Ethics and Morals PDF
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This document explores different perspectives on ethics and morals. It examines various viewpoints, including subjective, conventional, and absolute views about morality. The document also introduces important concepts like ethical pragmatism, utilitarianism, and consequentialism. The paper covers specific topics like abortion, genetic engineering, in vitro fertilization and euthanasia.
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What does **morals** mean? A person's idea of **morals** tends to shaped by their **surrounding environment** (and sometimes their belief). Moral values shapes person's ideas about right and wrong. What does **ethics** mean? An **ethical code** doesn\'t have to be **moral**. It\'s just a **set...
What does **morals** mean? A person's idea of **morals** tends to shaped by their **surrounding environment** (and sometimes their belief). Moral values shapes person's ideas about right and wrong. What does **ethics** mean? An **ethical code** doesn\'t have to be **moral**. It\'s just a **set of rule** for people to follow. It is drafted by trade of groups to **ensure members stay out of trouble** and act in a way that **brings credit to the profession** **Subjective view** It supports the view that **the truth of moral principles is relative to individuals**. It allows you to be sovereign over the principles that dictate how you live your life. **Conventional view** It supports the view that the **truth of moral principles is relative to cultures / society.** It allows you to be sovereign over the principles that dictate how you live your life. ✓ The culture or the society becomes the highest authority about what is right for each individual within that society. ✓ Conventional relativism places the individual\'s will **subordinate** to the will of the cultural majority. **Absolute view** The desire to have an absolute set of ethics implies an Absolute Ethics Source which can **easily be deduced as Being God.** God has the power to convey things to us that are absolute truthful and ethical. Those absolutes, however, may not be to our liking or please our subjective tastes. **Ethical Pragmatism** The term **pragmatism** was coined by **Charles Sanders Peirce** and was **further developed by William James.** Considered as America's most distinctive and major contribution to the field of philosophy. It is defined as a reasonable and logical way of doing things or thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations rather than on ideas and theories. At the heart of **ethical pragmatism** is a fundamental belief that all human life has value, and it fosters a technique for critical thinking. It requires having accurate facts and precisely identifying and defining goals. **Pragmatic conception** of good and truth can be applied in the medical context especially in terms of decision making and moral reasoning. **Ethical Utilitarianism** Founded by **Philosophers Jeremy Bentham** and **John Stuart Mill** It states that the **rightness or wrongness of actions** is determined by their consequences. **Utilitarianism** is an ethical theory that determines **right from wrong** by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of **consequentialism**. "Actions are good insofar as they tend to promote happiness, bad as they tend to produce unhappiness **Abortion** Abortion is considered illegal in the Philippines (**Article II, Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution)** ✓ The state recognizes the **sanctity of life and shall protect and strengthen the family** as a basic **autonomous** social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. **Genetic Engineering** It is a controversial ethical issue because it involves **genetic manipulations** that are perceived to be against moral standards set by the society. **Genetic screening** Procedure whose main purpose is to **screen, choose, and select the genes for proper detection of any genetic diseas**e and other **chromosomal malformations.** It is usually done for the early diagnosis of diseases. **Genetic interventions** Techniques such as **genetic control, therapy, and surgery.** People can now intervene in the biological process and control bad or defective genes **Stem cell therapy** A form of genetic engineering that makes **use of stem cells to treat or prevent diseases.** It has been the subject of controversy because of how stem cells are sourced. **In vitro fertilization** a.k.a **laboratory fertilization** It is perceived to be a deviation from **natural process of fertilization** **Professional Ethics** It covers the **morally accepted behavior of individuals** in the workplace. The **code of ethics** of a particular profession serves as the **guiding principle** in the ethical practice of a profession. **Professional ethics** guide **individuals in dealing with issues and conflicts** in the workplace in order for them to remain functional **10 Golden Rules** Always strive for excellence Be trustworthy Be accountable Be courteous and respectful Be honest, open, and transparent Be competent and improve continually Always be ethical Always be honorable and act with integrity Be respectful of confidentiality Set good examples **Ethical Relativism** a.ka **Moral relativism** School of ethics anchored on the principle that morality is relative to the norms of a particular culture It acknowledges societal diversity: that every society has a unique moral design and culture; and people's beliefs are greatly influenced by culture. It theorizes that truth is different for different people and community Euthanasia (Mercy killing) Practice of ending a life intentionally, usually in situations when the individual is terminally ill, to relieve him/her of pain and suffering. It Is regarded as a merciful release of an individual from an incurable sickness