questioning the morality of the act. There are some countries which has so far legalized assisted suicide. However, it is yet to be seen whether euthanasia will become a law in the Philippines. What are the Moral Standards? MORALITY is the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason, that is, to do what there are the best reasons for doing while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual who will be affected by what one does Rachels , 2003). What are the Moral Standards? ETHICS refers to the philosophical concept of morality, endeavors to understand moral concepts and justify moral principles. It analyzes concepts such as right and wrong, and seeks to establish principles of right behavior that may serve as guides to action for people to follow Pojman , 1992). What are the Moral Standards? Those concerned with or relating to human behavior , especially the distinction between good and bad behavior. Moral standards involves the rules people have about the kinds of actions they believe are morally right and wrong. Are those ethical principles that we live by and believe. These are important blueprints of our behavior, which we abide by daily, and are influenced by our society, or by certain ethical universals. To analyze what is morally acceptable or NOT MORES are strongly held norms, which epitomize the deeply held standards of what is right, and wrong (Stolle 2005). These are known to be morally significant which, If not followed, could result to social and lawful sanctions. MORAL STANDARD then are those ethical principles that we live by and believe. These are important blueprints of our behavior, which we abide by daily, and are influenced by our society, or by certain ethical universals. On the contrary, NON-MORAL STANDARD are those unwanted principles, which are in opposition to everything that we are expected to be and do. Likewise, non-moral standards are influenced largely by the constructs prescribed in our society. Why is it that only human being can be ethical? Why is it that only human being can be ethical? It is also significant to point out that only human beings belong to a certain standard of morality since, as Guldberg (2011) explains "We are capable of making judgements about our own and other peoples behavior, and have the capacity consciously to change the way we behave and society as a whole.“ Hence, it is only us, humans, who are able to make moral choices, reflect, rethink, and re-align our actions to what is morally and ethically acceptable. These choices are not inherent in other living beings. Thus, we are in a very special position as we are given that innate capability to make moral decisions. Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral convictions? How you feel about it? Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral convictions? How you feel about it? E.B: Mason (1996), expounds that moral conflict is a fact of moral life If is something that we can never do away with. It is embedded in the crucial decisions that we make, particularly in moments that we are faced with what is and what should be. As moral as we want to be, our convictions are oftentimes challenged, and if not strong enough, are dejectedly compromised. These challenges are products of the evolving values and moral systems of our society. It is thus necessary that we are in touch with the norms in our society as it mirrors the moral consciousness of the people. What are the moral dilemmas that college students like you usually encounter What are the moral dilemmas that college students like you usually encounter College students may encounter a Moral dilemmas are situations in variety of moral dilemmas during which the decision-maker must their time in school, consider two or more moral values including: Academic integrity: or duties but can only honor one of Students may face ethical them; thus, the individual will dilemmas related to cheating, violate at least one important moral plagiarism, or academic dishonesty. concern, regardless of the decision. Is it moral to end the life of a patient, with or without his or her consent? Explain  For Euthanasia (Ending a Patient's Life with Consent): Autonomy and Personal Relief from Suffering: Euthanasia Patient's Best Interests: Freedom: Proponents argue that is often seen as a compassionate Supporters maintain that in some individuals have the right to make option to alleviate the unbearable cases, ending a patient's life may be decisions about their own lives, physical or psychological suffering of in their best interests when there is including the choice to end their terminally ill patients. Advocates no hope for improvement and suffering through euthanasia, if they argue that preserving life at all costs continued life is characterized by are of sound mind and provide can be inhumane in certain unrelenting suffering. informed consent. situations.  For Euthanasia (Ending a Patient's Life with Consent): anctity of Life: Many religious Slippery Slope: Critics raise Alternative Options: Critics and ethical traditions emphasize concerns about a potential suggest that improved palliative the intrinsic value of human life slippery slope, where permitting care and pain management can and argue that deliberately euthanasia could lead to abuse or effectively address the suffering ending a life is morally wrong, misuse, such as involuntary of terminally ill patients without regardless of the circumstances or euthanasia or euthanasia for non- resorting to euthanasia. the patient's consent. terminal conditions. Euthanasia Exists to at least help a patient die a good death. Ezra (2006), explained its three forms, with the assumption that the patient has an acute, terminal, chronic illness that medical treatment cannot remedy or even cure. In Ezra's words, these are the types of euthanasia, together with their explanations and reasons, summarized in the infographic on the left. Ethical dilemmas Ethical dilemmas also arise in our workplace. The stress in the workplace is not only a result of beating deadlines and what not, but also of the ethical issues surrounding the workplace. As it is very important that employees live up to certain standards prescribed by the companies and organizations, it is likewise significant for the latter to uphold ethical standards in and for the company. Three levels of ethical standards in a business: Individual. The dilemma here is when the employee's ethical standards are in opposition to that of his or her employer, which could lead to tensions in the workplace. Organizational. Ethical standards are seen in company policies. Still and all, there might be a gap between those who run the business whose ethical standards deviate from that of the organization This might cause ethical challenges and conflicts for those who are working in the company. Systemic. Also called as the systemic level, here, ethics is predisposed by mic larger operating environment of the company. Political pressures, economic conditions, societal attitudes and others, can affect the operating standards and policies of the organization where it might face moral dilemmas outside of the organization but within the macro-society where it belongs. SHOULD EMPLOYEES EXPERIENCING MORAL DILEMMAS AT WORK LEAVE THEIR JOB NO MATTER HOW COMPENSATING THEY ARE FOR THEM? FREEDOM AS FOUNDATION OF ETHICS In making moral decisions, Immanuel Kant runs to human autonomy as the principal foundation of morality. Free will then become the foundation of our moral act, which is done also out of our moral responsibility. A Practical Kantian Model of Ethical Issues Management Immanuel Kant's ethical theory, grounded in the principles of deontology, emphasizes the importance of duty, moral laws, and the categorical imperative. Unlike utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of actions, Kantian ethics evaluates the morality of actions based on adherence to duty and universal moral laws. This model can be effectively applied to manage ethical issues in various settings, including business, healthcare, and public administration. Core Principles of Kantian Ethics Duty and Moral Law: Actions are morally right if they are performed out of duty and in accordance with universal moral laws. Categorical Imperative: Act only according to that maxim by which you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. Respect for Persons: Treat humanity, whether in oneself or in others, always as an end and never as a means only. Steps in a Practical Kantian Model for Ethical Issues Management 1. Identification of Ethical Issues: Recognize the ethical dilemmas and issues that arise in the context of the organization or situation. 2. Application of the Categorical Imperative: Formulate Maxims: Identify the guiding principles or maxims behind potential actions. Universalizability Test: Determine if the maxim can be consistently universalized. Ask if everyone could act on this maxim without contradiction. Respect for Persons Test: Ensure that the action respects the inherent dignity and autonomy of all individuals involved. 3. Duty and Compliance: Evaluate the actions based on duty rather than outcomes and actions are performed out of respect for moral laws and obligations. 4. Decision-Making and Implementation: Make decisions based on the evaluation of maxims through the categorical imperative. Implement actions that adhere to the duty and respect for persons. 5. Review and Reflection: Reflect on the outcomes and processes. End