Chapter 2: Freedom and Morality (PDF)

GROUP 1 Freedom and Morality Chapter 2  Chapter Introduction Remember that morality deals with the choices that define who we become and determine our eternal destiny. How we define and use our freedom would clearly affect t...

GROUP 1 Freedom and Morality Chapter 2  Chapter Introduction Remember that morality deals with the choices that define who we become and determine our eternal destiny. How we define and use our freedom would clearly affect these defining choices. In fact, it defines how we make these decisions. Whether we see our freedom as license to do whatever we want or as a mission to discern and choose what will make us better people and our lives more fulfilled inform the entire framework in which we make these defining choices. If we are off on how we understand human freedom, or moral compass is inaccurate from the very start. If we are to choose among possible goods, the goal would be to choose those goods that meet the other goals of natural law -making us more human, choosing and protecting authentic human goodness, being true to our physical and spiritual nature, and enriching human society. Put simply, true human freedom is the ability to choose the best possible good. Barroa, Nash B.  Objectives At the end of the chapter, the students will be able to: 1. Explain why only human beings can be ethical; 2. Discuss the meaning of moral acts; 3. Put into practice Kant's definition of freedom and morality; 4. Analyze the relationship of culture to morality; 5. Detect a moral dilemma; and 6. Identify the three levels of dilemma. Barroa, Nash B.  Introduction In Kant pilosophy, freedom is defined as a concept which is involved in the moral domain. In summary, Kant says that the moral law is only that I know myself as a free person. Kantian freedom is closely linked to the notion of autonomy, which means law itself; thus, freedom falls obedience to a law that I created myself. It is therefore, respect its commitment to compliance with oneself. Phenomena, in the Kantian thought, are subject to the law of natural causality: each event is the effect of another, and so on to infinity. Unlike the phenomenon of man, the moral rule is free, ie, it has the power to self-start condition. Kant ethics is mainly based on the concept of free will and autonomy. Barroa, Nash B.  Kant’s Morality and Freedom To act freely is to act autonomously. To act autonomously is to act according to a law I give myself. Whenever I act according to the laws of nature, demands of social convention, when I pursue pleasure and comfort, I am not acting freely. To act freely is not to simply choose a means to a given end. To act freely is to choose the end itself, for its own sake. The capacity to act autonomously in this manner gives humans that special dignity that things and animals do not have. Respecting this dignity requires us to treat others not as means to an end, but as ends in themselves. Barroa, Nash B.  To arrive at the proper understanding in Kant’s notion of moral law and the connection between morality, freedom and reason let us examin these contrast: 2. AUTONOMY VS. HETERONOMY 1. DUTY VS. INCLINATION (MORALITY) (FREEDOM) I am only free when my will is determined Only the motive of duty, acting autonomously, governed by the law I give according to the law I give myself myself. Being part of nature, I am not exempt confers moral worth to an action. from its laws and I'm inclined or compelled to Any other motive,while possibly act according to those laws (act commendable, cannot give an heteronomously). My capacity for reason opens action moral worth. another possibility, that of acting according to laws other than the laws of nature: the laws I give myself. Barroa, Nash B.  3. Categorieal vs. Hypothetical Imperatives (reason) - Kant acknowledges two ways in which reason can command the will, two imperatives. Hypothetical Imperative uses instrumental reason: If I want X, I must do Y. (If I want to stay out of jail, I must be a good citizen and not rob banks). Hypothetical imperative is always conditional. Categorieal Imperative is non-conditional. "It is concerned not with the matter of the action and its presumed results, but with its form, and with the principle from which it follows. And what is essentially good in the action consists in the mental disposition, let the consequences be what they may. Barroa, Nash B.  Two Main Formulations of the Categorical Imperative 1. Act only on that maxim whereby 2. "Act in such a way that you always you can at the same time will that it treat humanity, whether in your own should become a universal law. person or in the person of any other, "Maxim" is a rule, a principle that gives never simply as a means, but always reason to action. This is a at the same time as an end." For "universalizing test" that checks Kant, human existence has in itself whether my action puts my interests an absolute value -it is an end in and circumstances ahead of everyone itself and the only ground of a else's. My action will fail the test if it possible categorical imperative. results in a contradiction. Barroa, Nash B.  Role of Freedom in Morality The personal aspect of morality— which might more properly be called ethics- is about the cultivation of virtue: the development of character traits so that choosing the good becomes a matter of habit. The interpersonal aspect of morality is more about rule following. These rules are important because, they prevent us from "colliding" with each other. They permit us to live together in harmony, and they also make us recognize, apart from the mere consequences to ourselves, the rights of others. Freedom remains essential. Freedom is so precious that God will not override it, even when we badly misuse that freedom. Thus, freedom is essential to a genuinely good human life at all the levels of morality. Barroa, Nash B.  Freedom: The Foundation of Moral Act Freedom is humans' greatest quality and it is a reflection of our creator. Freedom is the power rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. Having freedom means having responsibility. Are animals free? Do they have freedom? What separates human from animals? Freedom is a power rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act. Good and evil are forged in freedom. To the degree that a person reaches higher level of freedom, he becomes capable of higher levels of morality. The sinful person becomes slave. Arevalo, Ella  Freedom and Freewill While the existence of freedom is a central premise in Catholic morality, we are not all equally free. There are many possible limits to our freedom: both external and internal. External freedom is a freedom from factors outside ourselves that limit or destroy our free will. Internal freedom is a freedom from interior factors that limit our free will. Arevalo, Ella  Requirements of True Freedom True freedom is dependent upon truth, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John 8:32). True freedom is oriented toward the good. We should not understand freedom as the possibility of doing evil. Evil enslaves us and diminishes our ability to be free. True freedom requires responsibility. There is no such thing as irresponsible freedom. Arevalo, Ella  Human Acts vs Acts of Human HUMAN ACTS ACTS OF HUMAN Human acts make use of his knowledge Acts of human do not make use of his and free will. Example: love your e intellect or will knowledge. His action is nemy, pray to God, sacrifice for others. natural. Examples of acts of human are breathing, blinking, and sneezing. Arevalo, Ella  CULTURE And Morality Lesson 2 Arevalo, Ella  Introduction In a review essay on morality and culture, Mary Douglas pointed out that there exists little communication between anthropologists writing on morals and the (Western) moral philosophers. Anthropological findings enter the ethical discussions as 'exotic examples." She expects this situation to last for quite some time. Two conversations are running parallel: one the philosophers', about the rational foundation of ethics, another the anthropologists', about the interaction between moral ideas and social institutions. The conversations, as they are set at the present time, seems will never converge Arevalo, Ella  Anthropologists are confident that they are speaking about the role of culture in human life and societies. Moral philosophers are sure that they are discussing moral issues. So far so good. But the problem begins when anthropologists turn to the investigation of the morality of a culture and when philosophers try to account for the role of culture in the formation of morality. The central difficulty has to do with the way the relation between morality and culture is perceived. Arevalo, Ella  What is Culture is derived from the Latin word Culture? "cultura" or "cultus" which means care or cultivation. Culture as cultivation implies that every human being is a potential member of his own social group. He is endowed with certain innate qualities to make use. However, he cannot develop these inborn talents without the other people. He/she needs other people who can provide him/her with the needed opportunities so he/she can translate these potentialities into realities called achievements. These accomplishments not only help him achieve self- actualization but also make him/her a contributing member of his society. Dolor, Bea Flor  What is Culture? Anthropologist Edward B. Tylor, an Englishman, developed one of the classic definitions of culture. He said, "Culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, law, art, moral, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired as a member of society." In other words, culture refers to the totality of the humanly created world, from material culture and cultivated landscapes, via social institutions (political, religious, economic etc.), to knowledge and meaning, something that human has created and learned in a society. His theory defines culture in descriptive terms as the "complex whole" that makes up social ideas and institutions. Dolor, Bea Flor  What is Culture? In Tylor's view, culture includes all aspects of human activity, from the fine arts to popular entertainment, from everyday behavior to the development of On the other hand, sociologists defined sophisticated technology. It contains the plan, rules, techniques, designs and policies culture as the entire way of life followed for living. by people, and everything learned and shared by people in society. (Hunt, et. al, 1994). According to Landis (1992), culture is a complex set of learned and shared beliefs, customs, skills, habits, traditions, and Dolor, Bea Flor knowledge common to members of society.  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development Culture has been with us since the Culture is a social environment in which a is dawn of human existence. Significant born and wherein he or she lives together with as it is, a culture considerably shapes other persons. Hence, culture personhas a great its members on how they live and impact in the development of the human person relate within themselves and with in varied ways; may it be in physical, knowledge, other cultures (Bretzke, 2004). thought, relationship, religious or moral development. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development Moreover, culture is a person's social heritage that has been passed from one generation to the next basically through the relationship that binds the society together. It necessarily says on what are the things a member of the society must do, what to do and how to do things. It teaches and conditions members on how to relate and live with the other members of the society and even to people outside of their own culture. At its fundamentals, culture has important characteristics. Culture is rooted from the collective "human experience". Culture is always transmitted, shared or acquired through learning. Culture satisfies human needs as a social being. And culture tends towards the participation of the members of the society. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development Therefore, culture functions to mold and establish a social identity that brings people as well to the knowledge of common objectives which members would try to achieve. Culture, indeed, provides norms, customs, laws, and moral demands that are to be followed. So to speak, in general, in a culture there is consistency and systematic patterns of behavior (Palispis, 2007). In general, culture plays a vital role the development of the human person. In every aspect of the human person, the cultural background can be very visible. In particular, culture has an essential influence on the moral development of the human person since morality is just one of the cultural aspects. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development Culture would tell, as I have mentioned above, the members on what to do, how to do things and what are the things that should be done as well as those things that should be avoided. So to speak, culture imprints the existing moral principles into its members, thus, shapes the character of its members as well. Indeed, this is a process from infancy to adulthood, effectively presented by Kohlberg in his theory on the stages of moral development. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development At this point let us particularize how culture influences the moral development of the people. The points below are the following: 1. Culture is always social and communal by which the relationship of the people towards one another and their experience as a people are the culture's meadow. It is important to note that morality as principle is promoted because primarily of the relationship within the community. Laws and rules and standards of attitudes and behaviors are set and promulgated by the community to promote that relationship that binds them together as a people. And culture as it is being handed down from one generation to another forms as well the morality of that particular generation. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development 2. The culture defines the normative principles and behaviors of the society. It defines which particular principle and behavior that should be kept that would serve the best interest of the community. There would be a definition on what are the principles and behaviors also that should not be promoted or rejected. This kind of influence of culture in moral development is best seen in terms of relational level. These defined normative principles and behaviors inform and indoctrinate the members as they live and relate with the community. These would shape also the kind of moral judgment a person has, which is most of the time congruent to the general moral judgment. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development 3. Moreover, a culture, as best exemplified in the experience of the people, develops restrictions and sets boundaries and limitations as they live and relate with one another. These restrictions and boundaries serve as protection among themselves. These would create an atmosphere of promoting the welfare of the community. Indeed, anyone who tries to step beyond these is subject to punishment or consequences set by the community embedded in the culture. Culture here draws this consciousness into the moral development of its members. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development 4. As culture helps in generating the character and identity of its people, it also includes their moral character. Culture conditions the mind - the way people think and the way they perceive the world and their relationship with one another. Henceforth, a culture which characteristic is aggressive tends to be aggressive in terms of its relationship with one another or with other cultures. Yet, the character that is being shaped by a culture may not always be just and rightful. A culture like many others may shape a character that is unjust and mistaken in the general perspective of human morality. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development 5. The culture identifies the authorities or the governing individuals or groups. They are the symbol of guidance and control. In many cultures, men are always regarded as the leaders who oversee the order of the community and give guidance, which is true in patriarchal societies. Through their roles and responsibilities in the community within the given culture, may it be patriarchy, matriarchy or whatever, people submit themselves to their authorities. By their very authority as they represent the general populace, the members look at them as people who promote and keep the set of rules and laws that govern the community. Dolor, Bea Flor  The Influence of Culture in Moral Development Evidently, culture is very significant in the development of the human person and in moral development particularly. Furthermore, as one would look at it, culture has a tight grip on the moral development of the people. Culture is the conditioning principle of the moral development of its members. Nevertheless, culture as the principle that surrounds the moral development of the people may not always promote what is good and just for all. It is certain that sometimes there are principles, attitudes and behaviors that actually hinder good relationships and violate the welfare of the others. These are indeed difficult to eliminate immediately in a culture, yet, they should be subject to people's discernment that proper changes and modifications have to be done for the sake of the welfare and justice for everybody. Dolor, Bea Flor DYNAMICS of Culture Lesson 3  Introduction Cross-cultural relationship is the idea that people from different cultures can have relationships that acknowledge, respect and begin to understand each other's diverse lives. People with different backgrounds can help each other see possibilities that they never thought were there because of limitations, or cultural proscriptions, posed by their own traditions. Traditional practices in certain cultures can restrict opportunity because they are "wrong" according to one specific culture. This cross-cultural relationship provides hope that new opportunities will be discovered but at the same time it is threatening. The threat is that once the relationship occurs, one can no longer claim that any single culture is the absolute truth. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  The concept of cultural relativism as we know and use it today was established as an analytic tool by German-American anthropologist Franz Boas in the early 20th century. We recognize that the many cultures of the world have their own beliefs, values, and practices that have developed in particular historical, political, social, material, and ecological contexts and that it makes sense that they would differ from our own and that none are necessarily right or wrong or good or bad, then we are engaging the concept of cultural relativism. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism is a perspective that aims to understand a culture on its own terms, without making judgments based on one's own cultural standards. It believes that no culture is superior to another in terms of morality, law, and politics. Cultural norms and values derive their meaning within a specific social context, and there is no absolute standard of good or evil. Every decision and judgment of what is right and wrong is individually decided in each society. Overall, there is no right or wrong ethical system. In a holistic understanding of the term cultural relativism, it tries to promote the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures such as eating insects, genocides or genital cutting (Leano, 1995). Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism is considered to be more constructive and positive conception as compared to ethnocentrism. It permits to see an individual's habits, values and morals in the context of his or her cultural relevance not by comparing it to one's own cultural values and by deeming these the most superior and greater of all. Cultural relativism is a method or procedure for explaining and interpreting other people's culture. It offers anthropologists a means of investigating other societies without imposing ethnocentric assumptions (Scupin, 2000). Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Cultural Relativism It is widely accepted in modern anthropology, as it views all cultures as worthy in their own right and of equal value. The diversity of cultures, even those with conflicting moral beliefs, is not to be considered in terms of right and wrong or good and bad. Cultural relativism is closely related to ethical relativism, which views truth as variable and not absolute. As truth is not objective, there can be no objective standard that applies to all cultures. No one can say if someone else is right or wrong, it is a matter of personal opinion, and no society can pass judgment on another society (Ladd, 1973). Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism sees nothing inherently wrong (and nothing inherently good) with any cultural expression. So, the ancient Mayan practices of self- mutilation and human sacrifice are neither good nor bad; they are simply cultural distinctive, akin to the American custom of shooting fireworks on the fourth of July. Human sacrifice and fireworks- both are simply different products of separate socialization. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  ADVANTAGES of Cultural Relativism Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  1. IT IS A SYSTEM WHICH PROMOTES COOPERATION. - Humanity's strength stems from our diverse perspectives, experiences, and personal thoughts. By embracing these differences, cooperation fosters a stronger society, fostering stronger bonds and potential for greater achievement without group limitations. 2. IT CREATES A SOCIETY WHERE EQUALITY IS POSSIBLE. - Cultural relativism allows the individual to define their moral code without defining the moral code of others. Each person is separate in such a society. That separation creates equality because each person can set his/her own definition of success. 3. PEOPLE CAN PURSUE A GENUINE INTEREST. - You get to pursue your own interests without restriction. You set the definitions of what you can have and what you cannot have. When implemented successfully, each person would get to focus on his/her strengths instead of his/her weaknesses. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  4. RESPECT IS ENCOURAGED IN A SYSTEM OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM. - Different cultures and ideas lead to different definitions of success. A system that promotes individual success allows society to evolve by fostering respect and allowing individuals to pursue life through their own perspective, learning from their experiences in a way that works best for them. 5. IT PRESERVES HUMAN CULTURES. - Humanity's diverse thoughts, traditions, and practices often lead to the setting aside of these traditions for appeasing standards. Native and First Nations tribes in North America signed treaties to preserve lands but limit their rights and forced cultural trade. Under cultural relativism, such trade would not be necessary or even considered. 6. CULTURAL RELATIVISM CREATES A SOCIETY WITHOUT JUDGMENT. - Cultural relativism eliminates judgment, allowing individuals to set their own standards and codes, focusing on their own individualistic bubble rather than others. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  7. MORAL RELATIVISM CAN BE EXCLUDED FROM CULTURAL RELATIVISM. - Cultural relativism views each culture as an individual, allowing for the definition of moral codes and expectations for people to follow. This approach focuses on customs rather than imposed morality, allowing individuals to make sense of their cultural differences. 8. WE CAN CREATE PERSONAL MORAL CODES BASED ON SOCIETAL STANDARDS WITH EASE. - Cultural relativism is a decision-making process that involves assessing if an action aligns with a society's moral code. It allows individuals to determine if a decision is "right" or "wrong" based on the moral code of their culture, excluding situations like apartheid, segregation, or purging. 9. IT STOPS CULTURAL CONDITIONING. - Cultural conditioning involves individuals adapting their attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs to those they interact with regularly, preventing them from having an individualistic perspective, and cultural relativism counters this. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Q & A Portion The emergence of K-POP and other international boy/girl groups have significantly affected the culture practiced by some countries such as the Philippines. As a Filipino citizen and a fan of one of these groups, how can you avoid cultural conditioning while adhering to the spirit of cultural relativism? Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  Q & A Portion How does cultural relativism contribute to the preservation and evolution of diverse cultures? Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  DISADVANTAGES of Cultural Relativism JellaJahana Dordas.  It creates a system that is fueled by personal bias. - Every society has a certain natural bias to it because of how humanity operates. People tend to prefer to be with others who have similar thoughts and feelings so they can segregate themselves into neighborhoods, communities and social groups that share specific perspectives. It could create chaos. -People who can follow their own moral code because there is no “wrong” or “right” would be allowed to pursue any life they preferred under the theory of cultural relativism. Dapat, Ma. Crystal Ivory B.  It is an idea that is based on the perfection of humanity. -Many people strive to do good every day. Most want to see everyone have the chance to pursue happiness in some way. That is why the idea of cultural relativism often seems we inviting. The only problem is that people are not perfect. It could promote a lack of diversity. -Promotes an individualistic point of view, so although it seems to promote diversity, it actually removes it from society, cultural relativism would allow slavery. Jella Jahana Dordas  It draws people away from one another. -Although cultural relativism can promote people coming together to share their strengths, it can also encourage people to draw apart from one another. It could limit progress -When we look at the idea of moral progress, we think of becoming more inclusionary instead of exclusionary. This inclusion is reflected in the laws and customs of the culture. Jella Jahana Dordas  It could limit humanity’s progress. -We often think of the concept of cultural relativism as progression, but it isn't necessarily that way. When you remove the ability to judge one standard from another, then the comparative process of placing a current society or culture against a past one is removed as well. Cultural relativism can turn perceptions into truth. -The decision to act becomes a righteous one because of the individual truth that the culture allowed through the bias it perpetrates Jella Jahana Dordas  -The cultural relativism's advantages and disadvantages which are discussed are based on the theoretical implementation of such a system. Originally proposed by Franz Boas in 1887, it is an idea that has never been implemented on a large scale. Moral standards make sense in a person's culture. Jella Jahana Dordas  Filipino Way Jella Jahana Dordas  Introduction Our culture is a big reflection of our great and complex history. It is influenced by most of the people we have interacted with. A blend of the Malayo-Polynesian and Hispanic culture with the influence from Chinese, Indians Arabs, and other Asian cultures really contribute to the customs and traditions of the Filipinos. Jella Jahana Dordas  Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries, and beliefs applied every day in the life of the Filipinos reveal how rich and blessed the culture the people have. Jella Jahana Dordas  1. Having close family ties is also one of their unique traits. It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipinos have. The family takes care of each other and is taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. Jella Jahana Dordas  2. The Bayanihan - It is the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. Jella Jahana Dordas  3. Courtship-We Filipinos are very romantic when it comes to heart affairs. Serenading or larana in Tagalog is one of the most popular forms of courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to a woman. Adrian D. Calzado  4. Religion - The Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic nations in Asia-Pacific. Their habit of going to church and often praying reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes to religion. Adrian D. Calzado  5. Superstition - In the Philippines, superstitious beliefs have grown throughout the country. These beliefs have come from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular. Adrian D. Calzado  6. Marriage and Wedding Customs - In the country, marriage is a sacred union of man and woman after a period of courtship and engagement. It is a sacrament between two people who love each other. For many Filipinos, the eternal quality of dedication to God pervades a truly sacred marriage Adrian D. Calzado  7. Death - Death in the Philippines is one of the most important occasions in family life. For many Filipinos, a death of a relative is an opportunity to strengthen ties in the family. To pay respect and honor the relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives, friends, and even relatives working abroad are reunited. Adrian D. Calzado  8. Society - The primary ancestors of Filipinos are Malays who came from the southeastern Asian country. The Philippines is a combined society, both singular and plural in form. It is singular as one nation, but plural in that it is fragmented geographically and culturally. Adrian D. Calzado  9. Christmas in the Philippines - is considered as one of the biggest holidays in the archipelago. We earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting until Epiphany, the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 or the Feast of the Santo Niño de Cebú on the third Sunday of January. Adrian D. Calzado  10. Fiestas - Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own; whatever time of the year it is, there's sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere. Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a patron saint. It is part and parcel of Filipino culture through good times and bad times, it must go on. Adrian D. Calzado  11. Living with Parents - Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult children living with their parents are another Filipino traditional that make them exceptional. Unlike in the United States where children leave the home after finishing high school or college, many Filipinos continue living with parents until they get married. (Abundo, 2015). Adrian D. Calzado  Characteristics of Filipino Culture Here are some characteristics of the Filipinos that set them apart from any other culture and society: (Dumaraos, 2018) THE FILIPINO PEOPLE ARE FILIPINOS TAKE PRIDE IN VERY RESILIENT THEIR FAMILIES In times of calamities and In the Philippines, it is family first. catastrophes, Filipinos always So whether you are part of the manage to rise above the immediate family or you belong to challenge. Instead of wallowing, the third or fourth generation, you they manage to pick themselves up are treated as a family member. and smile. Adrian D. Calzado  Characteristics of Filipino Culture FILIPINOS ARE VERY FILIPINOS ARE VERY RELIGIOUS RESPECTFUL In all corners of a Filipino house, From the moment they are born you can find brazen images of into this world, they are already crosses and other religious taught how to be respectful by paraphernalia. They go to church using these simple catchphrases-po every Sunday, or sometimes even and opo, words that end sentences twice or three times a week. when addressing elders. Adrian D. Calzado  Characteristics of Filipino Culture FILIPINOS HELP ONE FILIPINOS VALUE TRADITIONS ANOTHER AND CULTURE More popularly known as For Filipinos, traditions in their bayanihan, Filipinos help one home and in their family are another without expecting important. They usually set aside a anything in return-so that specific day for a certain undertaking their tasks and celebration like festivals, birthday responsibilities become much parties, reunions, etc. easier. Sometimes this is called "community spirit." Adrian D. Calzado  Characteristics of Filipino Culture FILIPINOS HAVE THE LONGEST FILIPINOS LOVE ART AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS ARCHITECTURE Even as early as August, you can Just look at the massive and tall hear Christmas songs and jingles buildings everywhere. Filipinos being played in the malls or in the have a penchant for bringing art restaurants in the Philippines. The and architecture to a whole new mood becomes festive, with many level. people shopping and in good spirits. Adrian D. Calzado  Characteristics of Filipino Culture THE FILIPINOS ARE HOSPITABLE PEOPLE Foreign visitors in the country are treated with the utmost respect. This trait is usually seen during fiestas and holidays where many Filipinos are giving their best to entertain their visitors well. Adrian D. Calzado  Filipino Family Values Adrian D. Calzado  Introduction The family is the center of the social structure and includes the nuclear family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends. People get strength and stability from their family. As such, many children have several godparents. Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage provided to family members when they seek employment. It is common for members of the same family to work for the same company. In fact, many collective bargaining agreements state that preferential hiring will be given to family members. Adrian D. Calzado  The Filipino family consists of many traditional values that have been treasured and passed on for many generations already. These values are incredibly beneficial. Hereunder are the following traditional values: 1. Paggalang (Respect) - The English translation of paggalang means to be respectful or to give respect to a person. Filipinos are accustomed to using the words "po," "opo," and "ho" when they are conversing with older people or, sometimes, with those who are in a high role or a prestigious member of society. Adrian D. Calzado  2. Pakikisama (Helping Others) - Pakikisama has the connotation of getting along with people in general. There is a general yearning to be accepted and well-liked among Filipinos. This applies to one and his or her friends, colleagues, boss, and even relatives. 3. Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude) - Utang na loob means to pay your debt with gratitude. With utang na loob, there is usually a system of obligation. When this value is applied, it imparts a sense of duty and responsibility on the younger siblings to serve and repay the favors done to them by their elders. Adrian D. Calzado  4. Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya (Prioritizing Family) - Pagpapahalaga sa pamilya is in other words, putting importance on your family. This implies that a person will place a high regard on his/her family and prioritize that before anything else. Adrian D. Calzado  Social Values of the Filipinos Degoma, Jaypee A.  Introduction The great majority of the Philippine population is bound together by common values and a common religion. Philippine society is characterized by many positive traits. Degoma, Jaypee A.  1 High regard for amor propio (self esteem) -Self-esteem is an individual's subjective emotional evaluation of their worth, encompassing beliefs, emotions, and states like triumph, despair, pride, and shame. It is generally beneficial for society, but can lead to mithorstarianism, discouraged independent judgment, and individual responsibility. Filipinos are sensitive to self- esteem attacks and should avoid hurting others' self-esteem to avoid termination the relationship. Insentiveness to others can lead to shame and embarrassment, affecting behavior. This self-esteem maintains societal harmony but can also lead to clannishness and sacrifices. Strong personal faith in God can help face difficulties, but deteriorating into fatalism can hinder progress. Degoma, Jaypee A.  2 Smooth interpersonal relationship - Interpersonal relationships involve interactions between two or more people, whether overt or anonymous, with friends, family, co-workers, strangers, chat room participants, doctors, or clients. 3. Personal alliance system -The scheme of Filipino identity is based on kinship, with loyalty and identity primarily owed to immediate family members. However, beyond the nuclear family, Filipinos do not assume the same level of support, loyalty, and trust, and closeness in relationships depends on physical proximity. Degoma, Jaypee A.  4. The Compadre system - Ritual kinship, or compadrazgo, is a bond of personal alliances formed during baptism, confirmation, and marriage. It dates back to the introduction of Christianity and is used to extend support through favors like jobs or gifts. Filipinos often ask acquaintances of higher economic or social status to sponsor their children, although it cannot be relied on during crises. 5. Utang-na-loob -A dyadic bond between individuals can be formed through the concept of arang na loob, where debts can last for generations and are "gifts" that incur slang na loob. These gifts initiate long-term reciprocal interdependency, with the grantor expecting help and the debtor asking for favors. In 1990, educated Filipinos were less likely to initiate utang na loob relationships, but as society modernized, it may become less important. Degoma, Jaypee A.  6. Suki relationship - Suki relationships, market-exchange partnerships, are formed between regular customers and suppliers in the commercial context. Filipinos buy from specific suppliers who offer reduced prices, quality, and credit. These relationships also extend to personal relationships, fostering genuine friendships and trust. 7. Frienship -Friendship, often compared to kinship, is the most central Filipino relationship, with personal alliance systems forming through mutual assistance. Degoma, Jaypee A.  Weaknesses of the Filipino Character Degoma, Jaypee A.  1. Passivity and lack of initiative -Acceptance of what happens, without active response or resistance. 2. Colonial mentality - Colonial mentality refers to Filipinos' romanticization of Western culture, favoring American products over local ones. This preference for American products, like McDonald's, is often based on their association with American culture and life. 6. 3. Kanya-kanya syndrome -Filipinos exhibit a selfish, self-serving attitude, exhibiting a crab mentality and a disregard for the common good. They tend to envy and compete with their peers, resulting in a lack of sense of service in government bureaucracy. This behavior is exemplified by the crab mentality, where personal interests dominate, and the public perceives government service as an extra perk. Degoma, Jaypee A.  4. Extreme personalism - Filipinos value personal relationships and their recognition of their existence. They take actions personally, interpreting them as challenges or signs of affection. This personalism is evident in their criticism and praise, and the importance of personal relationships for successful business or work relationships. 5. Extreme family centeredness - Excessive family concern can lead to a loyal in-group in Filipinos, promoting their interests over the larger community. This can result in factionalism, patronage, and political dynasties, preventing concern for the common good and hindering national consciousness. Degoma, Jaypee A.  6. Lack of discipline -Procrastination is one reason of lack of self-discipline Lack of willpower, motivation and ambition are also causes for lack of self- discipline. A weak state of health might also lead to weakness of this important ability. 7. Lack of self-analysis and reflection - Filipinos tend to be superficial and flighty, avoiding deep analysis and reflection on serious problems. They are satisfied with superficial explanations and solutions, and their emphasis on form over substance leads to a preference for rhetoric over reality. Empty rhetoric and endless words are common in public life, as long as the right things are said and proper documents exist. Degoma, Jaypee A.  8. Ningas cogon -A Filipino attitude of being enthusiastic only during the start of new undertaking but ends dismally in accomplishing nothing 9. Gaya-Gaya Attitude -A Filipino attitude of imitating or copying other culture specifically in mode of dressing, language, fashion, trend or even haircut. Degoma, Jaypee A. THANK YOU!!!