LESSON 1: What is Philosophy LESSON 2:

WHAT IS ETHICS? e. Moral standards are based on impartial

- Derived from the Greek words “Phylos” meaning “to Ethics Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which considerations.
love” and “Sophie” meaning “Wisdom”. means “character”, or, in plural, “manners”. - Impartiality is usually depicted as being free of
- Philosophy literally means ‘love of wisdom’. - It is the branch of philosophy that studies morality or bias or prejudice.
- a rational attempt to integrate our knowledge the rightness or wrongness of human conduct. f. Moral standards are associated with special emotions
- It systematizes our scientific knowledge, and moral, THE IMPORTANCE OF RULES TO SOCIAL BEINGS and vocabulary.
aesthetic and religious experiences. Rules refer to explicit or understood regulations
- Man is a rational being. He lives in the physical and Rules benefit social beings in various manners: LESSON 3:
social environment. He reacts upon his environment and a) Rules protect social beings by regulating behavior. . DILEMMA - a tough choice has to be made between two
adjusts himself to it. He is a free center of activity. He is b) Rules help to guarantee each person certain rights and or more options,
molded by the environment freedom. MORAL DILEMMA - Also called ‘ethical dilemmas’,
Branches of Philosophy c) Rules produce a sense of justice among social beings. situation where you feel you simply do not know what
Epistemology concerned with the nature and scope d) Rules are essential for a healthy economic system. to do or which way to turn.
(including limitations) of knowledge. THREE LEVELS OF MORAL DILEMMAS
MORAL VS. NON-MORAL STANDARDS (A) PERSONAL DILEMMAS - Are those experienced and
Logic is the study of reasoning. Logic is often divided into Not all rules are moral rules. That is, not all standards are resolved on the personal level.
two parts, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. moral standards. (B) ORGANIZATIONAL DILEMMAS - It refers to ethical
Ethics seeks to address questions about morality; that is, Morality what is right and wrong, or good and evil. cases encountered and resolved by social organizations.
about concepts like good and bad, right and wrong, Moral Standards distinction between good and bad (or (C) STRUCTURAL DILEMMAS - When a person or group of
justice, virtue, etc. right and wrong) behavior. persons who holds high level positions in the society
Aesthetics dealing with the nature of beauty, art, taste, Non-moral standards refer to rules that are unrelated to ORGANIZATIONAL DILEMMAS vs STRUCTURAL
and the creation and appreciation of beauty. moral or ethical considerations. DILEMMAS
Metaphysics is concerned with explaining the Organizational dilemmas between organizational
fundamental nature of being and the world. The following characteristics of moral standards further benefits versus individual member's welfare.
- Cosmology seeks to understand the origin, differentiate them from non-moral standards: Structural dilemmas result of structural relationships..
evolution, structure a. Moral standards involve serious wrongs or significant
- Ontology is the investigation into what types of benefits. ‘ONLY HUMAN BEINGS CAN BE ETHICAL’
things there are in the world b. Moral standards ought to be preferred to other (a) Only human beings are rational, autonomous, and
metaphysics known as "natural philosophy." values. self-conscious.
- by the end of the eighteenth century it had c. Moral standards are not established by authority (b) (b.) Only human beings can act morally or immorally.
begun to be called "science" in order to figures. (c.) Only human beings are part of the moral community.
distinguish it from philosophy. d. Moral standards have the trait of universalizability
- Universalizability is an extension of the
principle of consistency that is, .
 Accountability: Ensuring that moral agents are held Strengths: avoid behavior that would bring shame to
accountable for their actions themselves
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MORALITY: REASON -CULTURE- UTANG NA LOOB (Debt of Gratitude):
AND IMPARTIALITY - an actual part of social life as well as our personality. Strengths: Strengthens social bonds and encourages
Reason as a requirement for morality entails that human -denotes the practices, beliefs, and perceptions of a people to be supportive and appreciative of one another.
feelings given society. .
Impartiality, interests and point of view are equally LESSON 5
important. Also called evenhandedness or fair- CULTURE’S ROLE IN MORAL BEHAVIOR Virtues are positive traits or qualities deemed morally
mindedness, impartiality is a principle of justice holding - “way of life” good.
that decisions ought to be based on objective criteria, - Culture is learned as children grow up in society Aristotle forming the foundation of good character
- Many aspects of morality are taught. The Role of Habits
LESSON 4 Social learning is groups to which they belong, as a ➢ Virtues are not innate; they are developed
A moral agent is a person who has the ability to discern normal part of childhood. through repeated actions.
right from wrong Norms are the shared expectations and rules that guide ➢ A cycle of cue, routine, and reward can help in
1. Ability to Make Moral Choices - A moral agent has the behavior within a culture. establishing virtuous habits.
capacity to make decisions based on an understanding of Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important Journaling — helpful tool for tracking progress and
right and wrong. or desirable. identifying areas for improvement.
2. Responsibility and Accountability - A moral agent is MORAL EDUCATION AND SOCIALIZATION - ways THE IMPACT OF VIRTUE ON MORAL AGENCY
responsible for their actions and can be held accountable individuals learn about moral values and ethics. 1. Autonomy and Responsibility - enhance your
for the ethical or unethical outcomes of their decisions. Socialization is the process through which people learn ability to make moral decisions autonomously.
3. Moral Reasoning - The process through which a moral and internalize the values and norms of their culture. 2. Building Resilience navigating ethical
agent evaluates and decides what is ethically right or Traditions and practices are the customs and rituals dilemmas, helping you remain grounded in your
wrong. passed down through generations. values
4. Autonomy - The ability to act independently and make Plato implied that if a person's cultural surroundings Cultivating Virtue - habit is a lifelong endeavor that
one's own choices. reward conformity enriches both personal character and social relationships
EXAMPLES OF MORAL AGENTS Cultural relativism understood based on that culture’s MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Individuals: People who make decisions in their personal own standards and not judged by the standards of - Process through which individuals form their
lives another culture. understanding of ethics, values, and
Organizations: Entities like companies or institutions BAYANIHAN SPIRIT: appropriate Behavior
Government Bodies: Agencies and officials Strengths: Emphasizes community support and collective - involves several key theories and stages,
CHALLENGES FOR MORAL AGENTS action. reflecting how people grow in their ability to
Moral Dilemmas: Situations where there are conflicting PAKIKIPAGKAPWA (respect for others): make moral judgments and act.
ethical principles, Strengths: Highlights the importance of interpersonal Lawrence Kohlberg proposed a stage theory based on
Influence of Bias: Personal biases or societal relationships, respect, and empathy. how people reason about moral dilemmas.
pressures HIYA (Sense of Shame):
 1. Pre-Conventional Level focus on self-interest - can broaden your understanding of Stay True to Yourself: Cultivating the courage to
and the consequences of actions ethics act in accordance with your
2. Conventional Level: typically emerges during Study of Philosophy: Explore moral philosophy conscience
adolescence a and ethical theories. - Is crucial for developing a strong moral
3. Post-Conventional Level: typically reached in - Understanding concepts like character.
adulthood. utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue
Carol Gilligan emphasized an "ethics of care," ethics can enrich your moral reasoning. 7. Continuous Learning
- focused on how women, Openness to Growth: Recognize that moral
A. Cognitive Development - linked with moral reasoning 4. Practical Application development is an ongoing process.
B. Social Environment - play a crucial role in shaping Real-World Dilemmas: Engage with moral - Willing to learn from experiences,
moral values. dilemmas in discussions or role- plays. feedback, and mistakes.
C. Emotional Factors - Empathy and emotional - help refine decision-making skills and Engage in Dialogue: Discuss moral issues with
responses are integral to moral development highlight the complexities of ethical others, fostering an environment of mutual
Key steps to facilitate this progression: issues. respect and learning.
1. Critical Reflection Community Service: Participate in activities that - Dialogue can refine your understanding
Self-Examination: Regularly reflect on your promote social justice and compassion. and decision-making.
values, beliefs, and the reasons behind your - Practical engagement with moral issues can
moral decisions. reinforce your commitment to ethical Achieving conscience-based moral decision-making
Questioning Norms: Challenge societal norms principles. - journey that involves introspection, empathy,
and laws when they conflict with your ethical and active engagement with ethical dilemmas.
beliefs. Consider whether they promote 5. Mentorship and Role Models - can develop a strong moral compass that
justice and well-being. Seek Guidance: Identify mentors who exemplify guides their actions in alignment with universal
2. Empathy Development Perspective-Taking: high moral standards. Learning from their ethical principles.
Engage in exercises that encourage seeing experiences and insights can inspire your own
situations from others’ viewpoints. moral growth.
- can deepen understanding and Modeling Behavior: Observe and emulate
compassion. individuals who make conscience- based
Active Listening: Practice listening to others decisions, particularly in challenging situations.
without judgment.
- Understanding their feelings and 6. Commitment to Personal Value
experiences Identify Core Principles: Clarify what values are
most important to you
3. Exposure to Diverse Perspectives - will serve as a foundation for your
Engagement with Different Cultures: Interact moral decision-making.
with people from various backgrounds.