Ethics- BatStateU MODULE 4 WHAT IS CULTURE? HOW DOES IT DEFINE OUR MORAL BEHAVIOR? Introduction This module intends to discuss culture in different perspectives, the influence of culture in moral development, and partly include as well the characteristics of Filipino culture and the ‘weaknesses of Filipino character. cH Learning Objectives After studying this module, you should be able to: 1. Demonstrate what culture is and how it influence moral develoment. 2. Apply the culture in a positive way and improve the Filipino character. 3. Discuss culture profoundly through analyzing the characterities f Filipino culture. cry Learning Content 4.0 WHAT IS CULTURE? According to Kohak (1984), culture is at the root of human alienation from the environment. It's not just a compilation of artifacts or reflection of people's preferences and appreciation of beauty. He added that culture is derived from the Latin word, “cultus”, which means giving respect to the sacredness of all. Originally, culture is not contrary to nature but is commonly accepted as a human being’s role in it. Cole (2019) defined culture as a concept that refers to a broad and diverse collection of often intangible areas of social life. According to sociologists, culture consists of ideals, beliefs, language systems, communication, and behaviors that people have in common and that can be used to describe them as a group. Culture also encompasses material objects which are special to that community or society. Culture is distinct from the social structure and economic aspects of society, but itis related to them both by educating and updating them on an ongoing basis, Lederach, (1995) introduced culture as the collective knowledge and schemes generated by a group of people to perceive, view, convey, and react to the social realities around them,Ethies- BatStateU Zimmerman explicated (2017) culture as the characteristics and awareness of a specific community of people, including language, religion, food, social behavior, etiquette, fashion, music, and the arts, From the definitions above of culture, several characteristics were drawn: Culture is an analects of items with cultural or historical interest 1. 2. Culture is a remark of peoples’ choices and admiration of beauty. 3. Culture is in harmony with the environment and an individual has a role to play on it 4. Culture is wider in scope as it includes beliefs, ideals, communication, language systems, behaviors, and commonality of people within a group. 5. Culture embraces material objects that are significant to a particular group or society. 6. Culture is related to the social structure and economic aspects of society. 7. Culture is a combination of the skills, talents, capacities, and artifices brought about by a group of people to look at, relay messages, and respond to the realities of social life. 8. Culture is the attributes and observation of a particular group of people which includes language, religion, social behavior, etiquette, fashion, music, and arts. 4.1 THE IN FLUENCES OF CULTURE ID MORAL DEVELOPMENT Leano & Gubia-on (2018), Baring ( shared five points in how culture influences the moral development of the people and these are the following: 1. Culture is always social and communal by which the relationship of the people towards one another and their experience as people are the culture’s meadow. Culture is social and communal in character where the people established and develop their relationships with each other and leamed from their experiences with them in the community. Laws, norms, values, and attitudes serve as a binding force to enhance their relationships. From that perspective then culture influence the moral development of the members of the community. Yes, culture passes from one generation to the other and probably maintains or changes the systems, principles, and values due to transformation in society but still retains the traditional ways that the community has. 2. The culture defines the normative principles and behaviors of society. This refers to the definition of the principles and behaviors to be maintained, preserved, and changed for the benefit and best interest of the members of the community. From the relationship and experience of the members of the community where the community itself would be able to form certain normative principles and behaviors to be relayed and to be taught to the members of that community, This scenario influences the culture of that community in moral development. 3. Acculture, as best exemplified in the experience of the people, develops restrictions and sets boundaries and limitations as they live and relate with one another. The restrictions and boundaries will serve as the protection and security of the members of the community. Laws, rules, principles, and norms will be the guidelines for the members of the 1Ethies- BatStateU community to behave accordingly, and if not then they will be subject to the punishment or sanction embedded in their culture, This shows that there will be an awareness of the moral development of the members of the community. 4, As culture helps in generating the character and identity of its people, it also includes their moral character. Culture shapes the character and identity of the people in the community through the norms, standards, rules, regulations, and laws. If the community is traditional or modern in character then that is the way the members of the community will learn and experience but of course, not all have ‘good implications. 5, The culture identifies the authorities or the governing individuals or groups. The authorities serve as the maker, interpreter, and implementer of the laws, rules, and regulations that they have in the community, Whatever form, a system of governance that they have the roles and duties to play in the community and their moral judgment is important in moral issues in the community. In the family, the parents have the moral authority over their children which is also essential for the moral development of the members of the family as the parents are the first who have authority to their children, who have taught and learned from them, Obviously, culture greatly influences the moral development of an individual. Based on the discussions above, several points were given emphasis. As culture considered to be as social and communal in nature, then the people within the community able to establish and develop their relationships through learnings and experiences in the community. Their relationships are bound by the rules, regulations, principles norms, laws, and standards that the community has. There are defined principles and behaviors that need to be kept, promoted, and rejected for the best interest of the members of the community. Restrictions and boundaries will serve as the security of the people which will be passed to them so that are aware of them. Moreover, culture helps in generating the identity and moral development of the members of the community through the standards, norms, rules, principles, and laws. The maxims to be followed by them. The authorities direct the community for the proper enforcement of the rules, regulations, and laws for the welfare of everyone. 4.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF FILIPINO CULTURE Dumaraos (2018) expounded some of the characteristics of the Filipinos that set them apart from any other culture and society’ 1. The Filipino people are very resilient. Despite the negative experience of the Filipinos particularly during calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos able to manage and handle a difficult situation lightly. They can still smile and always manage to rise above the challenge. 2. Filipinos take pride in their families.Ethics- BatStateU Filipinos first and foremost priority is the family. Thus, whether you are part of the immediate family or you belong to the third and fourth generation you are cherished as a family member. Even the closest friends are regarded as a family too, 3. Filipinos are very religious. ‘There are so many religions in the Philippines, nowadays, different denominations and yet they value their beliefs. For the Roman Catholics, they pay their respect to the different cross, images of Sto, Nino, the Litte Christ, and other religious articles can be found in the house. Every almost all religion, they go to Church every Sunday and sometimes twice or three times a week. 4, Filipinos are very respectful. Filipinos used po and opo, words that usually at the end of the sentences when addressing the elders. They also pay respect to someone older than them through pagmamano which means raising the backs of the hands of their elders to their forehands as a sign of respect. 5. Filipinos help one another. Filipinos are known to bayanihan or comunity spirit where everyone helps each other to make the task easier without expecting in return. 6. Filipinos values traditions and culture. Filipino traditions and culture are very important for Filipinos. They spent time on celebrations such as birthday parties, reunions, festivals, etc. They dedicate every gathering for continuing a good relationship with cach other even over lavish food. 7. Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebration, In the Philippines, Chrismas songs started to play in the malls, restaurants, respective homes from September and last until the second week of January the next year. They hang a parol and assembling the Chrismas tree with the decoration of balls in different colors, toys, and others. Children and adults, any generation are excited to sing Christmas carols to every house. They have misa de gallo and noche buena for the celebration of Christmas with the family. 8. Filipinos love art and architecture The gigantic and tall buildings everywhere signify Filipinos creativity in art and architecture. They love to design, think, and have a passion for aesthetic value which is unique and different. 9. The Filipinos are hospitable people.Ethics- BatStateU The visitors whether foreigners or Filipinos are very much welcome for the Filipinos during festivities and even no occasions that when they arrive at the place, the Filipinos entertain them wholeheartedly. Offer the best food, utensils, and the place to stay. The visitors will feel at home. 4.4 WEKNESSES OF FILIPINO CHARACTER 1. Extreme Personalism The Filipinos always try to give an interpretation of the actions or they take things personally. They say thank you with "but" (compliment-criticism-compliment) . Extreme Family Centeredness The Filipinos have very high family protection whether in good or poor condition and circumstance (consentidor) (overprotected) Lack of Discipline The Filipinos have a rather relaxed attitude, but bad time management (famous Filipino time). They are impatient and unable to postpone incentives or rewards. They ‘want to take shortcuts or the ‘palusot’ scheme and careless. Passivity and Lack of Initiative They ‘re demanding someone's accomplishment, so they're not displaying the same flag just because of race. They are rather complacent (relax) but they often have a sense of urgency. The Filipinos have a positive personality, but a lack of self-confidence and a deep desire to achieve their goals. They are strong at the beginning, but they have no sense of consistency (sometimes no direction at all or no strategy at all). Besides, they are too patient without any plan (matiisin) "Bahala na System"-no matter what, come what may, at least we tried (paconsuelo) attitude. They may have questions and discussions or disagreement first, rather than analyzing the situation before planning and action. Colonial Mentality Filipinos have what we call patriotism vs active awareness mentality. They appreciate too much other nationality and foreign products than native ones (local vs imported) They even lack love and appreciation for what they have. Furthermore, they have Open outside but Side-open or Close inside character (it's ok and best to receive more than to share) Kanya-kanya Syndrome Filipinos have self-serving attitude that generates feeling of envy and competitiveness towards others (status vs prestige).They have personal ambition but insensitive to common will (people and own country). There is also a crab mentality attitude (Hilahan and Inggitan System)instead of being happy to what are the accomplishments of others they try to pull them down, Finally, they lack of appreciation resulting unhealthy competition.Ethics- BatStateU 7. Lack of Self Analysis and Reflection Filipinos are superficial and dreamy. They lack self-evaluation and reflection of the situation. (http//evotistavenue,weebly.com/asean-youth-org/strengths-and-weaknesses- of-the-filipino-character, https:/sites.google.conysite/philippinescomph/about) Learning Activity ACTIVITY 1 In your opinion, how your community influences your behavior? Compare notes with your classmates. ACTIVITY 2 Among the characteristics of Filipino culture which is the most significant? Why? Explain further, Learning Assessment ESSAY: QUESTIONS TO PONDER: 5. Define culture according to different authors. Discuss at | st two influences of culture in moral development. 7. Specify at least three characte characteristic, ies of Filipino culture. Cite an example to each 8. Explain two weaknesses of Filipino character. Essay RubricsEthics- BatStateU Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Score Foeut and | There it one specif, | Thow # oneelear wall | Thee 1 one pia, hur | The pie and mae Dells | wellocusedtopic. | focused opie. Main ideas | main ideas doo ae not let. Main des are clear | are clear but are not sre not enpecilly clea andare well supponed | supported by deta led by detiled and ccurate | informa on ofc, informations ‘Organization | The invodustons | The Tavoduci onsaiss | The lavoducion sles | Thesis aocar inviting, states the | the min topic and the main fntoducin,srctre, ot rain topic, and provides | proves an overview of | topic. Aconclsionis | conclusion anoverview ofthe | the paper conclusions | included bat fgumeutEnformtion | included, bu does uot | is nt especialy is elevast end strengthen the elevadlspportve presented inlogical | argument/poion tre The ova t ston Voice |The authors paporeof | Theauthors purpneat | Theauthors purpowat | The autor purpove ar sing sve clear, | wntings somewhat clear, | wnting ie romewbat clear, | wnting ie unclear, andere i strong | and ther is some andere is tridence ofatention to | evdenee ofatenton to | evidence of tudisne, The autbor's | audience Theauhor’s | sleaton to audioce. The Knowledge ofandior | knowledge ofandior | author's knowledge ofthe sxperence withthe | experience withthe topic | topieseems hited top ie evident, ie evident ‘Word Chass | The author user wid] The auorses vid | The auoruses words —] The witeraser @ words and phases | wordh ar that Tied vocabulary The enois end phrases. The choiceand | communicate Sargon ar ichés are not placement ofwords | placementot words is | cleat y, but the sted propery and detract coms accurate, natu, | fnacouste at times andlor | wrtiag lacks fiom the meaning. and apron seams overdo ot arity and coms inappropriate forthe Truppeopite othe ssbjert rate ssbjert mate Sentence | All scutes as welr | Most sentences are well] Mos tscntencesae well] Seateneer sod Structure, | constuctedand have | constructed and have | constructed, but they have | awkward, ae distactingly Grammar, | variedstructureand | varied structure andlength. | a similar strocae andlor | reptive, or are difica tt Mechanics, | length The author | The authormakes afew "| length The autbormakes | undestand, The author ASpeling | makes very fw errors in gamma, several eros makes numerous eront frre inrammac, | mechanics, andor yelling, | ingrsmmar, mechanics, | in grammar, mechanics mechanic, andlor’ | butthere mistakes do aot’ | andlor speling tht andr spelling that inetere ‘peli, interfere with understand! | intrere with wit understanding, Sema z 2 Learning ReferencesEthies- BatStateU Cole, ickie Lisa (2019), So What is Cultur Exactly?. Updated August 2, 2019 Dumarao, Gelyka. (2018). 11 Things You Should Know About Filipino Culture. Updated April 18, 2018 Kohak, Frazim (1984) A Heaven’s Place in Nature. In Between teh Embers and the Stars. Chicago: Chicago University Press Lederach, John.Paul (1995). Preparing for peace: Confliet transformation across cultures Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press. Zimmerman, Kim-Ann (2017) What is Culture Intemet sites: ttps://www_academia,edu/11007189/The_Influence_of Culture_in_Moral_Development https:culturetrip.com iknesses-of-the-filipino- hitps://evotistavenue. wes character https://sites.google.com/site/philippinescomph/about https://www.thoughtco.com/culture-definition-4135409CUILUUIRVAVE NEEATIN ASINEthics- BatStateU MODULE 5 CULTURAL RELATIVISM Introduction This module aims to discuss cultural relativism in different aspects, its definition, advantages and disadvantages. (CMP crive Objectives After studying this module, you should be able to: 1. Explain cultural relativism in different views. 2. Discuss profoundly the advantages and disadvantages of cultural relativism. Cry Learning Content 5.0 DEFINITION OD CULTURAL RELATIVISM Below are the definitions of cultural relativism of the various authors: Culvural relativism means that we do not judge a society by our own criteria of what is right or wrong, odd or natural. Rather, we will make an effort to understand the cultural traditions of other communities in their own cultural context, (htips://www.khanacademy.org/test~ wrep/meat/society-and-culture/culture/a/cultural-relativism- article) Cultural relativism is the desire to consider a culture on its own terms and not to make conclusions based on the norms of one's own community. The goal of this is to foster the awareness of the cultural traditions that are not usually part of one's own culture, (Philosophy Home, 2009. http://www. cultural-relativism.com/, Lorber, Judith, “Night to His Day”: The Social Construction of Gender.” From Inquiry to Academic Writing: A text and Reader. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008. 617-) The concept of cultural relativism also means that any opinion on ethies is subject to the perspective of each person within their particular culture. In a holistic understanding of the term cultural relativism, it tries to promote the understanding of cultural practices that are unfamiliar to other cultures such as eating insects, genocides or genital cutting. htips://eourses..umenlearning,com/culturalanthropology/chapter/cultural-relativism/)Ethics- BatStateU Cultural relativism (CR) is a moral theory that contends that there are no objective universal moral rules, and the moral rules that do exist are culturally bound. In other words, there is a negative claim that there are no moral claims such as that killing is wrong that would apply to every culture, and there is a positive claim that there are moral rules, but they vary depending on culture, society, and context. (hutp://davidagler.com/teaching/bioethies/ethicaltheories/Handout2_CulturalRelativism.pdf) Generally, CR is an attitude towards the meaning and role of values in various cultures. fs in terms of norms and behaviors in a particular culture are specific to ganga inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/51330/9/09.chapter%202.pd The definitions of cultural relativism stated above are summarized to the following: 1, Incultural relativism, no one can judge a society by their standards in the principle of right or wrong, eccentric or natural People must understand other societies” cultures. 3. In cultural relativism, the aim is to strengthen our knowledge and interpretation of the practices and cultural traditions that are not part of our culture and that not uncommon to other cultures, 4, Cultural relativism is a moral theory that claims the idea of no objective universal moral rules that would apply to every culture and it varies depending on the culture of the society, In the case of Islam, for instance, to marry five times are allowed as long as the man is capable to support them while in Christianity, it is punishable by the law if any man or woman are married twice as it is bigamous as stated in Article 349 of the Revised Penal Code and the second marriage will be void from the very beginning if the first marriage is valid under Article 35 of the Family Code. The moral standards of every society differ from the other and for that reason, any culture should be respected by anyone. We cannot say that it is right or wrong because that culture permits them to do so and the other societis or vice versa, What is moral to other societies may not be moral to our societies and what is moral to our societies may not be moral to them. It is indeed hard to reconcile the conflicting cultures of the societies with their respective moral standards. The boundaries would be the understanding and acceptance of the cultures of the societies. ’ cultures would view the same that is right or wrong 4.1PROS OR ADVANTAGES OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM Below are the advantages of cultural relativism: 1, It creates learning opportunities that could make humanity stronger.Ethies- BatStateU The cultural difference allows people to learn as they can compare their respective cultures and from those differences, they can improve their lives. 2. It eliminates the concept of separate, but equal. Across culture, there are groups of people who have common beliefs and values, 3s they belong to. nt yet equal by cultural relativism, but who face prejudice, injustice, and differences depending on the clas This will eliminate the idea of being differ 3. It creates a system of niche expertise. People will concentrate on the things they do better when cultural relativism is stressed. There will no longer be a need to strengthen the points of weakness since the weakness of one individual is the strength of another. Individuals will have to reflect on their strengths instead of their weaknesses, 4, Itencourages respect. Different cultures have different backgrounds and perspectives to support civilization. With cultural relativism, these interactions and viewpoints contribute to the common good, as it helps us to benefit and learn from each particular viewpoint in their way. 4.2 THE CONS OR DISADVANTAGES OF CULTURAL RELATIVISM Below are the disadadvantages of cultural relativism 1. There will be actions taken that would be defined by some as “violent, “wrong.” ‘unsafe,” or Since each person can set his or her moral code of conduct, there will be those who choose to perform acts that the majority of people will interpret as wrong, Murder, robbery, child abuse, all of these will become legally viable acts if that person's morality described them as being good. 2. Itis based on a concept that people are perfect. ‘We may all like to think that we're perfect but the fact is that we're all far from it. The theory of cultural relativism is based on the premise that society can be perfect. Perhaps we're going to be one day, but that day is certainly not today 3, It creates a personal bias. Cultural relativism is a worthy goal. Societies have a natural prejudice against them, which pushes certain people down to lift people, All cultural relativism does moveEthies- BatStateU accountability from a group perspective to an individualistic perspective. Promoting a particular set of morals is the focal point rather than the promotion of a collective set of morals. 4. It eliminates the idea that reform or change can be a good thing, Any of the greatest thinkers and teachers to be followed in history will all be deemed wrong in a system of cultural relativism. Then there is no need to change hearts and minds, as they are all held to their standards. Extend that in the workplace, and suddenly unsafe working conditions, low to no pay, and sexual slavery all become reasonable choices. The benefit of cultural relativism is that it teaches acceptance to individuals. The drawbacks are that this is a philosophy that is based on the belief that humans eventually do the best thing to do, Perhaps in the future, such a method would work. Before society can grow up and learn from each other, there is a great deal of potential for harm in this idea. (Lombardo, (2015) https://visionlaunch.com/cultural-relativism-pros-and-cons/) Knowing the advantages or pros and disadvantages or cons of cultural relativism, we able to balance the cultures of the societies despite the differences. From the very beginning there is already a conflict of cultures in societies because it varies from each other, However from that differences, we can adjust, change our perspectives and lear from the strengths and weaknesses of each culture to improve ourselves. Moreso, to better understand the people as what and who they are, their roots, their moral standards, acceptable and unacceptable or permissible or prohibited in their societies then we need to embrace their cultures to determine the trends or situations to develop. To that end, these make the relationships of the people of the societies strong and unified, do the actions that will not be offended to them, respect and acknowledge every society's beliefs, traditions, and customs to live peacefully and happy. Learning Activity ACTIVITY 1 Bassed on your experience, how does your family differs from other families in your place. List down these differences and compare it with your own. ACTIVITY 2 Research another country’s culture and compare it to the Philippines. Identify the similarities and dissimilarities. Compare.Ethics- BatStateU Learning Assessment ESSAY: QUESTIONS TO PONDER: Define cultural relativism based on the different definitions given by the authors. 2. Discuss at least two advantages and disadvantages of cultural relativism. 3. In your opinion, how can you reconcile the conlicts of culture? Essay Rubrics Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Score Focus and] There oneapecife, | Thee & one clear wall] Tere fone onl but —| The Wpivand mala Deals | wellfocusedtopic. | focused ope. Mam dcas | main eas eas at ot cleat Main eas ae clea ‘and are well supported by detailed and acurate informations, are clear but are ot Supported by detailed informat on oe ft, sre not eapecilly clea Organon The introduction tain topic, nd provider an overview ofthe gue nformation is olevact end presented in logical Ser. The conclsion x ston “Ths tat on ate the mai opie and rovides an overview of the paper A conclusion i inctuded, bur does not, strengthen the srgumentpositon. “The taodton sate the main topic, A conclusion ie included, but i noeneciay Thee wedi fnteducin,srctre or sonelusion mechanics, andor ‘peli, mechanic, andor yelling, butthete mistakes do aot interfere wih vdertend in roman, mechani andr spelling tat Vaiss |The authors puaporeof | Theauthors purpowat | Theauhors purpowor | The author's purpose of sing every clear, | wntings somewhat clear, | wnting is romenbat clear, | wnting ie unclear, adhere i strong | and there is some andere is tridence ofatenton to | evdence ofatention to | evidence of tudisne, The autbor's | audience Theauor’s | sleaton to audioce. The Knowledge ofandor | Knowledge ofandior | author's rowedge ofthe sxperence withthe | experience with he topic | topic seems imited topic is eviden. ie evident ‘Word Chaise | The author wer vid | The auorses vid | The aulorwses words —] The witeraser @ words and phrases” | wordy and that Tinted vocabulary The enois and phrases. The choiceand | communicate Sargon a ches are not placement ofwords | placementof words is | cleat y but the used propery and detract feoms accurate, natu, | fnacourte at times andlor | wring lacks fiom the mening. and apron seats overdo ot arity and coms inappropriate forte Toappeopite othe sxbjert rate subjert mate. Sentence | All senses as weir ] Most sentences are well] Mos tscntences ae well] Sentences sound Structure, | constuctedand have | constructed and have | constructed, but they have | awkward, ae distactingly Grammar, | vaiedsructureand | varied sructure and length. | asimlar structure andlor | reptive, orate dificu tt Mectanics, | length, The author | The authormakes afew "| length, The autbormakes | undentand, The author Spelling | makes very few errors in gamma, several eros makes mumerous ort in gramms, mechanics, andr spelling that inetere with undesanding. F 2 Learning References