Lesson 1 Ethics PDF

LESSON 1 ETHICS Prepared by: Engr. Maxine Joy Dela Cruz WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ETHICS? INTRODUCTION Ethics is the philosophical study of morality. It is one of the main branch of philosophy which corresponds to the traditional division of philosophy into formal, natural and moral philosophy. It c...

LESSON 1 ETHICS Prepared by: Engr. Maxine Joy Dela Cruz WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ETHICS? INTRODUCTION Ethics is the philosophical study of morality. It is one of the main branch of philosophy which corresponds to the traditional division of philosophy into formal, natural and moral philosophy. It can be turned into a general study of goodness, right action, applied ethics, meta-ethics, moral psychology and metaphysics of moral responsibility. WHAT IS ETHICS? The word Ethics is derived from the Greek word ‘ethos’ which means character or conduct. Ethics is also called as moral philosophy or philosophical thinking about morality. This morality has been further elaborated as action and behavior which is concerned with ‘good’ or ‘evil’, of traditions, group or individual. It becomes clear when we explain the derivation of the words right and good. The word right is derived from Latin word ‘rectus’, which literally means ‘straight’ or ‘according to rule’. It means that we are concerned with those principles which make our conduct right or straight. NATURE OF ETHICS Ethics refer to guide what human ought to do, usually in terms of right, obligations, fairness and specific virtue. It is related to issues of propriety –rightness and wrongness, what is right in ethical, what is wrong in unethical. Sometimes the word ‘proper’ , ‘fair’ and ‘just’ are also used in the place of right and ethical. ETHICS IS NORMATIVE SCIENCE It is mainly concerned with what ought to be done rather than what is the case. It differs from positive science. A positive science is concerned with facts and explains them by their causes, but ethics deals with values. ETHICS IS A SCIENCE CHARACTER Ethics is different from natural and factual science: it is a normative science. Every science is concerned with a particular department of knowledge. So, ethics as a science has its own sphere. It deals with certain judgements that we make about human conduct ETHICS IS NOT A PRACTICAL SCIENCE Ethics is not a practical science: it only guides us to achieve a specific goal. Its way is not like practical science which is a means for the realization of an end or ideals. ETHICS IS NOT AN ART Art especially deals with acquisition of skill to produce objects. So, ethics is different from art because it consists of goodness which is intrinsic end. Mackenzie again points out that ethics can never be regarded as an art because virtue has two special features that are not at all significant in art. SCOPE OF ETHICS The scope of ethics includes its own subject-matter. Ethics is a normative science that deals with moral ideals or good in our conduct. As a science of morality, it does not enquire into the origin of human conduct but emphasizes on The contents and various problems of moral consciousness like motives, intentions, voluntary actions and so on. Thus, morality is an important trait of human personality. The Scope of Ethics is wide which is mainly concerned with the principles or causes of action as : - What obligation is common to all ? - What is good in all good acts? - The sense of duty and responsibility. - Individual and Society. These spheres may be broadly divided into four ways : In moral sphere: Ethics seeks to undertake a critical study of the various ideals that have been advocated by different thinkers from time to time. It accounted for various virtues and vices lived by men in relation to their dealing with others. In Social sphere : As we know in every society there are institutions, customs and conventions. But with the passage of time, they exert undesirable influence on the minds of the people. Ethics give us a moral insight and points out how they are to be reformed. In Religious sphere : Religious influences are subject to the already set moral and spiritual principles. Religion and morality are deeply related to each other. Morality encourages finer values and virtues in the field of religion Political Consideration : A moral conduct is concerned for political considerations. All political considerations ultimately are judged by the moral ideals as aspirations of the people Activity 1 Using the stencil and guidelines, answer the following questions on short bond paper.". Minimum of 3 paragraph per questions. 1. What is the significance of ethics in modern society, and how does it influence personal and professional decision-making? 2. Ethics is often described as a 'normative science.' Explain this concept and discuss how ethical theories help individuals make decisions about what they required to do in complex situations. 3. Discuss the relationship between ethics and moral responsibility. How do ethical principles guide individuals in taking responsibility for their actions, and why is this important in society? 4. How does ethics differ from art and practical sciences? Discuss how ethical decisions are based on intrinsic values rather than skills or outcomes. 5. Explain the scope of ethics in relation to the moral, social, religious, and political spheres. How do ethical considerations shape human conduct in each of these areas? THANK YOU