GORDON COLLEGE

College of Education, Arts and Sciences

Course Title: Ethics Professor: Dr. Eder E. Magsayo

Course Code: Date of Submission:
Schedule of Class: Student Number
Module 8: Universal Values Student Name:
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Define and explain the concept of universal values and their significance across cultures and
societies.
2. Analyze historical and contemporary examples where universal values have shaped or
influenced global and local decisions.
3. Evaluate the challenges and implications of applying universal values in diverse cultural,
political, and ethical contexts.

I. Background and Concept

Universal values are moral principles or ethical norms that are widely recognized and upheld
across different cultures, religions, and societies. These values serve as guiding principles for
human behavior, fostering harmony, justice, and respect among individuals and communities. They
are often considered the foundation of global ethics and human rights.

Although the expression of values can differ from one culture to another, certain fundamental
principles—such as respect for life, freedom, honesty, compassion, and responsibility—are
commonly found across cultures and societies.

Universal values are crucial in promoting peaceful coexistence, multicultural dialogue, social justice,
and global citizenship.

II. Historical Development

1. Philosophical and Religious Roots

Universal values have deep historical roots in philosophy and religious teachings. For example:

 Confucianism emphasized humaneness (Ren), respect for elders, and moral integrity.
 Christianity and Islam promote love, compassion, truth, and justice.
 Buddhism emphasizes values such as compassion, mindfulness, and right action.
 Greek philosophy, especially that of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, underscored justice, virtue,
and ethical reasoning.

These early systems laid the foundation for the articulation of values that transcend individual
cultures.

2. Post-World War II and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

After the atrocities of World War II, the United Nations sought to establish a common moral
framework for all humanity. This led to the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in
1948.

The UDHR, while primarily a human rights document, embodies several universal values, such as:

 Dignity
 Equality
 Freedom
 Justice
 Solidarity
 Peace

It has since served as a global ethical benchmark for governments, institutions, and civil society.

3. Modern Efforts to Promote Universal Values

Organizations such as UNESCO and the United Nations Global Compact have promoted the
integration of universal values into education, governance, corporate responsibility, and intercultural
dialogue.

The concept of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) also integrates universal values to prepare
learners to act for peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

III. Key Universal Values and Their Implications

Universal Value Explanation Implication in Society

Acknowledging the dignity of every Promotes tolerance and reduces
Respect
individual discrimination
Encourages ethical leadership and social
Responsibility Being accountable for one's actions
accountability
Honesty Speaking and acting truthfully Builds trust in relationships and institutions
Showing empathy and concern for Enhances humanitarian responses and
Compassion
others community solidarity
Ensuring fairness and equity in Guides laws, policies, and access to
Justice
treatment opportunities
Right to act, speak, or think without
Freedom Fundamental to democratic societies
oppression
Peace Commitment to nonviolence and Essential for global security and
 conflict resolution development
Treating all individuals with fairness
Equality Addresses social and economic disparities
and impartiality

IV. Examples of Universal Values in Action

1. Education for Peace Programs. In countries with histories of conflict, such as Rwanda or
Colombia, universal values are integrated into school curricula to promote reconciliation and
unity.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Companies like Patagonia or Unilever incorporate
universal values like sustainability, fairness, and transparency into their business models.
3. International Treaties and Declarations. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
reflects values like protection, participation, and development for children across all nations.
4. Global Humanitarian Efforts. Organizations like the Red Cross operate based on universal
humanitarian principles including neutrality, impartiality, and humanity.

V. Challenges and Critiques

Despite widespread acceptance, the idea of universal values faces critiques such as:

1. Cultural Relativism. Some argue that no value is truly universal because all values are
context-dependent.
2. Western Bias. Critics contend that many so-called "universal" values reflect Western moral
traditions.
3. Implementation Gap. There is often a disconnect between endorsement of universal values
and real-world practices (e.g., governments signing treaties but violating rights).

VI. Relevance in the 21st Century

In an increasingly interconnected world, universal values are more important than ever in
addressing:

1. Climate Change. Requiring global solidarity and responsibility.

2. Migration and Refugee Crises. Demanding compassion and justice.
3. Digital Ethics. Needing honesty, respect, and responsibility online.
4. Global Conflicts. Calling for peace, diplomacy, and nonviolence.

Educational institutions play a crucial role in instilling these values to prepare learners for global
citizenship and ethical leadership.

Learning Tasks:

Case Analysis: The Philippine War on Drugs – Balancing Justice, Human Rights, and Public
Safety

In 2016, the Philippine government under President Rodrigo Duterte launched an aggressive anti-
drug campaign aimed at eradicating illegal drug use and trade. While the campaign initially gained
support for its promise of public safety, it soon drew sharp criticism from human rights groups due to
allegations of extrajudicial killings, lack of due process, and targeting of the poor.
According to reports by local and international organizations, thousands of suspected drug users
and pushers were killed, often without formal investigation or trial. The campaign raised serious
questions about the protection of human rights, rule of law, and the value of human life.

Issues for Analysis:

1. The ethical implications of pursuing security at the cost of human rights
2. Disproportionate impact on the poor and marginalized
3. The role of law enforcement and due process
4. Public perception vs. international condemnation
5. The importance of balancing safety, accountability, and compassion

Case Questions:
1. Which universal values were upheld or violated in the Philippine war on drugs?
2. What is the role of civil society, media, and international organizations in addressing potential
human rights abuses?
3. In a democracy, how should citizens hold leaders accountable for actions that may
compromise universal human values?

Your answers here: