CLAIVE ANGELO L.

JUMAO-AS
BSCE-II
GE 8 (ETHICS)- BH
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

ACTIVITY:
ETHICS

1.
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of moral principles,
values, and standards of conduct that guide human behavior. It explores questions
about what is morally right or wrong, good or bad, and just or unjust. Ethics seeks to
provide a framework for evaluating and making ethical judgments, as well as for
determining how individuals and societies should behave in various situations.

In essence, ethics is concerned with examining and understanding the principles

that govern human behavior in terms of morality and the choices individuals and
groups make to adhere to or deviate from these principles. It encompasses a wide
range of topics, including the nature of morality, ethical theories, moral dilemmas,
and the application of ethical principles to real-world situations.

Ethical considerations are relevant in various fields, such as philosophy, business,

medicine, law, and everyday life, where individuals and institutions grapple with
ethical questions and decisions. Ethical frameworks and codes of conduct help
guide individuals and organizations in making morally responsible choices and
navigating complex ethical issues.

Ethics plays a crucial role in society and various aspects of human life due to its
significant importance. Ethics provides a framework for individuals and groups to
make moral decisions. It offers principles and standards that help people distinguish
between right and wrong actions, guiding them in making choices that align with
their values and moral beliefs. Ethics encourages and promotes virtuous and
morally responsible behavior. It serves as a moral compass, influencing individuals
and organizations to act in ways that contribute to the well-being of society and
individuals. Ethical behavior builds trust and credibility. When individuals and
organizations consistently adhere to ethical standards, they gain the trust of others,
which is essential in personal relationships, business transactions, and professional
settings. Ethics is closely tied to concepts of justice and fairness. It ensures that
individuals are treated equitably and that societal resources and benefits are
distributed justly. Ethical principles underpin the rule of law and the functioning of
legal systems.

In various fields, such as medicine, law, business, and journalism, ethics is essential
for maintaining professional integrity. Ethical codes of conduct establish professional
standards that uphold the trust and well-being of clients, patients, customers, and
the public. Engaging in ethical reflection and decision-making contributes to
personal growth and character development. It encourages individuals to cultivate
virtues such as honesty, empathy, integrity, and compassion, which are valuable
qualities for personal fulfillment and relationships.

In summary, ethics serves as a fundamental pillar of human society, influencing

individual behavior, shaping institutional practices, and contributing to the well-
being and stability of communities and the world at large. Its importance lies in its
capacity to promote moral behavior, foster trust, and guide individuals and
organizations in making responsible choices that benefit both themselves and
society as a whole.

2-3.
Ethics encompasses a variety of key concepts that form the foundation of moral
philosophy and guide ethical reasoning and decision-making. Some of the
fundamental key concepts in ethics include:

1. Moral Principles: Moral principles are the fundamental rules or guidelines that
inform ethical decision-making. These principles include concepts like honesty,
fairness, justice, benevolence, and respect for autonomy. They serve as the basis for
evaluating the morality of actions.

2. Moral Values: Moral values are the fundamental beliefs or ideals that individuals
or societies hold to be important. These values shape moral principles and influence
ethical behavior. Common moral values include integrity, compassion, and honesty.

3. Duty and Responsibility: Ethics often involves the concepts of duty and
responsibility. Duty refers to one's moral obligations or responsibilities, which may
arise from various sources, such as societal norms, laws, or personal principles.
Responsibility pertains to the obligation to fulfill one's duties.
4. Consequences and Utilitarianism: This concept focuses on the outcomes or
consequences of actions. Utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory, asserts
that the moral rightness of an action is determined by its ability to maximize overall
happiness or utility.

5. Deontology: Deontology is an ethical approach that emphasizes the importance

of moral rules and principles in determining the rightness of an action. It suggests
that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.

6. Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics centers on the development of virtuous character

traits. It focuses on becoming a good person by cultivating virtues such as courage,
honesty, and compassion, rather than merely following rules.

7. Rights and Duties: This concept revolves around the idea that individuals have
inherent rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property. Corresponding to
these rights are duties or obligations to respect and protect those rights.

8. Justice: Justice concerns the fair and equitable distribution of resources, benefits,
and burdens in society. Different theories of justice, such as distributive justice and
procedural justice, provide frameworks for determining what is fair and just.

9. Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas are situations in which individuals face

conflicting moral principles or duties, making it challenging to determine the right
course of action. Resolving ethical dilemmas often requires careful ethical reasoning
and judgment.

10. Ethical Reasoning: Ethical reasoning involves the process of evaluating and
making moral judgments based on ethical principles and values. It often requires
critical thinking, empathy, and consideration of various perspectives.

11. Cultural Relativism: This concept acknowledges that ethical standards and
values may vary across different cultures and societies. Cultural relativism suggests
that what is considered morally right or wrong can be context-dependent.
12. Metaethics: Metaethics explores the nature of ethical statements and the
foundations of moral language. It investigates questions about the meaning of
moral terms, the existence of moral facts, and the nature of moral truth.

These key concepts in ethics provide a framework for understanding and analyzing
moral issues, dilemmas, and ethical theories. They help individuals and societies
navigate complex moral terrain and make informed ethical decisions in a wide
range of contexts.