ETHICS
Course Description:
Ethics deals with principles of ethical behavior in modern society at the level of the person, society, and in interaction with the
environment and other shared resources. (CMO 20s 2013)
Morality pertains to the standards of right and wrong that an individual orginally picks up from the community.
Ethics which is also called “Moral Philosophy’ is a branch of philosophy that studies the morality of human conduct using moral
frameworks, theories, principles and standards.
Ethics and Morality can be used interchangeably, like using the term “unethical” instead of the term “immoral” or vice-versa.
Ethics is the specific branch of philosophy that studies morality, while morality refers to the system of beliefs or principles of
rightness or wrongness of actions. In other words, “ethics is the science of morals” while “morality is the practice of ethics”
(philnotes.com, 2018).
Lesson Proper:
Ethics
Is the branch of philosophy that studies morality or the rightness or wrongness of human conduct.
Etymologically, the word ethics is coined from the Greek word “ethicos”, or that which pertains to “ethos”, the english
translation of which is “custom” or “character” or, in plural “manners”.
“Your Actions Speaks Of Your Character”
From this etymological meaning, ethics is taken to mean as a philosophical science that deals with the morality of human
conduct or human acts.
Dealing with HUMAN ACTIONS and REASONS for action ETHICS is also concerned with CHARACTER.
Also called MORAL PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS evaluates moral concepts, values, principles, and standards.
It is concerned with norms of HUMAN CONDUCT, ETHICS is considered a normative study of HUMAN ACTIONS.
ETHICS and MORALITY carries the concept of MORAL STANDARDS or RULES with regard to behaviour.
Morality
Speaks of a code or system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RULES TO SOCIAL BEINGS
Rules:
1. Explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct within a specific activity or sphere.
2. Tell us what is (PROVIDES) or is nor (PROHIBITS) allowed in a particular context or situation.
3. Serve as a foundation for any healthy society.
Rules Benefit Social Beings in Various Manners:
1. Rules Protect Social Beings By Regulating Behavior.
Build boundaries that place limits on behavior.
To impose consequences on those who violate them.
“We Follow Accepted Rules To Avoid Negative Consequences”
2. Rules Help To Guarantee Each Person Certain Rights And Freedom.
Form frameworks for society.
Nations are generally nations of laws and the governing principles are outlined in what is called CONSTITUTION.
“Rules on divisions of power and checks and balances further protect individual liberty.”
3. Rules Produce a Sense Of Justice Among Social Beings.
To keep the strong from dominating the weak. (To avoid those in power control the system.)
It generate a stable system that provides justice. (To have limitations.)
“If they transgress rules such as laws and ordinances and take advantage of people, there are consequences both socially and
criminally.
4. Rules Are Essential For a Healthy Economic System.
To avoid power to centralize around monopolies and threaten the strength and competitiveness of the system.
To ensure product safety, employee safety, and product quality.
Copyright and patents help protect people’s intellectual property.
It also keep the banking system stable.
SOCIETY could not soundly function without RULES and REGULATIONS. RULES are necessary to protect the GREATER GOOD in
order to avoid EXPLOITATIONS and TYRANNY while upholding the COMMON WELFARE.
MORAL STANDARDS VS. NON-MORAL STANDARDS
Not all rules are moral rules. That is, not all standards are moral standards.
MORALITY: May refer to the standards that a person or a group has about what is right and wrong, or good and evil.
MORAL STANDARDS: Are those concerned with or relating to human behavior, especially the distinction between GOOD and
BAD (RIGHT AND WRONG) behavior.
What are Standards?
A level of quality of attainment.
An idea or thing used as measure, norm or model in comparative evaluation.
Moral Standards
Are norms that individuals or groups have about the kinds of actions believed to be morally right or wrong, as well as the values
places on what we believed to be morally good or morally bad.
Normally promote “the good” that is, the welfare and well-being of humans as well as animals and the environment.
Consistency: It may differ from society to society and culture to culture.
NORMS (general rules about actions or behaviors) + VALUES (enduring beliefs about what is good and desirable, or not)=
MORAL STANDARDS.
MORAL RULES, also known as moral principles or ethical principles, are fundamental guidelines that help individuals and
societies determine what is morally right or wrong. These rules serve as a foundation for ethical decision-making and behavior.
Here are some examples of moral rules:
Honesty: Always tell the truth and avoid deception or dishonesty in your interactions with others.
Respect for Others: Treat others with respect, dignity, and empathy, regardless of their background, beliefs, or characteristics.
Justice and Fairness: Treat people fairly and justly, ensuring that they receive what they deserve and are not subject to
discrimination or bias.
Non-Harm (Non-Maleficence): Avoid causing harm or unnecessary suffering to others. This principle is often summarized as "Do
no harm."
Beneficence: Act in ways that promote the well-being and welfare of others. This includes helping others and contributing
positively to their lives.
Autonomy: Respect the autonomy and freedom of individuals to make their own choices and decisions, as long as they do not
harm others.
Fidelity: Keep promises and honor commitments. This principle is often summarized as "Keep your word."
Gratitude: Acknowledge and show gratitude for the kindness, favors, and assistance provided by others.
Compassion and Empathy: Show compassion and empathy toward those who are suffering or in need of help.
Integrity: Act with integrity and adhere to a strong moral and ethical code, even when faced with difficult decisions or
temptations.
Respect for Property: Respect the property and possessions of others and do not steal or engage in theft.
Loyalty: Show loyalty and allegiance to individuals, groups, or organizations that deserve your loyalty, as long as it aligns with
ethical principles.
Veracity: Strive for accuracy and truthfulness in communication, avoiding falsehoods and misinformation.
Self-Improvement: Continuously work on self-improvement and personal development to become a better, more ethical
person.
Caring for the Environment: Recognize the importance of environmental stewardship and avoid actions that harm the
environment unnecessarily.
These are just some examples of moral rules, and different cultures and ethical frameworks may emphasize certain principles
over others. Moreover, ethical dilemmas can arise when these principles come into conflict, requiring individuals to carefully
consider their moral values and priorities when making decisions.
Moral standards are norms that individuals or groups have about the kinds of actions believed to be morally right and wrong, as
well as the values placed on what we believed to be morally good or morally bad.
Moral Standards normally promote “the good”, that is, the welfare and well being of humans as well as animals and the
environement.
Moral Standard says:
1. “Do not harm innocent people.”
2. “Don’t steal”
MORAL STANDARDS AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE
FORCE OTHERS TO ACT ACCORDINGLY
Non-Moral Standards
Refer to rules that are UNRELATED to MORAL or ETHICAL considerations.
Either these standards are not necessarily linked to morality or by nature lack ethical sense.
Refer to standards by which we judge what is good or bad and right or wrong in a non-moral way.
Are matters of taste or preference.
Refers to rules that affect the choice of a person but are not linked to moral or ethical considerations, similar with ethics people
use value judgement in dealing with these aspects.
Manage individual life, aspirations and desires and may decide a person’s place in his group. Some non-moral standards of any
society could be the table manners, general etiquette, clothing, etc.
Govern individual life, aspirations and desires and may decide a person’s place in his group. Some non-moral standards of any
society could be grammar and language expectation, clothing, etc.
The immoral person knowingly violates human moral standards, the amoral person may also violate moral standards because
he/she has no moral sense.
Non-Moral Standards refer to standards by which we judge what is good or bad and right and wrong in a non-moral way.
Examples od non-moral standards are standards of etiquette by which we judge manners as good or bad, standards we call the
law by which we judge something as legal or illegal and standards of aesthetics by which we judge art as good as rubbish.
Non-Moral Standards are matters of taste or preference.
Violation of said standards also does not pose any threat to human well being.
Non-Moral Standards says:
1. “Don’t text while driving.”
2. “Don’t talk while the mouth is full.”
NON-MORAL STANDARDS DO NOT AFFECT OTHER PEOPLE
WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO IMPOSE ON OTHERS
Examples of NON-MORAL STANDARDS
1. Rules of Etiquette
2. Fashion Standards
3. Rules in Games
4. House Rules
5. Religious Rules
6. Some Traditions
7. Legal Statutes (Laws and Ordinances)
Are non-moral principles, though they can be ethically relevant depending on some factors and contexts.
The Usual Rules In Our Lives
ETIQUETTE. Standards by which we judge manners to be good or bad.
LEGAL. Standards by which we judge legal right and wrong; in a democracy, it is formulated by representatives of the people.
LANGUAGE. Standards by which we judge what is grammatically right or wrong; it evolves through use.
AESTHETICS. Standards by which we judge good or bad art; usually dictated by a small circle of art connoisseurs.
ATHLETIC. Standards by which we judge how good or bad a game is.
People have to understand the difference between moral standards and non-moral ones (through the aid of principles and
theories in ethics,) to identify fundamental ethical values that may guide our actions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MORAL STANDARDS THAT DIFFERENTIATE THEM FROM NON-MORAL STANDARDS
1. Moral Standards Involve Behaviors That Seriously Affect Other People’S Well Being.
Moral standards often involve behaviors that significantly impact other people's well-being because they are concerned with
how individuals and society as a whole treat one another. These standards are rooted in principles that promote fairness,
respect, and the welfare of others. When these standards are violated, it can lead to harm, suffering, and the erosion of trust
within a community.
Honesty: One of the fundamental moral standards is honesty, which involves telling the truth and not deceiving others. When
individuals lie or engage in dishonesty, they can harm the well-being of others by eroding trust and causing emotional distress.
Respect: Respecting others is a moral standard that includes treating people with dignity, acknowledging their rights, and not
discriminating against them.
Justice: The moral standard of justice emphasizes fairness and equitable treatment. Injustice, such as unequal access to
resources or opportunities, can have profound effects on people's well-being
Privacy: Respecting an individual's privacy is a moral standard that involves not intruding into their personal affairs without
consent.
2. Moral Standards Take A More Important Consideration Than Other Standards Including Self-Interest.
Moral standards often prioritize considerations beyond selfinterest, and they play a crucial role in guiding ethical behavior by
placing a higher value on principles like fairness, empathy, and the well-being of others.
3. Moral Standards Do Not Depend On Any External Authority But In How The Person Perceives The Resonableness To Others.
Moral standards are not grounded in external sources or objective truths but are instead dependent on individual perspectives
and the perceived reasonableness of actions in relation to others.
4. Moral Standards Are Believed To Be Universal.
Moral standards are believed to be universal because they are considered to apply to all rational beings, regardless of their
cultural, social, or individual differences. This belief is rooted in the idea that certain ethical principles are not contingent on
specific circumstances, personal preferences, or cultural norms. Instead, they are thought to be based on fundamental aspects
of human nature and reason.
5. Moral Standards Are Based On Objectivity
This means that you consider as right or wrong does not depend on whether the action advances the interest of a particular
person or group, but your action advances the interest of a particular person or group, but your actions depend on a universal
standpoint where everyone’s interest is counted as equal.
6. Moral Standards Are Associated With Vocabulary That Depicts Emotions Or Feelings.
Indicates the practical or action guiding nature of moral standards.
These moral standards are generally put forth as injunction or imperatives (such as, ‘Do not kill,’ ‘Do no unnecessary harm,’ and
‘Love your neighbor’).
These principles are proposed for use, to advise, and to influence to action.
Is used to evaluate behavior, to assign praise and blame, and to produce feelings of satisfaction or of guilt.
WHY WE NEED TO DISTINGUISH MORAL STANDARDS FROM NON-MORAL ONES?
Some values do have moral implications while other’s don’t
HOW WE ADDRESS THIS CULTURAL CONUDRUM
People have to understand the difference between moral standards and non-moral ones, to identify fundamental ethical values
that may guide our actions.
Different CULTURES have different Moral Standards. What is matter of moral indifference that is, a matter of taste in one
culture may be a matter of moral significance in another.
