Mabalacat City College

Rizal St., Dolores, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

st
1 Semester- S.Y. 2022-2023

MODULE 1:
Ethics and Ethical Theories

SocSci 105
ETHICS
Institute of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Elementary Education 2A
October 13, 2022

Michelangelo E. Cayanan, MM
Instructor

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 SOCSCI 105
ETHICS

MODULE 1

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Differentiate critical thinking from ordinary thinking;
2. Identify the hindrances to critical thinking;
3. Identify elements of critical thinking and apply it to ethical reasoning; and,
4. Recognize the importance of critical thinking in ethical reasoning.

I. Difference between critical thinking and ordinary thinking?

1. Thinking is a natural ability. Even as a baby, we already think. And while we develop this as we
mature, not all thinking is clear and logical. We are entitled to our own beliefs and opinions, but
not all of them are reasonable. Not all reasoning we do is correct and acceptable.
2. Thinking of what to wear tomorrow or what to eat this evening is ordinary thinking. It is also
known as first-order thinking. Just concerned about what one is thinking of.
3. When we turn our attention to how a person thinks, then there is reflection, assessment, and
interpretation. This is also called second-order thinking. Critical thinking is second-order thinking.
4. Critical thinking does not come naturally, we need to work on it to develop it.
a. How? By understanding basic logical principles and going through intellectual exercises
that improve our thinking skills.
5. Success in school, work, relationships, and life depend on thinking skills.
a. We have to think well, i.e., to think clearly and objectively, forget our biases and make
reasonable and intelligent decisions.
b. We must make the effort to learn its principles and techniques.

• Example of first-order thinking: “Murder is wrong.” This statement just talks about a feature of
murder – that it is wrong.
• In critical (second-order) thinking, one analyzes why murder is wrong. We try to find out the
interconnections among the many dimensions of an issue. We should not be contented with just
a single aspect. What can be the reasons why we conclude that murder is wrong? If we can
answer that, we are being critical thinkers.

Further Readings Online:

https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-thinking.html

II. The Self and Society in Critical Thinking

1. When we look in the mirror, we see a reflection of ourselves.
a. What do we check for? Smudged make-up? Messy hair?
b. Do we tell ourselves that we need more sleep due to the presence of pimples?
c. Do we make a mental note that we need to religiously follow our cleaning regimen?
2. When we practice critical thinking, it is quite similar to the scenario above. We examine our own
thoughts. Critical thinking is like looking in the mirror and we see a reflection of our minds.
a. How does my mind work in terms of my mental abilities and incapabilities?
i. Am I aware of my own mental strengths and weaknesses?
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 ii. Is there a need to be self-aware?
iii. Can I still improve my mental skills?
b. Do I use my mental skills before I make decisions?
i. Do I rush myself when deciding? Am I not too rash with my decisions?
ii. Have I really thought about it, am I not hindered when I made the decision?
3. That is why it is very important to be unbiased. The first step towards improving our critical
thinking skills is to be conscious of the tendencies that we have: egocentrism and sociocentrism.
a. Egocentrism is the tendency to regard our own experiences, belief, opinion, and knowledge
as the only basis for the truth.
i. How about the experiences of others then? Can they be disregarded and adjudged
as false?
ii. If someone contradicts us, are they automatically wrong?
b. Egocentrism will lead to mistakes in judging the ethicality of an action.
i. Ex: If an egocentric individual believes that drug addiction is wrong, they may
prejudge all people who are hooked on illegal drugs and persecute them. This is
biased because there may be complex factors of why there are people who use
drugs.
c. Sociocentrism is when a wider group of people – a society or a community – imposes its
beliefs on others.
i. Ex: Different religions saying their beliefs are correct and the belief of others are not.
ii. Ex: Those who are pro-abortion and anti-abortion wanting the other to follow a
certain rule or enact laws that support their beliefs.
d. Sociocentrism will lead to the use of propaganda, shaming, emotional warfare, threats,
intimidation, and many other incorrect forms of convincing the other side.
i. What is the correct way of convincing others to join your ranks?

III. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning

1. When questions of ethics arise, it is good practice to be aware of our biases. It might be a good
idea to leave our biases outside, so to speak.
2. Be ready to listen and delay judgment first. Wait for what others may say. Add their ideas and
knowledge to your own.
3. Be open to the possibility of being wrong. If proven by others that you have made errors in your
judgment, accept responsibility.
4. Ask relevant questions. It sets the tone for the purpose of what we are trying to find out. Our
judgment on whether something is ethical or not should come from the answers to our questions.
5. Verify facts. Validate information. At this time and age, fake news is unacceptable.
6. Check the conclusion-making processes of the other side when arguing on ethical cases. This will
ideally show you their assumptions and perspectives.
7. Check ethical theories or concepts underlying actions or situations.

IV. Critical Thinking in Ethics:

The connection between critical thinking and ethics is that there are no general hard and fast rules regarding
the application of ethics in various situations, which is especially pertinent considering the fact that what may
be ethical in one situation may be considered unethical in another context. The location and culture of the
people involved also play a very important role in the determination of the exact ethical consideration to
apply to a situation, a process that can be greatly enhanced by the application of critical thinking. An example
of this can be seen in the practice of ethics in the business world where something that may be accepted in one
culture may backfire in another.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNDYUlxNIAA

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V. Module 1 Worksheet:

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Student number: _______________________________________________________________________________
Course, year, and section: ________________________________________________________________________

Directions: Answer the following questions to the best of your ability. (10 pts. per question)

1. As a critical thinker, why do you think murder is wrong? ____________________________________________

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2. Differentiate egocentrism from sociocentrism. Elaborate on your answer by giving examples of each.
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3. Of the elements of critical thinking stated in Part III, which is the one that is your strongest trait or are
you most skillful at? Explain why you think so. Give an example to prove your point.
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 4. Give an example where there are differences in acceptable practices between different organizations or
different people. Explain how ethics can address the issue or at the very least, how ethics can guide
people in reaching a consensus or a decision.
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Instructions
1. Submit or upload your answer at MS Teams.
2. Do not forget to list down websites or references you used in accomplishing the worksheet.
3. Do not download or copy any samples from the internet.
4. Rubric for scoring:
Criteria (per question) Your Score
Content of the answer 6
Organization of ideas presented 2
Correct grammar and format 2
TOTAL 10

References:
1. Carino, Jovito V. (2018). Fundamentals of Ethics. C & E Publishing, Inc.
2. Evangelista, Francis Julius N. (2008). Critical Thinking: A College Student’s Introduction to Logic. National
Book Store Publishing.

Official MCC Module Disclaimer:

It is not the intention of the author/s nor the publisher of this module to have monetary gain in using the textual
information, imageries, and other references used in its production. This module is only for the exclusive use of a
bona fide student of Mabalacat City College. In addition, this module, or no part of it thereof may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
and/or otherwise, without the prior permission of Mabalacat City College.

Prepared by:

Michelangelo E. Cayanan, MM
Instructor
10/8/2022