Ethics and Morality: Intertwined Foundations PDF
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Dr. Lemuel D. Danganan
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This presentation explores the intertwined nature of ethics and morality, examining their foundations and impact on human development. It covers concepts like metaethics, moral standards, and contrasting them with non-moral standards. The presentation also touches on moral dilemmas and the role of personal beliefs and societal rules in shaping ethical decision-making.
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Ethics and Morality: Intertwined Foundations DR. LEMUEL D. DANGANAN Metaethics is the analysis of the nature of morality. 1. What does "good" really mean? Is it a feeling, a fact, or something else entirely? 2. Where do our moral beliefs come from? Are they based on culture,...
Ethics and Morality: Intertwined Foundations DR. LEMUEL D. DANGANAN Metaethics is the analysis of the nature of morality. 1. What does "good" really mean? Is it a feeling, a fact, or something else entirely? 2. Where do our moral beliefs come from? Are they based on culture, religion, or something else? 3. Are there universal moral truths, or are they relative to individuals or cultures? In other words, is there a single, correct answer to moral questions, or do answers vary depending on who you ask? Today, we shall try to answer the question; How morality and ethics connect in the aspect of human development? Morality: The principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong. It involves the beliefs about what is good and bad behavior. Morality is often rooted in cultural, religious, and social norms. It reflects the collective values and beliefs of a community or society. Moral beliefs can include ideas about honesty, justice, charity, and respect for others. These principles guide individuals in making decisions that align with societal expectations. What is MORALITY? We believe to be It is influenced by our culture, religion, and society. Mitchell argues that societal rules are shaped by our moral compass and influence how we act and grow as individuals. (Mitchell, 1999) Morality involves making decisions based on sound reasoning while considering the well-being of everyone affected. "Morality is, at the very least, 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 affected by one's action" (Rachels, 2004, p. 11). According to Mason (1996), morality is achieved when a set of possible mores of any social group are observed and achieved. Mores (more-ays) Mores are strongly held norms, which epitomize the deeply held standards of what is right, and wrong (Stolley, 2005). Moral Standards Guidelines for right and wrong behavior. They come from culture, religion, or philosophy and aim to benefit everyone. They are intended to promote the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Examples of moral standards include honesty, fairness, respect for others, and the prohibition of harm. Non-Moral Standards Non-moral standards are guidelines unrelated to right or wrong. They cover areas like personal taste (taste in art or fashion), technical rules (safety regulations, quality control in manufacturing), and social customs (etiquette, professional conduct). Unlike moral standards, they don't carry the same weight in decision-making. Morality What things do you think are right or wrong? Why do people in different places have different ideas about what's right and wrong? How do you decide what you think is the right thing to do? Ethics: The branch of philosophy that deals with the study of moral principles. It involves the systematic examination of what is right and wrong and provides a framework for analyzing moral issues. Ethics is more theoretical and often rooted in philosophical reasoning. It involves critical thinking and reflection on moral principles. Ethical theories include utilitarianism (maximizing overall happiness), deontology (following rules and duties), and virtue ethics (focusing on character and virtues). What is ETHICS? The study of It helps us decide critically about moral issues. Ethics What are the rules we should follow to live a good life? How can we figure out the best way to handle difficult choices? What makes something a good or bad action? Morality is personal beliefs about right and wrong. Ethics is societal rules based on moral values. Both shape how we behave and interact. Moral and ethical development starts early and continues throughout life. Understanding morality and ethics helps build a peaceful Right and wrong or good and bad behavior are determined by? 1. Morality: Personal beliefs and principles. 2. Ethics: Systematic study of moral values and principles. Morality and ethics are essential for shaping how people understand right and wrong. Codes of ethics are important tools for guiding behavior and promoting moral growth in professional settings, according to Weckert et al. (2013). Why is it that only human beings can be ethical? "We are capable of making judgments about our own and other people’s behavior, and have the capacity to change the way we behave and society as a whole." Guldberg (2011) MORAL DILEMMA A moral dilemma is a difficult choice between two or more conflicting moral principles or values, each of which has strong ethical justifications. No matter what you pick, something morally important will be compromised. Remember the Trolley Dilemma? Ethics as a philosophical study of right and wrong helps us understand moral principles, make sound decisions, and live a principled life towards our own peace and happiness and of others. As people internalize the norms, their moral and ethical understanding evolves, influencing their actions and interactions within society. Our moral compass is a result of both our biological heritage and our social evolution. Think about recent ethical dilemma you encountered. Describe the situation. 1. What made it challenging? 2. What were your options? 3. Which ethical principles or values guided your decision? 4. How did your family and friends influence your thinking? 5. What was the outcome? 6. Do you still feel it was the right choice?