Soliman, Dian - PRELIM OUTPUT

SOLIMAN, Dian L.
August 4, 2024
AR-503 4145-ETHICS
Throughout our lives, our moral compass is continually refined by the countless
experiences we encounter. From childhood to old age, we are constantly learning what
it means to be ethical. This process is complex, shaped by personal encounters, cultural
influences, and societal expectations. Every day presents opportunities to define our
values as we grapple with decisions both big and small. These experiences build our
character and direct our actions. Essentially, life itself is a crucible for moral
development, shaping the ethical individuals we become.
Here in my community—Madapdap Resettlement, where I grew up, these encounters

are not foreign. But, before I talk about a larger area that helped me shape my morality,
there are circles that came before it.
First Circle: Family Circle
Growing up in a conservative home taught me a lot about what was good and
wrong. My parents instilled in me the values of mutual respect, honesty, and hard work.
We talked a lot about our family and how vital it is to be together. I understood I needed
to obey the rules and be responsible. It seemed like there was a clear guideline on how
to act (Kochanska, 1997). While it was occasionally severe, it helped me figure out what
type of person I wanted to be.
Additionally, growing up with strictness wasn't always pleasant, but in retrospect,

it laid a solid foundation. The strict rules and expectations gave me a strong sense of
responsibility and discipline.Those norms and expectations instilled a discipline that has
lasted into young adulthood.
However, it is not a perfect path, I, too, have made mistakes along the way, just
like everyone else. There were times when I questioned the rules such as curfews and
deadlines, but now I appreciate how they prepared me for the challenges of the real
world.
Second Circle: Inner Circle of Friends
My close friends have evidently influenced who I am now. Hanging around with
them taught me what it meant to be a good friend, to be there for others, and to have
fun. Some encouraged me to explore new things, while others kept me rooted. There
were moments when I felt compelled to do things I didn't want to do, but my closest
friends always supported me. It's incredible how much effect they had on my decisions,
both positive and negative.
SOLIMAN, Dian L. August 4, 2024
AR-503 4145-ETHICS
Third Circle: Outer Circle of Friends
The outer circle was an expanded group of friends, my not-so-close-friends.I

enjoyed spending time with but didn't share everything with. While they were important,
the connection wasn't as deep. It was like having different layers of a friendship.
Even though my outer group of friends was not as intimate as my inner circle,
they continued to influence my decisions and form my morals. Their opinions mattered,
and I frequently found myself contemplating their ideas while making decisions. For
example, if I was hesitant to attempt anything new, their support may motivate me to
take a chance. Alternatively, if I was planning something controversial, their opinions
might affect whether or not I went ahead with it. In a manner, my outer circle influenced
my societal consciousness and knowledge of diverse points of view.
Fourth Circle: The Community
While my peers helped shape who I am, my community, Madapdap

Resettlement, served as a constant backdrop. My neighbors, teachers, and local
officials all had a strong cumulative effect on me as I grew up. They established the
standards for acceptable behavior, values, and expectations.
Since I grew up in a conservative family, respect for elders has become one of
the factors that shaped my morality as it is deeply ingrained in Filipino society. It's more
than just politeness; it's a core value shaping our interactions and relationships. The use
of honorifics like "po" and "opo" isn't just a linguistic custom but a clear expression of
respect. This extends from core family members and goes beyond immediate family to
the wider community that fosters connectivity.
Bridging the Gap of these Circles
Following up on the preceding topic of family, friends, and community impacts on

moral formation, it is crucial to consider the broader cultural context. Wainryb (2013)
argues that many perceived differences in moral beliefs across cultures can be
explained by differing understandings of how the world works rather than genuine moral
disagreements.
Since I am living in a resettlement where people came from different

places—possibly different culture too—engaging in respectful and open dialogue about
SOLIMAN, Dian L. August 4, 2024
AR-503 4145-ETHICS
differences was embedded in me to promote mutual understanding and respect. By

sharing perspectives and exploring common ground, individuals can build bridges
across cultures.
Understanding diverse cultural viewpoints may also help people spot potential
biases in their moral thinking. Individuals who put themselves in the shoes of someone
from another culture may become aware of their own preconceptions and prejudices.
Self-awareness is essential for making ethical judgments that are fair and equitable.
Moreover, just like people in this community, how we think about what's right or wrong
comes from many places. Things like our family, friends, and the place where we live
teach us about being good or bad. Our experiences, what our family teaches us, and
the rules of our community all help shape our ideas about what is right. At the same
time, the traditions and beliefs of our culture give us a bigger picture of what people
think is good and bad.
To conclude, this growing understanding is like expanding circles of knowledge.

When faced with a difficult decision, I can look to these circles for guidance. The
innermost circle represents my core values and beliefs, while the outer circles
encompass the perspectives of my family, friends, and community. By considering the
overlapping areas of these circles, I can identify potential solutions that align with my
principles and the greater good.
It’s like solving a complex puzzle. Each circle is a piece, and by fitting them
together, I can create a clearer picture of the situation. While there might be missing
pieces or unexpected challenges, having these circles as a framework helps me
navigate uncertainty and make informed choices.

Soliman, Dian - PRELIM OUTPUT

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SOLIMAN, Dian L.

Here in my community—Madapdap Resettlement, where I grew up, these encounters

First Circle: Family Circle

Additionally, growing up with strictness wasn't always pleasant, but in retrospect,

Second Circle: Inner Circle of Friends

Third Circle: Outer Circle of Friends

The outer circle was an expanded group of friends, my not-so-close-friends.I

Fourth Circle: The Community

While my peers helped shape who I am, my community, Madapdap

Bridging the Gap of these Circles

Following up on the preceding topic of family, friends, and community impacts on

Since I am living in a resettlement where people came from different

differences was embedded in me to promote mutual understanding and respect. By

To conclude, this growing understanding is like expanding circles of knowledge.

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