Teacher as Person in Society PDF
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Pangasinan State University
2025
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This document is a set of learning objectives for a unit on teaching the concept of morality and its role in personal and societal conduct, emphasizing the teacher's moral character and responsibilities to students. It also details the important foundational principles in moral philosophy, including natural law, and the importance of teaching these as a vocation, mission, and profession. The document also touches on ethical decision-making and personal growth.
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**Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **\ ** **\ UNIT 4:** **Teacher as a Person in Society** **Submitted to:** **Mr. Peter Pat-rick Miguel** **Submitted by:** Ka...
**Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **\ ** **\ UNIT 4:** **Teacher as a Person in Society** **Submitted to:** **Mr. Peter Pat-rick Miguel** **Submitted by:** Kairus Aldred M. Gagar Kristine Joy F. Dueñas Helaisa O. Melendez Shekinah C. Junio Clarisse V. Moreno John Lloyd J. Rubio **\ ** **Learning Objectives:** **At the end of this module, pre- service teachers should be able to:** **\ **1. Explore the concept of morality and its role in guiding personal and societal behavior, while reflecting on how moral principles promote human dignity and social justice. 2\. Emphasize the importance of teachers as individuals of good moral character, their ethical responsibilities, and the impact their behavior has on student development. 3\. Analyze the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor dimensions of value formation, and apply strategies to promote holistic personal development in educational settings. 4\. Explore how the intellect and will contribute to value formation, and promote self-discipline and moral reasoning in students. 5\. Understand and apply Max Scheler's value hierarchy, prioritizing higher, spiritual values in ethical decision-making and personal growth. 6\. Analyze how values are ordered and prioritized in personal and societal contexts, and apply these principles to resolve conflicts and make ethical decisions. 7\. Reflect on teaching as a vocation, mission, and profession, focusing on its ethical responsibilities and the integration of personal purpose with professional expertise. 8\. Understand the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, promote its core principles, and foster human rights awareness and advocacy in educational contexts **\ ** ![](media/image2.png)**Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **A. Morality and the Foundational Moral Principle** **A. Morality** As defined by one textbook author, morality refers to "the quality of human acts by which we call them right or wrong, good or evil," (Panizo, 1964) An action is considered right if it aligns with moral norms, rules, or laws. If not, it is considered incorrect. For example, if Juan takes Pedro\'s pencil without permission, his action is considered wrong because it goes against the norm that says \"stealing is wrong.\" A man\'s behavior, routine, or demeanor is considered positive when it aligns with what is inherent to humanity, meaning it is in sync with man\'s natural state. An example would be a man acting like an animal, which is unnatural because he is not an animal. He possesses intellect and free will, distinguishing him from animals. His intellect enables him to think, make judgments, and reason. He has the power to make choices because of his free will. He is not restricted by instincts like animals are. When a male dog encounters a female dog in public and immediately mates with her, it is a common behavior driven by their instinctual urge for sex. Yet, it goes against human instinct for a man and a woman to act like dogs. Doing that means lowering oneself to the standard of the top performers. **B. Foundational Moral Principles:** The origin of the word principle is derived from the Latin word princeps, which signifies a start or origin. A principle is the basis, foundation, origin, or initiation of something. It is compared to the base of a structure that supports all other components. When discussing light, the main source is the sun since it is the origin of light in our world. Therefore, a universal norm is a fundamental moral principle that serves as the basis for all other principles regarding the morality of actions. It is the origin of ethics. *Foundational moral principles are core guidelines that underpin moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. Some key principles include:* **Honesty:** The commitment to truthfulness and integrity in actions and words. **Justice:** The pursuit of fairness and equality, ensuring that individuals receive what they deserve. **Respect for Autonomy:** Acknowledging and respecting the rights and freedoms of individuals to make their own choices. **Beneficence:** The obligation to promote the well-being and happiness of others. **Non-Maleficence:** The duty to avoid causing harm to others. **C. Philosophical Perspectives** **-Natural Law** "Written in the hearts of men." (Romans 2:15) For theists, it is "man's share in the Eternal Law of God..." (Panizo, 1964) St. Thomas defines it as "the light of natural reason, whereby we discern what is good and what is evil... an imprint on us of the divine light..." (Panizo, 1964).Natural law is a philosophical theory asserting that moral principles are inherent in nature and can be discerned through human reason. These universal laws exist independently of human-made laws and societal constructs. Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and developed by thinkers like Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, natural law emphasizes fundamental human rights and ethical behaviors derived from human nature and rationality, guiding moral decision-making and justice. **I. Virtue Ethics**: Virtue ethics is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in ethical decision-making, rather than adhering to rules or calculating consequences. Rooted in Aristotle\'s teachings, it focuses on the development of good habits and moral virtues like courage, temperance, and wisdom. By practicing these virtues consistently, individuals strive for eudaimonia, or flourishing, which represents the highest human good. Virtue ethics highlights the importance of moral education, role models, and community in shaping character and encourages a holistic approach to living a morally exemplary life. It\'s about being good, not just doing good. **II. Deontological Ethics** Deontological ethics is a moral philosophy that believes actions are morally judged based on following rules or duties, not on outcomes. This concept, advocated by Immanuel Kant, highlights the importance of individuals acting based on principles that can be universally adopted. Important ideas involve the categorical imperative, which requires only acting based on intentions that one would wish to be applied universally, and respect for individuals, which involves treating others as valuable in their own right, not just as tools to achieve a goal. Deontological ethics prioritizes duty and principle above the results of actions. **III. Utilitarianism** Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral philosophy that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, specifically aiming to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering. Developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, utilitarianism posits that the best action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number. It emphasizes the importance of considering the overall well-being of all affected individuals and making ethical decisions based on the balance of positive and negative consequences. Utilitarianism is often used in public policy and ethical decision-making to promote general welfare and social utility. **D. Religious Views on Morality** Religion and morality are closely connected, as religion frequently offers a structure for moral decision-making and ethical behavior. This extended study explores the ethical guidance provided by prominent religions, its impact on behavior, and the obstacles and objections connected to religious ethics. Religion frequently functions as a moral guide, providing followers with a framework to discern good from bad. **I. Christianity** The foundation of Christian ethics lies in the teachings of the Bible and the example set by Jesus Christ, providing a complete guide for moral living. The Ten Commandments establish fundamental moral rules, whereas Jesus\' teachings focus on values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. The Sermon on the Mount, which contains the Beatitudes and moral guidance, expands on these principles by encouraging followers to pursue peace, show forgiveness, and embrace humility. At the core of Christian ethics is the idea of love for both God and for others summarized in the directive to \"love your neighbor as yourself.\" This unconditional care and compassion known as agape love motivates Christians to participate in acts of charity and work towards social justice. The cultivation of qualities like faith, hope, and love, alongside the outcomes of the Spirit, is a crucial aspect of Christian moral teaching, leading followers towards a character resembling that of Christ. Moreover, Christianity stresses individual responsibility and the significance of remorse, motivating people to ask for forgiveness and work towards ethical development. Christianity influences the moral conduct of its followers through teaching values that encourage honesty, accountability, and serving the community, with the ultimate goal of embodying the love and lessons of Jesus Christ. **II. Islam** Islamic ethics, based on the guidance found in the Quran and the Hadith, offers a complete structure for leading a virtuous life. The Five Pillars of Islamic ethics play a central role, promoting virtues such as discipline, compassion, and humility through faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Key moral values like fairness, integrity, honesty, and respect for life direct Muslims to behave with justice and mercy. The idea of intention (niyyah) emphasizes the significance of sincerity in deeds. Islamic teachings stress the importance of social ethics like strong familial connections, fairness, and taking care of the environment. Muslims are motivated to always consider their actions and work towards better morals by their personal responsibility to God. This ethical system influences not just personal conduct but also enhances the well-being and unity of the community, embodying the inclusive and caring principles of Islam. By following these principles, Muslims strive to establish a fair and inclusive society that reflects the ethical beliefs of their religion. **III. Judaism** Judaism provides a complex moral system based on the Torah, Talmud, and other holy scriptures. Essential to Jewish ethics are the principles of fairness (tzedek), compassion (chesed), and improving the world (tikkun olam). The Torah gives instructions (mitzvot) that direct moral conduct, stressing values such as truthfulness, uprightness, and consideration for others. The Talmud provides detailed explanations of these laws, giving useful advice and direction for common scenarios. Family and community are of utmost importance, with a significant focus on education, charity (tzedakah), and social justice. Jews are advised to treat others with kindness and equality, as respecting life and human dignity are fundamental beliefs. Rituals and traditions serve to strengthen moral lessons, instilling a responsibility towards God and the community. Judaism seeks to establish a fair, loving, and peaceful community that mirrors sacred ideals and enhances human well-being. **IV. Buddhism** Buddhist ethics are based on the values of empathy, awareness, and detachment, originating from the lessons of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. The Noble Eightfold Path is the basis of Buddhist ethics, consisting of correct understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. This route encourages moral behavior, cognitive training, and insight. The Five Precepts also detail ethical conduct, advising Buddhists to avoid hurting living beings, stealing, committing adultery, lying, and using intoxicating substances. Karuna and metta are essential qualities that promote empathy and altruism towards all living beings. Engaging in mindfulness activities helps people to recognize their actions and their influence, encouraging deliberate and thoughtful conduct. Non-attachment is the practice of letting go of desires and material possessions in order to decrease suffering and improve inner peace. Buddhism promotes a life of ethical integrity, spiritual growth, and harmony with the world through these principles **V. Hinduism** Hinduism provides a diverse and detailed moral structure based on ancient texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. At the core of Hindu ethics lies the idea of dharma, which embodies duty, righteousness, and moral order. Dharma differs depending on an individual\'s age, caste, gender, and occupation, directing them towards their duties and ethical conduct. Karma is a significant principle, highlighting that every action results in outcomes, influencing one\'s destiny. The concept of ahimsa (non-violence) emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and respect towards every living creature. Satya, which means truthfulness, and asteya, meaning non-stealing, are essential virtues as well. Moreover, Hinduism encourages individuals to seek moksha (freedom) by practicing ethical behavior, self-control, and spiritual development. Hindu morals promote a well-rounded life by emphasizing personal integrity, social duty, and spiritual contentment. Hindu ethics aim to promote the well-being of both individuals and the community through a holistic approach **Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **B. Teachers as Persons of Good Moral Character** 1\. ***What is Good Moral Character in Teaching?*** Educators must have good moral character to be a role model for their students. Good moral character means having positive personal qualities and ethical behaviors like honesty, integrity, fairness, and caring for others. For teachers, these traits are more than just being good at their jobs; they guide how they interact with students, coworkers, and the community. A teacher with good moral character is: \- *Trustworthy*: Teachers need to be honest with their students, parents, and coworkers, being fair in grading, discipline, and communication. \- *Compassionate*: Empathy is important to understand students\' different backgrounds and emotions, allowing teachers to guide them with kindness. \- *Respectful*: Teachers should respect each student\'s dignity, no matter their background, and create a welcoming environment. \- *Responsible*: Teachers must take responsibility for their actions and understand how their behavior impacts their students. 2\. ***Why Good Moral Character Matters in Education*** Teachers with good moral character help create a positive learning environment. Their actions provide a model of behavior for students to follow. For example: *Modeling Ethical Behavior*: Students learn not just from what teachers say, but from how they act. Teachers who show honesty, fairness, and integrity teach students the importance of these values. *Building Trust and Respect*: Students are more likely to respect and trust teachers with strong moral character, creating a safe and supportive classroom where learning can happen. *Influencing Student Growth*: Teachers affect not just academic success but also personal and moral growth. Through their example, teachers can encourage responsibility, empathy, and fairness in students. 3\. ***Teachers as Role Models in Society*** Much of what students learn from their greatest teachers is not detailed on a syllabus. Teachers are not only educators but also leaders in their communities. Their influence extends beyond the classroom and impacts society as a whole. Teachers with good moral character help create a more ethical society by: * Shaping Future Citizens*: By living out values like honesty and empathy, teachers help students grow into responsible, ethical citizens who will contribute positively to society. *Encouraging Social Responsibility*: Teachers who stand for justice, equality, and the common good can inspire students to get involved in solving social issues. 4\. ***Challenges in Maintaining Good Moral Character*** Even though teachers aim to show good moral character, they often face challenges that make it hard to stay consistent, such as: *Personal and Professional Stress*: Balancing personal life and teaching responsibilities can sometimes create tough situations where teachers struggle to maintain high moral standards. *Cultural and Social Differences*: In diverse classrooms, different views on what is moral can make it hard for teachers to navigate complex situations while respecting everyone\'s differences. ![](media/image2.png)**Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **C. Value Formation** **1. Cognitive, affective and psychomotor dimensions** **2. Training the Intellect and Will** **3. Max Scheler's Hierarchy of Values** **4. Values Hierarchy** C. VALUES FORMATION =================== Values formation is a part of a teacher\'s identity and role in society, as it will guide his relationships and pedagogical practices. Teachers represent values that include human worth, honesty, justice, and freedom as they relate to the demand of their students that are necessary in creating a conducive learning environment and that respond to their diverse background. For example, the pedagogy of values underlines the importance of embedding moral education into the teaching process, ensuring in the process of providing knowledge that educators are also capable of fostering ethical awareness in students. However, the gap between educational policies and the actual understanding of the teacher population makes it an issue of better training and reflexivity in dealing with such issues. Therefore, teachers should discuss their values and their conflicts as they meet the societal expectations and their moral imperatives, trying to change schools and contribute in a positive manner to society (Hamberger & Moore, 1997). In this regard, value formation cannot be merely a personal affair but rather a collective societal responsibility adopted by teachers. 1. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE, AND PSYCHOMOTOR DIMENSIONS =================================================== Undeniably, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor dimensions play a very crucial role in influencing the moral values of teachers in a society. Therefore, these aspects do influence how the teachers contemplate and address the situations they face with different students, which eventually affects their moral judgment and practices while teaching. ============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================ Cognitive Dimension =================== The teachers have to be imbued with critical thinking, especially when dealing with complexities in the diverse classroom setting. According to Yost (2007), the teachers ought to be reflective practitioners who, through their teaching, seek to internalize ethics. Understanding cultural pluralism is a vital principle that helps teachers respect plural moral frameworks (Audi, 2007). Affective Dimension =================== Caring ethic is critically important; caring teachers make the learning space supportive, hence, increasing student interest and achievement (Perez, 2000). Through building trust across diverse groups, differences can be openly discussed as part of the moral development and citizenship education(Barnett, 2011). Psychomotor Dimension ===================== Teachers\' behavior becomes the foundation and direction in their practice since this creates leadership that is beyond the students. According to Seah and Bishop, the conflicts of cultural values influence teachers to behave otherwise in trying to find a way to solve these conflicts. This automatically impacts their effectiveness and the students\' performance (Seah & Bishop, 2001). Though these factors are also dominant, some argue that the focus on moral education may inadvertently overlook the technical skills necessary for effective teaching, suggesting a need for balance in teacher training programs. 2. TRAINING THE INTELLECT AND WILL ================================== Teachers\' values evolved through the training of the intellect and will as well; hence they ought to provide effective contributions towards society. It fosters personal growth and equips educators to tackle sophisticated social conditions which further determines their moral and ethical approaches. ============================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================================= Intellectual Development ======================== Intellectual development has been found to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities therefore; it enables teachers to make a deeper involvement in matters related to education as well as issues within society (Hope & Timmel, 1988). Teachers who can instill intellectual capabilities can model the application of inquiry-based learning where students create their values by the process of exploration and reflection (Collinson, 2001). Will and Character Building =========================== Teacherly will formation with characteristics of purpose and self-regulation must be introduced and forged in the students (Sockett, 1988). Character education, which highlights virtues, empowers teachers to help students put their basic values into practice in various settings of society (Arthur & Wilson, 2010). Social Effects ============== Experts and moral role models in the classroom can make prevailing values hard; as such, a much more thoughtful and socially responsible learning environment exists (Moreira, 2001). Hence, the reconciliation between intellectual and moral development points out how teachers are crucial not only in changing the individual student but also in changing community values(Collinson, 2001).This aspect of focus, while essentially important to intellect and will training, should also acknowledge that values formation can sometimes be dictated by societal extrusions in terms of culture norms and institutional policies. **3. Max Scheler's Hierarchy of values** Max Scheler (born August 22, 1874, Munich, Germany---died May 19, 1928, Frankfurt am Main) was a German social and ethical philosopher. Although remembered for his phenomenological approach, he was strongly opposed to the philosophical method of the founder of phenomenology, Edmund Husserl (1859--1938). Max Scheler outlined a hierarchy of values. Our hierarchy of values is shown in our preferences and decisions. For instance, you may prefer to absent from class because you want to attend the annual barrio fiesta where you are the star because of your ability to sing and dance. Another one may prefer just the opposite by missing the fiesta (anyway, s/he can have all the fiestas after studies) and attends class. Aquino (1990) presents Scheler's hierarchy of values arranged from the lowest to the highest as shown below: **Pleasure Values --** the pleasant against the unpleasant The agreeable against the disagreeable Sensual feelings Experiences of pleasure or pain **Vital Values** - values pertaining to the well-being either of the individual or of the community Health Vitality \- Values of vital feeling Capability Excellence **Spiritual Values** - Values independent of the whole sphere of the body and of the environment; \- Grasped in spiritual acts of preferring, loving and hating Aesthetic values: beauty against ugliness Values of right and wrong Values of pure knowledge **Values of the Holy** - appear only in regard to objects intentionally given as absolute objects Belief Adoration Bliss Based on Scheler's hierarchy of values, the highest values are those that directly pertain to the Supreme Being while the lowest values are those that pertain to the sensual pleasures. We act and live well if we stick to Scheler's hierarchy of values, ie., give greater preference to the higher values. We will live miserable if we distort Scheler's hierarchy of values, for instance, when we subordinate spiritual values to pleasure values. We act well when we give up the pleasure of drinking excessive alcohol for the sake of our health. But while we take care of our health, Christians will say, we bear in mind that we do not live by bread alone but also by the word that comes from the mouth of God (Luke 4:4) **4. Value hierarchy** A value hierarchy is an ordered list of values arranged by importance. In most cases, value hierarchies are structured as pyramids. The higher up the pyramid you go, the more important the values become. **A. Product and service-oriented value hierarchy** - Information: The lowest level of this value hierarchy is information. It's the lowest because information is so common these days. Just about anyone can access Google and be inundated with facts, stats, and opinions. Because of this, unstructured information provided by businesses isn't seen as highly valuable by consumers. - Resources: Next up, is resources, which can be defined as information that's been organized to help consumers solve a specific problem. These are much more valuable because they don't just tell consumers *what* they need to know, but also *how* to use what they know to accomplish their goals. - Frameworks: A framework is a resource on steroids. It tells consumers how to solve a problem and/or accomplish a [goal](https://www.nutshell.com/blog/how-to-set-sales-goals). But it also tells them *how to think* about a topic or concept in a systematic way that's proven to get results. When businesses provide frameworks, they ascend from content creators to thought leaders. - Tools: Information, resources, and frameworks give consumers the knowledge they need to do things. Tools help them do these things better and more productively. This, plus the fact that tools are generally harder to create, allow companies to charge more for them. This is why they hold the second-highest spot of this value hierarchy. - Services: Lastly, we have services, which are generally the highest value a company can provide to a consumer. Why? Because the convenience of having something* done for you* is often worth top dollar. It's why you can buy a filet mignon at Costco for about \$12, but pay \$50 for it at Ruth's Chris Steak House. **B. Customer expectation-oriented value hierarchy** The next value hierarchy we'll cover has to do with customer expectations. This hierarchy consists of four different levels, starting from the bottom: basic, expected, desired, and unanticipated. - Basic: This tier encompasses the things that *every business should have* in place before engaging with potential customers---a clean and easily navigable website, sufficient product inventory in stock, etc. Without these things, consumers' first encounter with your brand might be their last. - Expected: The Expected tier goes a little beyond the basics and includes things like competitive pricing and convenient hours of operation. Consumer expectations will vary by industry so make sure you study your target market to understand the values that *your* potential customers will expect. - Desired: The third tier of this value hierarchy focuses on the desires your customers have when purchasing from your company. For example, modern consumers want to work with friendly and knowledgeable sales teams and not get locked into long-term contracts. - Unanticipated: The final tier is about Wowing consumers. How can you provide your buyers with amazing, unexpected experiences? Once again, what's unexpected will vary by industry. But a 60-day money-back guarantee is a strong example. **Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **D. Teaching as Vocation, Mission and Profession** **Teaching as Vocation** Teaching as a vocation refers to the idea that teaching is not just a job or career, but a calling driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to serving others. When teaching is viewed as a vocation, it goes beyond the fulfillment of professional duties to encompass personal dedication, a desire to positively impact students' lives, and a passion for fostering growth and learning. Vocational teaching refers to the practice of educating students in specific trades, occupations, or careers, focusing on hands-on skills and practical knowledge needed for a particular job or profession. Vocational education is designed to prepare individuals for work in industries like healthcare, automotive technology, construction, IT, culinary arts, and more. As defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary, vocational teaching refers to a combination of theoretical teaching and practical experience. **Key aspects of teaching as a vocation** **Skill Development** Courses emphasize practical, job-related skills over theoretical knowledge, training students to be competent in a particular field. **Industry-Specific Knowledge** Teachers in vocational programs often have real-world experience in the industries they teach and can provide insights into industry standards, tools, techniques, and practices. **Hands-On Learning** Vocational teaching typically involves a significant amount of lab work, workshops, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training to give students practical experience. **Certification and Credentials** Many vocational programs lead to certifications, licenses, or other credentials that qualify students for specific jobs or careers immediately upon graduation. **Focus on Employability** The primary goal of vocational education is to prepare students for employment, making it highly career-oriented and closely aligned with market demands. **Sense of Purpose** Teachers who view their work as a vocation often feel a deep sense of mission to educate, inspire, and nurture students. They are motivated by the belief that they can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and society. **Commitment to Students** Vocational teachers are deeply invested in the success of their students, often going above and beyond to meet their needs, help them overcome challenges, and create meaningful learning experiences. **Personal Fulfillment** For those who see teaching as a vocation, personal satisfaction comes not just from compensation or recognition but from witnessing the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of their students. **Lifelong Learning** Vocational teachers often view education as a continuous process, not just for their students but for themselves. They are committed to improving their teaching practices, staying updated in their field, and continually growing as educators. **Ethical and Moral Commitment** Viewing teaching as a vocation involves a strong sense of ethical responsibility, ensuring that the teacher's actions are aligned with the best interests of students and the broader community. It often includes the cultivation of values like empathy, fairness, and integrity. Teaching as a vocation reflects a deep emotional and moral investment in education, making it a powerful and impactful profession. ![](media/image2.png)**Republic of the Philippines** **Pangasinan State University** **PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT** **Bayambang Campus, Bayambang, Pangasinan** **A.Y. 2024-2025** **E.** **Universal Declaration of Human Rights** **Universal Declaration of Human Rights** The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, stands as a cornerstone of international law and a testament to the enduring human aspiration for freedom, equality, and dignity. This report explores the UDHR\'s historical context, core principles, key provisions, impact, and ongoing relevance in a rapidly changing world. **1. Historical Context**: The UDHR emerged from the ashes of World War II, a period marked by widespread human rights violations, including genocide, slavery, torture, and persecution. The atrocities committed during the war highlighted the urgent need for a universal framework to protect human dignity and prevent such horrors from recurring. The United Nations, established in 1945, recognized this need and tasked the Commission on Human Rights with drafting a declaration of human rights. **2. Core Principles:** The UDHR\'s preamble emphasizes the inherent dignity and equal, inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. It acknowledges the disregard and contempt for human rights that led to the atrocities of World War II and asserts the need for a world where individuals enjoy freedom of speech and belief, free from fear and want. *The UDHR is structured around 30 articles that articulate fundamental rights and freedoms. The first two articles establish the core principles of the declaration:* \- **Article 1: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.** They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. \- **Article 2: Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this declaration,** without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. These articles emphasize the universality and inalienability of human rights, meaning they apply to all individuals, regardless of their characteristics or circumstances. **3. Key Provisions**: *The UDHR covers a wide range of rights and freedoms, categorized as follows:* **Civil and Political Rights:** \- **Right to life, liberty, and security of person:** Article 3 guarantees the right to life, freedom, and personal security. \- **Prohibition of slavery and torture:** Articles 4 and 5 prohibit slavery in all its forms and torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. \- **Right to recognition before the law:** Article 6 asserts the right of every individual to be recognized as a person before the law. \- **Equality before the law:** Article 7 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law without any discrimination. \- **Right to an effective remedy:** Article 8 ensures the right to an effective remedy by competent national tribunals for acts violating fundamental rights. \- **Freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile:** Article 9 protects individuals from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile. \- **Right to a fair and public hearing:** Article 10 guarantees the right to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal in the determination of rights and obligations. \- **Presumption of innocence:** Article 11 establishes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty according to law in a public trial. \- **Freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence:** Article 12 protects individuals from arbitrary interference with their privacy, family, home, or correspondence. \- **Freedom of movement and residence:** Article 13 guarantees the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state and the right to leave any country, including their own, and to return. \- **Right to seek asylum:** Article 14 recognizes the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries. \- **Right to a nationality:** Article 15 affirms the right to a nationality and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of nationality or denial of the right to change nationality. \- **Right to marry and found a family:** Article 16 acknowledges the right of men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality, or religion, to marry and found a family. \- **Right to own property:** Article 17 guarantees the right to own property alone as well as in association with others and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of property. \- **Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion:** Article 18 protects the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to change religion or belief and to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance. \- **Freedom of opinion and expression:** Article 19 guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. \- **Freedom of peaceful assembly and association:** Article 20 protects the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and prohibits compelling individuals to belong to an association. \- **Right to participate in government:** Article 21 affirms the right to take part in the government of one\'s country, directly or through freely chosen representatives, and the right to equal access to public service. **Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights:** \- **Right to social security:** Article 22 recognizes the right to social security and the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights indispensable for dignity and the free development of personality. \- **Right to work, free choice of employment, just and favorable conditions of work, and protection against unemployment:** Article 23 guarantees the right to work, free choice of employment, just and favorable conditions of work, and protection against unemployment. \- **Right to equal pay for equal work:** Article 23 also includes the right to equal pay for equal work without any discrimination. \- **Right to form and join trade unions:** Article 23 further protects the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of interests. \- **Right to rest and leisure:** Article 24 acknowledges the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay. \- **Right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being:** Article 25 guarantees the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one\'s family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care, and necessary social services. \- **Special care and assistance for motherhood and childhood:** Article 25 also emphasizes special care and assistance for motherhood and childhood, ensuring all children, whether born in or out of wedlock, enjoy the same social protection. \- **Right to education:** Article 26 asserts the right to education, which shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages, and compulsory. \- **Right to participate in cultural life:** Article 27 recognizes the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, enjoy the arts, and share in scientific advancement and its benefits. \- **Right to the protection of moral and material interests resulting from scientific, literary, or artistic production:** Article 27 also protects the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary, or artistic production of which an individual is the author. **4. Impact and Legacy:** The UDHR has had a profound impact on international law, inspiring the development of numerous human rights treaties and conventions. It has also influenced national constitutions and legal codes, promoting the recognition and protection of human rights at the national level. While the UDHR itself is not legally binding, its provisions have been incorporated into subsequent binding international treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).The UDHR remains a powerful symbol of human rights and a cornerstone of international human rights law. It serves as a guide for governments, organizations, and individuals in promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all. **5. Ongoing Relevance and Challenges:** Despite its significant impact, the UDHR continues to face challenges in its implementation and enforcement. Ongoing human rights violations and the emergence of new challenges, such as technological advancements, climate change, and global inequalities, require continued efforts to uphold and strengthen the principles enshrined in the UDHR. The UDHR\'s legacy inspires ongoing work to ensure that all individuals can gain freedom, equality, and dignity. It serves as a reminder of the fundamental values that should guide our actions and a call to action for continued progress in promoting and protecting human rights for all.