Sources
of
Prepared by: JULFER P. FRANCISCO, MAEM
Authority
At the end of the
lesson, you are
expected to:
recognizes the importance but
also limit in the law as a
determinant of ethics;
Objectives understand the difficulty in
making simplistic use of
religion as a determinant of
ethics; and possible ways in
assess the
using culture as a basis can
help, but maybe also hinder,
one’s efforts in thinking about
ethics.
SOURCES OF AUTHORITY
LAW RELIGI
ON CULTU
RE
Law, Religion, and Culture are
three institutions that influence
the way we think and act,
including our moral values.
Law
Some people believe that the law is the
guide to ethical behavior. The law sets
boundaries and enforces sanctions to ensure
compliance. However, relying solely on the
law may overlook the positive aspects of
ethics and focus only on what is prohibited.
There may be ethical concerns that are not
addressed by the law, such as questionable
business practices that are not illegal but
raise ethical questions.
Law
In the Philippines, one example of how the
law influences ethical behavior is through
traffic regulations. The law sets speed limits
and traffic rules that drivers are expected to
follow. By obeying these laws, drivers are
not only avoiding legal consequences but
also ensuring the safety and well-being of
themselves and others on the road.
Religion
Religion is another source of authority that
provides a moral code for believers to follow. The
divine command theory suggests that ethical
values are determined by God's commands.
While religion offers clear guidelines for ethical
behavior, it raises questions about the
arbitrariness of moral values and the potential
conflicts between different religious beliefs.
Additionally, the concept of holiness and the
connection between ethics and the divine are
complex and require further consideration.
Religion
In the Philippines, the Catholic Church has a
strong influence on ethical behavior. One
example is the prohibition against divorce. The
Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a
sacred bond that should not be broken, and
divorce is not allowed. This religious belief
influences the ethical decisions of many
Filipinos, who may choose to work on their
marriages and seek reconciliation rather than
pursuing divorce.
Culture
Culture also plays a significant role in
shaping ethical values. Cultural relativism
suggests that ethical standards are
relative to each culture, and there is no
universal standard for morality. While this
approach promotes tolerance and
understanding, it raises concerns about
judging practices in other cultures and
limits critical thinking and discernment.
Culture
In Filipino culture, hospitality is highly
valued. It is common for Filipinos to
welcome guests into their homes and offer
them food and drinks. This cultural norm of
hospitality reflects the ethical value of
kindness, generosity, and respect for
others. It is considered good manners and
a way to show care and concern for others.
In conclusion, while the law, religion, and
culture can influence our ethical values,
relying solely on any of these institutions
may have limitations. It is important to
consider the positive aspects of ethics, the
potential conflicts between different
institutions, and the need for critical
discernment in evaluating ethical values.
When faced with the dilemma of choosing
between obeying the law, following your
own religion, or practicing your own
culture, how do you decide what to
prioritize, especially when it conflicts with
your own principles, values, and moral
evaluations?
Thank You
