GED 107 Ethics - Moral and Non-Moral Standards PDF

GED 107- ETHICS MORAL AND NON-MORAL STANDARDS Mr. Darel A. Dimaano Lecturer 1  Introduction Why is there a need to study ethics at all as a subject in college? Does not everyone already have a sense of what is good and bad behavior? Why is there a need...

GED 107- ETHICS MORAL AND NON-MORAL STANDARDS Mr. Darel A. Dimaano Lecturer 1  Introduction Why is there a need to study ethics at all as a subject in college? Does not everyone already have a sense of what is good and bad behavior? Why is there a need to study or to spend time thinking about what is already inherent in everyone’s mind?  EDUCATING THE MIND WITHOUT EDUCATING THE HEART IS NO EDUCATION AT ALL. -ARISTOTLE  Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that “involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior”. What is Ethics? TRADITION AND CULTURE People like to think their traditions are already clear and unquestionable to serves as basis for how they should act. This is because people grow with traditions. TRADITION AND CULTURE Traditions are a part of culture. Culture is a system of codes that gives the world meaning and shapes the behavior of people. It also includes proper behavior. Culture is our code that shapes how we understand, what life is worth living, and what it means to be human.  Whose conception of the good is “the good”? Usually, the good is defined by a dominant system or group. The good is defined by what has worked for people to flourish. People value cooperation over conflict because it makes human survival easier. What people usually believe t be the good is usually what is useful and effective for survival and flourishing. But people are not only concerned about the useful and effective. People also seek to realize what they consider to be ethical acts that lead to human flourshing.  Ethics The term “ethics” comes from the Greek word “ethos”, which means custom, a characteristic, or habitual way of doing things, or action that is properly derived from one’s character. The Latin word mos or moris (and its plural mores) from which the adjective moral is derived is equivalent to ethos.  Gawa and Gawi Habituation In Filipino, the words gawi and gawa can give a sense of what philosophers mean by ethical action. Filipinos distinguish between thoughtless, instinctive mannerismas and reflexes from gawa (action) and gawi (inclination). In reflecting on how Filipinos use these words, one can understand that human actions are different from mere bodily movements.  WHY DO WE NEED TO DISTINGUISH MORAL STANDARDS TO NON-MORAL ONES?  2 Different cultures have different moral standards. 1 Some values do have moral implications, while others don’t. WHAT ARE THE MORAL STANDARDS? 1. Moral standards deal with matters we think can seriously inure, benefit humans, animals, and the environment such as child abuse, rape, and murder. Moral standards are not established or changed by the decisions of authoritative individuals or bodies. 2. Moral standards are overriding that is, they take precedence over other standards and considerations, especially self- interest. 3. Moral standards are fair and just. 4. Moral standards are associated with special emotions such as guilt and shame, and vocabulary such as right, wrong, good, and bad. WHAT ARE THE NON-MORAL STANDARDS? Are those unwanted principles, which are in opposition to everything that we are expected to be and do, and it is influenced by largely by the construct prescribed in our society. Refers to standards by which we judge what is good or bad, right or wrong in a non-moral way. Matters of taste and preference.  What is moral reasoning? It is a type of reasoning directed towards deciding what to do that involves forming judgments about what one ought, morally to do. Empirical Challenges to Moral Reasoning  Our thinking is often not explicit. We could say that we reason tacitly, thinking in much the same way as during explicit reasoning, but wthout any explicit attempt to reach well- supported answers.  Our feelings or emotion. Feelings without reason afre blind. Reasons sets the course for making ethical and impartial decisions especially in moral situations although it is not the sole determining factor in coming up with such decisions.  Our circumstances or situations. In others, it might even be a mistake to reason tacitly, specifically, when we face emergency that needs immediate response. “Sometimes we should not deliberate about what to do, and ust drive” (Arpaly & Schroeder, 2014).  Prejudice. Morality involves impartiality because it ensures that all interests are accounted for, weighed rationally, and assessed without prejudice. Seven (7) Step Moral Reasoning Model  1. Stop and Think Before making any decisions, it is best to take a moment to think about the situation itself, your place in it, and other surrounding factors which merit considerations, such as the people involved and the potential effects of your decisions on them. This involves a step-back from the situation to make sure that you do not act out of impulse.  2. Clarify goals It is also necessary to clarify your short-term and long-term aims. One often decides on the basis of what he/she wants to accomplish. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, short-term wants eclipse long- term goals. Thus, you must determine if you are willing to sacrifice more important life goals to achieve your short-term goals.  3. Determine Facts Make sure you gather enough information before you make a choice. An intelligent choice is one that is supported by verified facts. You must first make sure that what you know is enough to merit action. Without verifying facts, you may regret your choice in the future once various aspects of the situation come to light. Never make a choice on the basis of hearsay. Make sure your sources are credible and have integrity.  4. Develop Options Once you are clear in terms of your goals and facts, try to come up with alternative options to exhaust all possible courses of action. Most of the time, the pressure of a situation may make you feel have less options than you think. Clear your mind and try to think of other creative ways of clarifying your motives and implementing your actions with the least ethical compromise.  5. Consider Consequences Filter your choices and separate the ethical from the umethical choices bearing in mind both your motives and the potential consequences of your actions. Think of long- term consequences and act in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness. Make sure you don’t regret the decision you have conferred reality upon. 6. Choose and Make Decision If the choice is hard to make, try consulting others who may have knowledge or experience of your situation. Find people with a virtuous character and compare your reasoning with your moral analysis. Once you make up your mind, summon the will to do the right thing even if it is hard and seemingly counter-intuitive.  7. Monitor and Modify. Monitor what happens after your decision and have enough humility to modify your action or behavior as necessary. Pride may get in the way of admitting that you might have not thought out a decision well enough. As you become more aware of the consequences of your actions, especially on the lives of others, summon the strength and determination to make changes to rectify any shortcomings. Do not hesitate to revise your decisions in light of new developments in the situation.  Conclusion Our attempt to act based on our moral standards, our moral reasoning will not be met with praise at all times. It will constantly be faced with challenges and criticisms. Since not all people hold the same moral and ethical principles, cultures and traditions., we will eventually face cultural conundrum. Nonetheless, it will always be reasonable to act on moral issues based on our instinctive rationality, in consideration of the learnings that we had from our previous experiences, and the values that we deeply uphold. Still, all in all, we have our autonomy to decide on our own, despite of the conflicting interests of the world forced on us. MAy it ever be that we firmly stand in accordance to what is morally true, pure and honest in our daily decision-makings. THANK YOU! Do you have any questions? Feel free to message me.