ETHICS PRELIM LESSONS

Rules and its Importance

Meaning of Rules
-refer to a set of guidelines which have been put in place in different countries and communities and
have been accepted by all.
-they are useful tools in guiding and monitoring the interactions of humans in the society. It is a
prescribed guide for conduct or action and help guide actions towards desired results.
Rules play a significant role in various aspects of human life, and their importance can be seen in several ways:

1. Maintaining Order and Stability: Rules provide structure and organization to societies, institutions, and
various environments. They help prevent chaos and ensure that interactions are predictable and manageable.

2. Promoting Fairness and Justice: Rules often outline expectations for ethical and just behavior. They can help
prevent discrimination, exploitation, and other forms of unfair treatment by establishing a level playing field
for everyone.

3. Ensuring Safety and Security: Rules often exist to protect individuals and groups from harm. Traffic rules,
workplace safety regulations, and public health guidelines, for example, are designed to minimize risks and
ensure the well-being of all involved.

4. Facilitating Cooperation and Coordination: In group settings, rules help coordinate and facilitate collective
efforts. They establish shared expectations and standards, which can lead to smoother collaboration and
better outcomes.

5. Setting Boundaries and Limitations: Rules can define boundaries for acceptable behavior, preventing actions
that may infringe upon the rights or well-being of others.

6. Resolving Conflicts: When disputes or conflicts arise, rules provide a basis for resolution. They offer a
framework for mediation, arbitration, or legal proceedings, helping to ensure that disagreements are handled
fairly and justly.

7. Guiding Decision-Making: Rules offer guidance for making decisions, especially in situations where ethical
considerations are involved. They help individuals and groups evaluate options and choose courses of action
that align with established norms.

8. Preserving Cultural and Social Values: Rules often reflect the values, beliefs, and cultural norms of a society.
They play a role in preserving and transmitting these values to future generations.

9. Promoting Accountability and Responsibility: Rules hold individuals accountable for their actions. They
establish expectations for responsible behavior and may outline consequences for violations.

10. Facilitating Learning and Education: Rules are often present in educational settings to create a structured
learning environment and provide a framework for academic progress.

Importance of Rules
Rules are important they tend to protect the weaker class in the society as they might be in the
disadvantageous position if rules are broken. When rules are used in the right way, they provide a stable
environment and human co-existence in a society which leads to peace and development.
ACTIVITY 1. Answer in a ½ sheet of pad paper and submit in our next meeting.
What rule/s has been really difficult for you to abide by and why? (10 pts.)
ETHICS- MEANING and PURPOSE
- refers to the study of what is morally right and wrong, as well as the principles and guidelines that govern
human behavior and decision-making in terms of morality. It involves examining and evaluating concepts such
as justice, fairness, virtue, and responsibility in various contexts.

- seeks to address questions about how individuals and societies should behave, what actions are permissible
or impermissible, and how we ought to interact with one another and the world around us. It provides a
framework for evaluating the moral implications of our choices and actions, considering the potential
consequences, intentions, and underlying values.

-is a system of moral principles which affects how people make decisions and lead their lives. It is defined as
what is good for the individual and the society and is also described a moral philosophy.

-was derived from the Greek word ‘ethos” which can mean custom, habit, character or disposition. It does not
only focuses on morality of particular courses of action but also about the goodness of individuals and what it
means to live a good life. Virtue Ethics is particularly concerned with the moral characters of human beings.

Definition of Ethics from Notable Thinkers

1. Aristotle: "Ethics is the study of the nature of the good life and the nature of the proper human life."

2. Immanuel Kant: "Ethics is the activity of the reason in arriving at a decision about how one ought to act."

3. John Stuart Mill: "The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness
Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they
tend to produce the reverse of happiness."

4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "Ethics is a science relating to morals, which are the rules of our actions, so far as
they depend on our own will, and are deducible from our nature."

5. Friedrich Nietzsche: "Ethics is the inescapable, ultimate valuation of our overall attitude toward life itself."

6. Thomas Aquinas: "Ethics is the study of human acts as morally good or evil."

7. Plato: "Ethics is the art of living a good life."

Branches of Ethics
1. Normative Ethics – actions area judged by their merits allowing societies to develop code of
conduct for behavior. ( The Golden Rule)
2. Descriptive Ethics- defines morals in terms of their cultural or personal significance.
Some theories define what is right and wrong as objective truth, while others see morals as entirely
subjective, only definable though through their respective societies.
Why study Ethics?
1. To widen one’s understanding about moral problems
2. To train one’s critical faculties-know the reason for ones’ moral convictions and also for the reason
of moral convictions of others.
 3. To understand better what one’s conscience is, how he acquired it, how is likely he be able to trust
to its deliverances with safety, and how he can improve it and make it more intelligent.
4. To proffer some considerations from standpoints of self- realization, self- sacrifice and service that
ought to help anyone in making such decisions.

THE MORAL AGENT

Meaning of Morality
-can be defined as the standards that an individual or group has about what is right and wrong, or
good and evil.
-it is not imposed from outside, but innate and can be unconscious; ultimately, it is our moral
qualities that force us to live in harmony with the unconscious; doing so is the highest form of
morality.
-is an informal public system applying to all rational persons, governing behavior that affects others,
and has the lessening of evil or harm as its goal.
-is a complex of concepts and philosophical beliefs by which an individual determines whether his
actions are right or wrong.
Moral
- may refer to a particular principle, usually as informal and general summary of a moral principle,
as applied in a given human situation
The Key Features of Morality
1. People experience a sense of moral and accountability.
2. Moral values and moral absolutes exist.
3. Moral law does exist.
4. Moral law is known to humans.
5. Morality is objective.
6. Moral judgements must be supported by reasons.

ACTIVITY 2. In a ½ crosswise, answer this question in not more than 2 paragraphs:

As a moral agent, and other than your loved ones, is protecting other people your responsibility
too?
MAN AS A MORAL AGENT

Moral Agent
-is a being that is capable of acting with reference to right and wrong.
-is anything that can be held responsible for behavior and decisions, have rights and
responsibilities, has choices and have the right to choose.
Characteristics of a moral agent
1. Free Will: Central to the concept of moral agency is the idea of free will. Moral agents are believed to
possess the ability to make choices that are not determined solely by external factors, instincts, or
circumstances. This gives individuals the power to make choices that are ethically significant.

2. Reason and Rationality: Moral agency is closely tied to an individual's capacity for reason and
rationality. Moral agents are able to think critically, consider different perspectives, and weigh the
consequences of their actions. This cognitive ability is what allows them to deliberate and make
informed moral decisions.

3. Moral Principles: Moral agents often operate based on a set of moral principles or values that guide
their decision-making. These principles can vary from person to person and are influenced by factors
such as culture, religion, upbringing, and personal experiences.

4. Accountability: Moral agency implies accountability for one's actions. Moral agents are held
responsible for the choices they make and the outcomes of those choices. This accountability can
lead to feelings of guilt, remorse, or pride, depending on whether their actions align with their
understanding of what is right.
5.
Autonomy: Moral agents have a degree of autonomy in their decision-making. While external
influences and societal norms play a role, moral agents are capable of making choices that deviate
from these influences based on their own moral convictions.

6. Development: Moral agency can also be seen as a developmental process. As individuals grow and
mature, their understanding of morality and their capacity to make morally informed decisions can
evolve.

7. Ethical Dilemmas: Moral agents often face ethical dilemmas, situations where there is a conflict
between two or more moral principles or choices. How they navigate these dilemmas can reveal the
depth of their moral agency.

8. Empathy and Compassion: Moral agents often exhibit empathy and compassion, as these qualities
enable them to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. This understanding plays a role
in their moral decision-making.

9. Cultural and Contextual Factors: It's important to acknowledge that cultural and contextual factors
can influence a person's sense of morality. What is considered morally acceptable can vary across
cultures and historical periods.

10. Continuous Growth: Moral agency is not a static trait. It can develop, change, and grow over time as
individuals learn from their experiences, engage in moral reflection, and adapt their values.
STANDARDS AND DILEMMA
Standards refer to established criteria, guidelines, or benchmarks that serve as measures of quality,
excellence, or performance in various contexts. They provide a framework for assessing and evaluating the
characteristics, processes, products, or behaviors to determine whether they meet specific requirements or
expectations. Standards play a crucial role in ensuring consistency, reliability, and uniformity across
different domains.
The purposes of standards include:
1. Quality Assurance: Standards set a benchmark for quality and help ensure that products, services,
or processes meet predetermined levels of excellence. They provide a way to assess whether something
meets the desired level of performance or functionality.
2. Consistency and Uniformity: Standards promote consistency by defining common practices,
terminology, and procedures. They help streamline processes, reduce variability, and ensure that outcomes
are predictable and reliable.
3. Safety and Security: Many standards are developed to ensure the safety and security of
individuals, organizations, and the public. They establish guidelines for risk management, hazard
identification, and the implementation of safety measures.
4. Interoperability: Standards facilitate compatibility and interoperability between different systems,
technologies, or components. They ensure that products from different manufacturers can work together
seamlessly and effectively.
5. Regulation and Compliance: Standards often serve as a basis for regulations and compliance
requirements. They provide a framework for industries to adhere to legal and ethical guidelines, promoting
responsible behavior and protecting public interests.
6. Efficiency and Optimization: Standards help optimize processes and resources by providing best
practices and guidelines for achieving desired outcomes. They contribute to the efficient use of time, effort,
and resources.
7. Consumer Protection: Standards play a role in protecting consumers by establishing minimum
quality levels, accurate labeling, and clear information about products and services. They help consumers
make informed choices.
8. Benchmarking and Improvement: Standards provide a reference point for organizations to
benchmark their performance against industry best practices. They encourage continuous improvement by
setting goals for excellence.
9. Research and Development: Standards can foster innovation by providing a common framework
for research and development. They encourage the sharing of knowledge and the advancement of
technologies.
10. Ethical and Professional Guidelines: In fields such as healthcare, law, and education, standards
outline ethical and professional behavior, guiding practitioners in their interactions and decision-making.
Overall, standards contribute to order, reliability, and progress across various sectors of society.
They help establish a common language, ensure accountability, and promote responsible and effective
practices.
MORAL STANDARD AND NON-MORAL STANDARD
Moral standards and non-moral standards are two distinct types of standards that serve different
purposes and apply to different aspects of human behavior and decision-making. Here's how they differ:
Moral Standards:
Moral standards are principles or guidelines that pertain to matters of right and wrong, good and
bad, and ethical behavior. They provide a framework for evaluating human actions and intentions based on
moral values and principles. Moral standards are concerned with questions of morality and address issues
related to fairness, justice, honesty, and compassion.
Non-Moral Standards:
Non-moral standards, on the other hand, are guidelines or criteria that pertain to areas of human
activity that do not necessarily involve moral judgments. They focus on achieving specific objectives,
optimizing processes, or ensuring consistency without directly addressing questions of right or wrong.
The primary distinction between moral standards and non-moral standards lies in their focus and
scope. Moral standards are concerned with ethical principles and address questions of right and wrong,
while non-moral standards provide practical guidelines for achieving specific objectives or ensuring
consistency in non-ethical domains.
MORAL DILEMMA
A dilemma is a situation in which a person or group is faced with a choice between two or more
conflicting options, each of which presents its own set of challenges, consequences, or ethical
considerations. Dilemmas often involve difficult decisions where there is no clear or straightforward choice,
and all available options may have both positive and negative aspects.
Characteristics of dilemmas include:
1. Conflicting Options: Dilemmas arise when there are conflicting courses of action, and each option has its
own merits and drawbacks. The decision-maker must weigh the pros and cons of each choice.
2. Complexity: Dilemmas are complex and may involve multiple factors, variables, or stakeholders. The
decision-maker must consider various perspectives and potential outcomes.
3. Uncertainty: Dilemmas can be characterized by uncertainty about the consequences of each option. It
may be challenging to predict the exact outcomes of the choices being considered.
4. Moral or Ethical Considerations: Many dilemmas involve moral or ethical considerations, where the
decision-maker must determine the morally right course of action in a situation with no obvious answer.
5. Emotional Impact: Dilemmas often evoke strong emotions in the decision-maker due to the weight of the
choices and the potential consequences for themselves or others.
6. Trade-offs: Dilemmas often require individuals to make trade-offs between competing values, interests,
or priorities. Choosing one option may necessitate sacrificing something else.
7. Personal and Professional Context: Dilemmas can arise in various contexts, including personal life,
professional settings, and societal issues. They may involve conflicts between individual desires,
organizational goals, or broader societal norms.
8. Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas specifically involve choices that challenge an individual's or group's
moral principles. They often present conflicting moral obligations or values.
9. Decision-Making Difficulty: Dilemmas can lead to difficulty in making a decision due to the complexity and
ethical considerations involved. The decision-maker may experience moral distress or cognitive dissonance.
10. Resolution Complexity: Resolving a dilemma may not necessarily lead to a clear-cut solution.
Sometimes, the best course of action is the one that minimizes harm or maximizes positive outcomes to the
greatest extent possible.
11. Impact on Relationships: Dilemmas can have an impact on relationships between individuals or groups,
as the decision-maker's choices may affect others' well-being or interests.
Dilemmas are common in various aspects of human life, including personal relationships,
professional settings, medical ethics, business decisions, and societal issues. Successfully navigating
dilemmas often requires critical thinking, ethical reasoning, empathy, and a careful consideration of the
potential consequences of each available option.
Resolving dilemmas, especially ethical or moral dilemmas, can be a complex and challenging process
due to the conflicting values, interests, and consequences involved. Here are some of the key challenges
associated with resolving dilemmas:
1. Conflicting Values and Principles: Dilemmas often arise when there is a clash between different values,
principles, or ethical standards. Balancing these conflicting factors can be difficult, as each option may be
grounded in important and valid considerations.
2. Uncertainty and Limited Information: Dilemmas may involve uncertainty about the potential outcomes of
each option. Decision-makers may lack complete information, making it challenging to predict the
consequences accurately.
3. Complexity and Multiple Factors: Dilemmas are often characterized by their complexity, involving
multiple variables, stakeholders, and considerations. Analyzing and weighing these factors can be
overwhelming.
4. Emotional Impact: Dilemmas can evoke strong emotions, such as guilt, anxiety, or fear, which can cloud
judgment and hinder rational decision-making.
5. Moral Distress: Ethical dilemmas can lead to moral distress, a feeling of being torn between conflicting
moral obligations. This distress can complicate the decision-making process.
Activity 3. Choose from the given choices. Write your scenario in a ½ crosswise pad paper.
Share a situation that presents a moral dilemma in:
1. Any organization
2. Healthcare Service
3. Religion