C

Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

10
Module on
Aristotle & Saint
Thomas

This module discusses the mental frames and the introduction to Aristotle’s
virtue ethics and Saint Thomas Aquinas’ concept of ethics. Moreover, this gives you
an idea of how principle-based ethics tends to be used more often than utilitarianism
or ethics based on consequences, as well as how virtue ethics is being used for one’s
mental disposition.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. articulate what virtue ethics is;
2. critique virtue ethics; and
3. make use of virtue ethics.

Section 1: The Seven Deadly Sins

Instructions: Identify and list the 7 deadly sins in the box provided.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

1
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Development of Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics or Virtue Theory is known as an approach to ethics that emphasizes an
individual’s charisma or personality as the main element of ethical thinking rather
than the rules itself (Deontology), or on the consequences of the action
(Consequentialism).

In Virtue Ethics there are three major strands:

1. Eudaimonism
2. Ethics of Care
3. Agent-Based Theories

Eudaimonism
This refers to the classical formulation of Virtue Ethics. This holds that the proper
goal of an individual’s life is eudemonia which can be translated to:
 Happiness
 Well-Being
 Good Life
This goal can be achieved by a lifetime of observing and practicing “arete”, which
means “the virtues”, in one’s everyday existence and activities. It can also be
subject to the exercise of the term “phronesis” also known as “practical wisdom” to
resolve such issues, conflicts, and even the dilemmas that may arise. Indeed, such a
virtuous life could constitute eudaimonia which must be seen as an objective or
general instruction rather than a subjective state and must be characterized and
classified by the well-lived life of an individual. It is the sense of irrespective of the
emotional state of the human being experiencing it. A virtue is a quality or habit that
allows individuals to succeed at their existence and purpose.

Moral Virtues include the following:

 Temperance
 Justice
 Fortitude
Intellectual virtues include theoretical wisdom (sophia) and practical wisdom
(phronesis). Aristotle argued that given each of the moral virtues, there was a golden
mean or desirable middle-ground between the two undesirable extremes. For
instance, the virtue of courage lies between the two (2) vices of cowardice and
foolhardiness.

2
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics of Care
The ethics of care was developed and originated mainly by feminist writers like
Annette Baier in the second half of the 20 th century, and it was motivated by the
given idea that men think in masculine terms such as autonomy and justice,
whereas women think in a feminine way such as “caring”.

It called for a change in how we view virtue and morality shifting towards virtues
exemplified by women such as taking care of others, the ability to nurture, self-
sacrifice, patience, etc. It emphasized the significance and importance of solidarity,
relationship and community rather than the standards, universe and impartiality.

Likewise, it argues that instead of committing and executing the right things, which
requires personal cost or sacrifices the interest of the community or family
members as how traditional and consequentialists suggest, then, indeed, we should
prioritize the interests of those who are really close to us over the interests of
complete strangers.

Agent-Based Theories
This was recently developed by Michael Slote (1941 – Present), which gives an
account of virtue based on our common-sense intuitions about which character traits
are the most admirable, such as kindness, compassion, benevolence, etc. We can
easily identify this by looking at the people we admire the most who will eventually
serve as our moral exemplars. The evaluation of actions is therefore dependent on
the ethical judgments about the inner life of the agents who perform those actions.

Virtue Ethics is considered and identified as essentially Eudaimonism. It was the

prevailing approach and method to ethical thinking in the Medieval and Ancient
periods. It suffered something of an eclipse during the Early Modern period, even
though it is still one of the three dominant approaches to normative ethics (the
others are Deontology and Consequentialism).

History of Virtue Ethics

Socrates
469 – 399 B.C.

Socrates, as epitomized in Plato’s early dialogues, held that virtue is a sort of

knowledge. It is the knowledge of the meaning, understanding and representation of
good and evil that is required to reach and anticipate the ultimate good or
eudaimonia, which is what all human actions and desires aim to achieve. It was in
accordance with the discussion of what were known as the Four Cardinal Virtues
which include:
 Prudence
 Temperance
 Justice
 Fortitude

It can be found or discovered in Plato’s “Republic”. He also appealed that the

coherent part of the mind or soul must govern the emotional, appetitive and spirited
parts to lead all the desires and even actions to eudaimonia which is considered the
principal and constituent of which is the set of virtue.

The concept of apotheosis in Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” in the 4 thCentur BC.

Aristotle held that eudaimonia is constituted not by honor, power or even wealth but

3
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas
the activity of rational in accordance and relevance with the virtue over a complete
life, which might be described today as productive self-actualization.
Aristotle
384 – 322 BCE
The Non-Western Moral and Religion philosophies, such as ancient China with
Confucianism also incorporated ideas that may appear to be similar to those
developed by the ancient Greeks and also like the ancient Ethics of the Greeks. The
Chinese Ethical thought was made an explicit connection in the middle of virtue to
both politics and statecraft.
St. Tomas Aquinas
1224 - 1274
The Greek virtues were later incorporated into a Scholastic Christian Moral Theology,
the most particular and well-known theologian St. Thomas Aquinas in his
craftsmanship called “Summa Theologiae” of 1274 and another notable work
“Commentaries on Nicomachean Ethics”. The Christian virtues were also inculpated
based in large part on the seven (7) virtues from Aurelius Clemens Prudentius’s epic
poem which is written way back 140 A.D.
The Seven Virtues of Aurelius Clemens Prudentius:
1. Chastity
2. Temperance
3. Charity
4. Diligence
5. Kindness
6. Patience
7. Humility
Practicing of these virtues was alleged to protect one or someone from the
temptation of the Seven Deadly Sins.

The Seven Deadly Sins

 Lust
 Greed
 Gluttony
 Sloth
 Envy
 Wrath
 Pride

Virtue ethics has remained a frequent theme of Political Philosophy, most especially
in the emergence of classical Liberalism, the Scottish Enlightenment of the 18 th
Century and the Theoretic reinforcements behind the American Revolution of the
year 1775. Hence, although there are some arguments that Enlightenment
philosophers, for example David Hume continued to emphasize and focus on the
virtues, with the ascendancy of Deontology and Utilitarianism. In the next half or
quarter of the 20th century, there was a minor revival of virtue ethics, principally due
to the full efforts of the following people involved:
1. Elizabeth Anscombe (1919 – 2001)
2. Philippa Foot (1920 – 2010)
3. Alasdair MacIntyre (1929 - )
4. StanelyHauerwas (1940 - )
5. Paul Ricoeur (1913 – 2005)

Criticisms of Virtue Ethics

According to critics, the major problem with the theory is the difficulty of establishing
the nature of the virtues, especially as different people, cultures, communities and
even societies often have vastly different set of opinions on what constitutes virtue
ethics. Some proponents counter-argue that any character trait that has been

4
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas
defined as ethical virtue must be universally regarded as a virtue for all people and
individuals at all times, so we can actually come up with a significant cultural
relativism which is somewhat not that relevant.

Furthermore, there is another objection that the theory is not that “action-guiding”
and does not focus on what sorts of actions are considered as morally permitted and
which ones are not, but to put on record, rather on what sort of qualities someone
ought to foster in order to become a good person.

Some virtue theorists may squelch that it is in fact possible to sordid a judicial
system in accordance to the moral notion of the virtues rather than the rules in
which as cited modern theories of law that is related to virtue ethics are known as
virtue jurisprudence and focus on the importance of character and excellence of
human as opposed to moral rules and regulations or consequences. Theorist also
argued that virtue ethics can be also viewed as action-guiding through observance of
virtuous agents as the exemplars, and through the process of life-long procedures of
moral learning, for which quick-fix rules are actually no substitute.

Theorists have argued that the virtue ethics is self-centered because its primary and
top concerns is with the agent’s own character, whereas the morality is supposed to
be about other people, and how our actions affect other people. Thus, any cited
theory of ethics must require all of us to consider others for their own sake, and not
just because of particular actions may benefit us.

Several debated that the whole concept and context of personal well-being which is
essentially general just for self-interest. It is as an ethical master value is actually
mistaken, since especially as its very important personal nature does not really
admit to some comparisons between individuals. The counter proponents implied
that the virtues in themselves are concerned with how we must respond to the
needs of others, and that the good of the agents and the good of others are not two
distinct aims, but both result from the implementation of virtues.

Critics are concerned that the virtue ethics leaves us hostage to luck, and that it is
considered unfair that some people will be lucky and receive the help and
encouragement they need to attain moral maturity, while others will not, through a
no fault of their own. Virtue ethics, however, embraces the moral luck. Arguing that
the vulnerability of virtues is considered an essential feature of the human condition,
which makes the accomplishment of the good life all the more are considered
valuable.

5
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Name: _____________________________________ Course & Section: __________________ Date:

____________________________________________
ACTIVITY

A. Instruction: Based on what you have read in lesson proper, identify and enumerate
The Seven Virtues of Aurelius Clemens Prudentius. Explain the seven virtues and cite
an example based on your readings, understanding and even personal experiences.

7 Virtues Explanation Examples

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

B. Instruction: Interview your parents or any church leaders (at least 5) you know and
ask about their positions and stand on the following social issues:

Respondent Gay Marriage / Same Sex Marriage Death Penalty

A

6
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas
E

In summary, one of the mental frames that drive our moral disposition is by
abiding the rules and law which is in accordance with the theory of deontological ethics.
Another is teleological ethics which deals with ethics that are based on the outcomes of
one’s actions. It then introduces Aristotle third option where he elaborated that virtue
ethics is based on virtue of a human being. First Aristotle does not consider ethics as just
a theoretical or philosophical topic to study. Further, Aristotle emphasizes the
importance of developing excellence character as the way to achieve excellent conduct.
To Saint Thomas on the other hand, virtue is a habit which perfects a power that a thing
has. Further, Aquinas defines faith as a habit of mind, whereby eternal life is begun in us,
making the intellect assent to what is non-apparent. Saint Thomas further believes that
we can never achieve complete or final happiness in this life and humility aims is to
restrain the immoderate desire for what one cannot achieve. Discuss your perspective
in the given summary.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____

Instruction: Look for other references and add information to what we have discussed.
What is your idea about the next topic that we will be discussing? Attach extra sheet of
paper for your answers.
1. Kant Theories and Context
2. Right Theories and Context
3. Why is legal not always moral?

7
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Module on
Aristotle & Saint
Thomas

Name: _____________________________________ Course & Section: __________________ Date:

____________________________________________
Instruction: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. He developed the agent-based theory that believes that virtue is based on
common-sense intuitions.
A. Aristotle
B. Socrates
C. Michael Slote
D. St. Thomas
2. All are part of four cardinal virtues, except:
A. Fortitude
B. Justice
C. Kindness
D. Temperance
3. All are part of 7 deadly sins, except:
A. Prudence
B. Lust
C. Greed
D. Envy
4. According to ___________ virtue is not a feeling itself but a psychological
disposition in response to that feeling.
A. Aristotle
B. Socrates
C. Michael Slote
D. St. Thomas
5. A type of theory that based on the idea of all things in moderation.
A. Deontological ethics
B. Utilitarianism
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Kantian Ethics
6. It refers to the classical formulation of Virtue Ethics. This holds that it is the
proper goal of the human’s life.
A. Eudaimonism
B. Ethics of Care
C. Teleological
D. Agent-based theories
7. He is a Greek Philosopher who believes that the basis of ethics is virtue.
A. Aristotle
B. St. Thomas
C. Michael Slote
D. Socrates

8
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas
8. An Italian Philosopher who believes faith as habit of mind, whereby eternal life
is begun is us, making the intellect assent to what is non-apparent.
A. Aristotle
B. St. Thomas
C. Michael Slote
D. Socrates
9. All are part of seven virtues according Aurelius Clemens Prudentis.
A. Temperance
B. Justice
C. Kindness
D. Diligence
10.Theorist argued that virtue ethics can be also viewed as action-guiding
through observance of virtuous agents as the exemplars.
A. True
B. False
11.Virtue ethics is also known as virtue theory.
A. True
B. False
12.The ethics of care was developed and originated mainly by feminist writers
like Annette Baier.
A. True
B. False
13.The rational activity or action, Aristotle judged that it should manifest as pride,
friendliness, rationality and wittiness in judgment must be beneficial in both
scientific knowledge and friendship.
A. True
B. False
14. According to the critiques of Virtue ethics, the major problem of the theory is
the difficulty of establishing the nature of the virtues.
A. True
B. False
15.In relation to Virtue Ethics, another objection is that the theory is not that
“action-guiding” and does not focus on what sorts of actions are considered as
morally permitted.
A. True
B. False

9
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

10
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
Preliminary Examination

VISION
Bestlink College of the Philippines is committed to provide and promote quality
education with a unique, modern and research-based curriculum with delivery systems gear
towards excellence.

MISSION
To produce self-motivated and self-directed individual who aims for academic excellence
God-fearing, peaceful, healthy and productive successful citizens.

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATION

FIRST SEMESTER: A. Y. 2020-2021

Preliminary Examination
COL008: ETHICS

General Direction: All answers should be written in the test booklet. Do not mark/ write
questionnaire.

Part 1: Multiple Choices Question

1. This is a choice between two or more alternatives, in which
outcomes are equally undesirable, or equally favourable.
A. Classical dilemma
B. Dilemma
C. Ethical dilemma
D. Moral dilemma
2. It entails what is good or bad, right or wrong and it sometim
subjective in nature.
A. Dilemma
B. Ethics
C. Law
D. Morality
3. It is imposed by regulatory bodies as approved by the governing stat
A. Ethics
B. Law
C. Morality
D. Religion
4. This approach to morality does not reject that God issues comman
but instead takes morality to be understood in God’s creation of
universe and rational human beings.
A. Cultural relativism
B. Divine command theory
C. Natural law theory
D. Non-moral standard
5. This dilemma arises when an individual is involuntary to choose amo
two morally sound decisions, but they may struggle with
11 conventional limitations of a commercial, a state agency, or the law.
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
7-Steps in Moral Decision Model & Moral Courage

9
Module on
7-Steps in Moral
Decision Model & Moral
Courage

This module discusses the 7-steps of the moral decision model and m
courage. It will discuss various ethical issues that one should identify and how
model will be applicable for real life scenarios. It will also lay the foundation
reason and will. How does an individual take courage on actions?
Individual ability to make use of moral reasoning and moral decision mo
will be tested in the activities provided in the module.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. check real-life cases against the 7-step model, a model that uses reason an
impartiality;
2. differentiate knowing and actually executing a good moral decision; and
3. judge your own moral behavior in terms of planning and execution in
important moral experiences.

Section 1: KWL Chart on Feelings and Reasons

Instructions: You are about to evaluate what you know, what would you like to lea
12 and what you have learned. Fill out the first two columns before the learning activ
Then complete the last column after the discussion. You can also use your notebook
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

10
Module on
Aristotle & Saint
Thomas

This module discusses the mental frames and the introduction to Aristot
virtue ethics and Saint Thomas Aquinas’ concept of ethics. Moreover, this gives
an idea of how principle-based ethics tends to be used more often than utilitarian
or ethics based on consequences, as well as how virtue ethics is being used for on
mental disposition.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. articulate what virtue ethics is;
2. critique virtue ethics; and
3. make use of virtue ethics.

Section 1: The Seven Deadly Sins

Instructions: Identify and list the 7 deadly sins in the box provided.
1.
2.
3.
13 4.
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
Basic Concept of Ethics

8
0
1
Basic Concept of Ethics

This module introduces you to the key concept of Ethics, particula

the basic foundation of morality and moral standards. Moreover, it will g
you background on dilemmas and its moral stages.

At the end of this module, you will be evaluated through vari

activities and assessment tools in order to know what you have learned a
reading its context.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. differentiate between moral and non-moral standards;
2. recognize and recall a moral experience;
3. detect moral dilemmas; and

14
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
Basic Concept of Ethics-Part 2

8
0
2
Basic Concept of Ethics
Part 2

This module introduces you to the key concept of Ethics, particula

the basic foundation of morality particularly in terms of freedom a
responsibility, minimum requirements of morality as to impartiality, a
reason.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. explain why human being can be ethical; and
2. explain the reason and impartiality as minimum requirement to
morality.

15
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
Culture and Culture Relativism

8
0
Culture and Culture

3 Relativism

This module introduces you to the key concept of culture and how
shapes the moral behaviour of a person, particularly the role of culture
shaping moral behaviour and culture relativism, and why it is acceptable
ethics.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. articulate what culture means;
2. attribute facets of personal behaviour to culture;
3. recognize differences in moral behaviour of different cultures and
appreciate the differences; and
4. evaluate the strength and weaknesses of culture relativism.

16
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
The Filipino Way

8
0
Module on
4 The Filipino Way

This module introduces the concept of Filipino moral character and h

culture shapes it. It also provides insights on the strength and weaknesses
various Filipino moral characters.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. analyze the crucial qualities of the Filipino moral identity in their o
moral experiences; and
2. evaluate elements that need to be changed.

17
 C
Ethics
Aristotle & Saint Thomas

Ethics
The Universal Values
CO

The Universal Values

5 The Universal Values

This module lays out the concept of universal values, and the reaso
why universal values are important for human survival.

At the end of this module, you will be evaluated through variou

activities and assessment tools in order to know what you have learne
after reading its context.

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. identify universal values; and
2. explain why universal values are necessary for human survival.

18