Values Education 10 Reviewer (1st Quarter)

Values Education 10 Reviewer (1st Quarter) LESSON 1: Leveling up with Intellect and Free Will Basic Concepts on the Intellect and Free Will 1. Human Reason and Free WIll Human beings are unique due to their capacity for deep thinking and the freedom to make decisions for the greater good. O...

Values Education 10 Reviewer (1st Quarter) LESSON 1: Leveling up with Intellect and Free Will Basic Concepts on the Intellect and Free Will 1. Human Reason and Free WIll Human beings are unique due to their capacity for deep thinking and the freedom to make decisions for the greater good. Obviously some animals are faster, stronger, and better than us. However, our one differentiating feature from all animals is the fact we can think deeply and act accordingly. No other species can think the way we think. No other species is sapient like us. 2. Process of Thinking Thinking allows individuals to understand, evaluate, and interpret information. Free will enables them to choose or reject actions based on this understanding. 3. Interconnection of Intellect and Free Will Intellect and free will work together, allowing individuals to reflect, analyze, and make decisions that align with what is good. In summary, you use your intellect to evaluate something. You can use your intellect to decide in your brain if you want to do something or not. Once you’ve thought it out, only then should you use your free will to act it out (your action should align with good morals and values though.) 4. Wisdom from Intellect and Free Will Wisdom is achieved when intellect and free will are aligned with truth. Wisdom is like a combination of intellect, free will, truth, and experience 5. Pursuit of Truth Humans have the capacity to seek truth, which is essential for moral living and ethical behavior, especially in discerning the validity of information. Raising the Level of Using the Intellect and Free Will 1. Instinct vs Intellect. A dog relies on instinct, eating food immediately without considering ownership or safety, while a person uses intellect to evaluate whether food is safe or permissible to eat. All animals have instinct. Even humans have instinct, the only thing is, we don’t rely on instinct. Obviously, if we’re hungry, we have the instinct to eat. Our intellect comes into play when we decide what to eat. A dog would eat anything, even things that could be considered unsafe. A human would carefully consider what to eat, its safety, its quantity, how it would satisfy them. 2. Moral Awareness It is the ability of humans to understand concepts like morality and justice, making decisions based on higher reasoning and values which animals cannot do. 3. Self-Awareness and Reflection Humans possess the ability to self-reflect, plan for the future, and interpret experiences in relation to their beliefs and values. It is our ability to look at past experiences and reflect on them. This is an extension of intellect in a way. 4. Growth in Knowledge and Values Developing intellect and free will should lead to better decision-making, aligning actions with moral principles and building character. Steps in Training Your Intellect to Resolve a Moral Issue 1. Clarify the Issue Identify the specific claim you want to resolve, such as whether or not death should be imposed as a punishment for heinous crimes. Clearly state the issue without any distractions. 2. List Associated Values Identify all values related to both sides of the issue. For example, respect for life and possibility of redemption vs the severity of the crime and the victims mental health. 3. Gather Relevant Information Collect data and evidence supporting both sides of the issue. Ensure each side is backed by sufficient information. Don’t be biased in this step. Collect information equally. 4. Choose Your Position Select the side you believe is justified and defend it using moral principles and relevant data. Use warrants (logical connections between your claim and evidence) and qualifiers (conditions that strengthen your argument). 5. Present the Opposing View Understand and present the data supporting the other side, including rebuttals that challenge the opposing evidence.  6. Make a Decision Evaluate all sides of the issue, including supporting reasoning, and then make a well-informed decision. This is where your final stand happens. Sometimes, after people present the opposing view, they end up choosing another side. That’s why this step and the step before are so important. Truth, Service, and Love: Leveling up the mind and free will Decisions impacting your character and life must be based on truth. It’s crucial to critically evaluate information as not everything encountered is true. To live peacefully in truth, people need to continually improve their thinking skills (and therefore intellect) to discern what is true. Truth, when chosen through free will, leads to good actions and selfless service to others. Those who understand and embrace truth use their mind and free will to serve others in love. Terms to Remember Intellect - The ability to think, understand, evaluate. Free Will - The ability to choose whatever without hindrances. Morality - Your sense, distinction, and definition or right and wrong. Immoral - Going against morality, not being moral. Doing things that are considered wrong. Amoral - Having no morality at all. This typically describes living things. For example, babies are amoral as they have not developed their brains enough yet to have the capacity for intellect and free will, therefore, they have no morality. Non-moral - This typically refers to actions. For example, if I choose to wear a red dress, it’s not against the law, so it’s not wrong, but there also is no law that states that I have to wear a red dress, so it’s not right either. The action of me wearing a red dress is non-moral. It’s simply neutral, neither right nor wrong. LESSON 2: Living by the Natural Moral Law to Do Good and Avoid Evil Natural Moral Law The Natural Moral Law is the principle where human actions are anchored, which acts as an individual's compass to do the right and good things. The Natural Moral Law is an instrument to relate more with God and others. This directs men to the actions they should not do. Immanuel Kant said that “The Natural Moral Law is within us because we are rational beings.” Both Immanuel Kant and St. Thomas of Aquinas emphasized the rationality of man. Everything we do has a reason that is either aligned or not aligned with the Natural Moral Law. Why do people do good deeds? The basis for doing good has been a major issue among various groups. Various philosophers have offered insights in becoming a moral person. Normative judgements are judgments that are expected, the standard, the norm of why we should do good deeds. Normative judgements are judgements on how one should act, so essentially, a standard. For example, it’s normal and expected for Christians to do good deeds because their religion calls for love and service. Descriptive judgements are how a certain community decides what is good and right. Descriptive judgements come from descriptive ethics, and descriptive ethics typically asks the question “What do people think is right?”.  Principles of Moral Thoughts and Practices - Socrates and Plato They deemed that a good and moral life involves effective relationships with others for both personal and societal benefit. - Aristotle He emphasized that a good life values justice, courage, and wisdom. Guiding acting through reason rather than a fixed standard. - St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas These two supported Aristotle's views, highlighting that doing good reflects obedience to God’s law. - Thomas Hobbes He argued that people do good based on consequences and personal desires, suggesting that actions are driven by what individuals love or fear. This is known as the Social Contract Theory. - John Locke He argued that the Moral Law is essential due to a higher authority and aligns with human nature and duty to God. - Immanuel Kant He believed that moral standards are based on reason and individual autonomy, with each person creating their own laws for good. Laws That Guide Human Acts - Eternal Law St. Thomas Aquinas claims that every law is derived from the Eternal Law. By Eternal Law, he means God’s rational purpose and plan for all things. The Eternal Law is otherwise recognized as God’s wisdom or the mind of God. According to Aquinas, Eternal Law is all Law created by God, all law comes from the Eternal Law. The Eternal Law is the divine wisdom of God which oversees the common good and governs everything. Eternal Law is God’s plan for everything. Society needs the Eternal Law for 4 reasons: 1. For the sake of people’s ultimate happiness, which is eternal and spiritual happiness (this equates to unison with God.) 2. For judgment on whether the will of humans that are not externally observed are good or evil A good example of this would be lying. Most people wouldn’t be able to tell that you’re lying, but God knows. If you aren’t punished on Earth, you surely will be at the hands of the Father. 3. For human persons to have exact laws in making judgments about human actions Human Laws (at least this is what theologians say) should be based on the Eternal Law. This is why there is so much debate over abortion. If we consider a fetus to be a human, abortion technically goes against Eternal Law. 4. For the fulfillment of universal justice Like the example mentioned before. Anything wrong deed that managed to escape Human Law will certainly face God’s Law. - Natural Law The Natural Law is defined as the partaking of man of the latter law. As eternal law rules and measures everything is subject to God’s guidance, us humans participate in it “naturally” thus termed as Natural Law. It is like our intrinsic values. Intrinsic sense of right and wrong through God’s guidance. The basic premise of the Natural Law is that: 1. In this law God ordains us to final happiness by placing in us both general knowledge and an inclination to goodness. 2. For St. Thomas Aquinas, the natural law is a fundamental principle that is weaved into the fabric of our nature. - Human Law The feature of the Human Law consists of the adaptation of universal principles to humans and the regulation of its life and this law is directed to the common good. It is further emphasized that the Human Law is not innate and not imposed by our own reason but rather is imposed by external entities such as the government or any institution. It’s just normal laws. Like the laws passed in government. - Divine Law Lee (2018) describes Divine Law as God’s self-revelation in the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament, summarized by the Ten Commandments, governs external conduct through fear and rewards with social peace. The New Testament shifts to internal conduct, emphasizing divine love over fear, offering heavenly rewards, and empowering believers through the Holy Spirit, summed up in the commandment of love. This law exists because humans can be confused about what is right, so we need guidance from someone who knows God’s mind–who better than God himself. Basic Premise of the Natural Moral Law Good is to be done and evil is to be avoided. 7 Basic Goods (Natural Moral Law) 1. Life We have the drive to sustain life. We should see life as a whole and we should be free from pain. 2. Reproduction As humans, we avoid dangerous situations. We have the drive to sustain life and to procreate ourselves–self-preservation. 3. Educate One’s Offspring Humans should educate themselves to be well-informed instead of ignorant. 4. Seek God Humans should concern themselves with individual interests that transcend our concerns. According to Aquinas, we should all seek God. 5. Live in Society The human person desires “pakikipagkapwa” and friendship. Pakikipagkapwa is a Filipino value that means a person tends to relate with his/her family and others. 6. Avoid Offense Respect the dignity and rights of others. It involves acting in ways that do not unjustly harm or disrespect others, whether through speech, actions, or omissions. 7. Shun Ignorance As stated at the third point: we should reject ignorance. Humans should use their intelligence to solve problems and shape one’s character.  Five Secondary Principles of the Moral Law 1. Anything good should not be destroyed to do good 2. Any human person should not be treated as a material to attain a purpose 3. A few should not be favored, unless it is necessary for the good of all 4. A human person should recognize the need to work with others for the good of all 5. A human person should act based on intellect and free will Forming a Strong Moral Conscience Experience shapes one’s conscience. What an individual absorbs, including knowledge and intellect, acts as a foundation of conscience as one is able to identify what is right and wrong. In this regard, the following practices are required in the formation of a strong moral conscience: 1. There must be an understanding of what good and bad acts are 2. There must be an understanding of what the Natural Moral Law is 3. There must be an application of knowledge to work 4. There must be an exercise of freedom in work based on the capabilities and the knowledge about human nature LESSON 3: Using Freedom for Love and Service Notions of Freedom - Natural Freedom Humans have the nature to freely think, decide, dream, love, feel and act. A person who is free has control over their actions and therefore is responsible for the consequences. It is our nature, our innate sense of freedom. - Responsible Freedom It is the ability to choose and act accordingly. Freedom is not absolute. - Internal Freedom Internal freedom is the ability of a person to be self-righteous. It is your freedom to take a stand for yourself, and uphold your rights as an individual. - External Freedom External freedom is the ability of a person to relate well with others and be in harmony with the law. Characteristics of People with Responsible Freedom - Freedom to act beyond personal interest You might not want to work on your class Performance Task, but since you know it would help, you do it anyway. - Freedom to act and is accountable for any consequence More freedom, more responsibility. Even with all your freedom, make sure you can accept the consequences. - Freedom to decide but doing it intelligently Make sure your actions and decisions have reason and are well-thought out, not just done on a whim. - Freedom in shaping an identity and has the ability for self-criticism of emotion and behavior It’s okay to be critical of yourself and your behavior if it means it can give you room for improvement as a person. Definition of Freedom Freedom is the ability to act, speak, and think as one wants without hindrance. Freedom is inherent. It is in this sense that man operates in accordance with their judgment and personal plan. Freedom equates to the absence of influence from others. True Freedom - True freedom is when you have selfless love and responsibility for others. Selfishness and blind obedience to the law prevent true freedom. A person focused only on following laws without understanding their purpose lacks the true intent of serving others. A person achieves true freedom by selflessly serving others, even at a personal cost. This freedom transcends worldly desires and focuses on the greater good. - True freedom: Choosing and doing good for your neighbors Freedom is to be used for the good of neighbors. You act upon the good through freedom not because you want to be saved according to the law, but because of your love for others as you love yourself. Freedom is often misconceived as having the liberty to do whatever one likes. As such, this is manifested in the use of drugs, sexual activities, and spending for things that are gratifying but not useful. A person is not free if they are a slave of their actions that are destructive of their character. A perfect example is drug addiction. Drug addicts are slaves to doing drugs, a self-destructive behavior. They may appear “free” but they can’t escape their addiction. A truly free person will have control of themself. LESSON 4: Uplifting Dignity for the Less Fortunate and for the Indigenous People Dignity Human dignity is innate. Therefore, it is inherent in every individual. It is for one’s dignity that each one deserves respect and the same reason that every person respects every other person. Human dignity is much more than simply paying respect to yourself and everyone around you. Defending the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life 1. Life is sacred and the dignity of a human person is the basis of moral living in society. However, there are challenges that pose a threat to defending the dignity of human life. 2. Abortion, euthanasia, cloning, embryonic stem cell use, death penalty, abuse, and wars inflicted by nations reduce the view and value of human dignity. 3. The dignity of a person is inherent. The goal of institutions (especially education) and sectors of society should always aim to uplift people and their dignity. Inequality affects dignity in a way that fair and equal policies are not given to promote the inherent worth of humans. Abuse of human dignity include anti-people policies, unjust imprisonment, unfair dismissal, slavery, prostitution, human trafficking, and unjust treatment to workers. One very good example of abuse of human dignity is how Afghanistan (more specifically the Taliban) treats their female citizens. They are denied the right to education, the right to be seen in public, the right to go to parks, the right to even sing to their children. Those women are not being treated like humans, they are having their dignity abused under the Taliban. Principles of Human Dignity Human dignity, equal to human worth, is the foundation of all rights. Institutions must protect life, dignity, and rights. Society’s systems influence personal dignity and development. A thriving community depends on safeguarding dignity, rights, and fulfilling responsibilities. - The Principle of Sacredness This principle holds that every human being, created in God’s image, is sacred and inherently dignified from conception to death. This dignity, the basis of all rights, is not granted by society and must never be violated. - The Principle of Good Will Each person, as a vital member of society, deserves care for their well-being and dignity. A good community protects life and dignity, rejecting harm and discrimination based on race, gender, or socio-economic status. - The Principle of Respect and Love Human dignity is upheld through respect, love, and care for life. Humans should be valued for their inherent dignity, not judged by external factors like beauty, status, or ethnicity. Society should show respect to all, including those often marginalized. - The Principle of Justice The weak, vulnerable, and marginalized (including the unborn, elderly, disabled, sick, and dying) must be cared for as each person has inherent dignity. All people should be treated with equal respect in similar circumstances.  Protecting the Dignity of the Poor and Indigenous People The clamor for dignity goes beyond the prevention of killings and suffering. It is also the call of the culture of life. Supporting the less fortunate is an individual responsibility. It is one’s moral obligation to provide help on account of human dignity. - Movements/Community Activities People have become increasingly conscious of the concept of unity. Moreover, the youth have become more vocal in expressing their solidarity with the less fortunate. Individuals together with the less fortunate who speak against corruption and bring up their concerns to the officials help with the chances of alleviating their conditions. Preferential option for the less fortunate is a call to strengthen the whole community by reaching out to those who are weak. - Defending the Rights and Human Dignity of Indigenous Peoples The Indigenous Peoples are our countrymen who should be recognized and respected despite their native culture. They have equal dignity and contribute to the wealth of civilization and culture of the country. However, several activities pose threats to the community of IPs. Colonization, seizure of lands, dominions, and natural resources have caused them to suffer without justice. Some ways to defend the rights and human dignity of the indigenous peoples are to: - Affirm Indigenous People’s equality while respecting their right to be different - Promote the rights of Indigenous Peoples as outlined in treaties and agreements - Support Indigenous control over their lands and resources for cultural and institutional development - Recognize that demilitarization of indigenous lands contributes to peace and progress - Advocate for recognizing Indigenous rights to foster cooperation and justice