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UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL EDUCATION AND MISSION

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE DETAILS

COURSE NO. : INSTRUCTOR :

COURSE TITLE : ETHICS OFFICE :

CREDIT UNITS : 3.0 CONTACT NO. :

PRE-REQUISITE/S : None CONSULTATION HOURS :

TERM : REVISED BY :

SCHEDULE : 3 hours every week for 18 weeks or 48 hours in a semester DATE :

COURSE DESCRIPTION
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This course, following the framework set by the CHED Memorandum no. 20, Series 2013, otherwise known as the “General Education Curriculum: Holistic Understandings, Intellectual and
Civic Competencies”, deals with the “principles of ethical behavior in modern society at the level of the person, society and in interaction with the environment and other shared resources.”

This course guides the students to be both reflective and critical in their approach to the question and application of morality, “what is a good act?.” To help the students think critically and
ethically, this course provides both the normative theories of ethics and a moral reasoning model. Representatives of both Western and Eastern traditions and paradigms in moral thinking
will also be given to afford the students a broader but also a more profound view in dealing with ethical questions and problems..

Also, this course presents discussions on the relation and application of ethics to religion, environment, global justice, politics, and the millennial generation to afford the students a deeper
appreciation and understanding of the relevance of ethical thinking in the contemporary situation.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the students must be able to:

CO1 Differentiate moral from non-moral actions.

CO2 Describe moral development and experiences, and solve moral dilemmas

CO3 Clarify what it means to be a morally intelligent and responsible person in today’s modern society

CO4 Appreciate the common good by understanding the different ethical principles.

CO5 Use ethical frameworks or principles to analyze moral experiences.

CO6 Create a video using current ethical issues relevant to the times and apply a specific ethical framework to address the video.

COURSE OUTLINE
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The course is divided in five parts. The first part, the introduction, provides a general overview of the subject and a bridging component between the Senior High school
subject, Philosophy of the Human Person, and Ethics as General Education subject. The second part focuses on the agent, his/her faculties and capabilities, and the factors
and conditions that influences decision-making and actions. The third part deals with the major normative theories of ethics. The fourth appropriates ethical thinking in the
context of the globalized present; this part provides theoretical interventions to understand the role of ethics and morality in the phenomena of globalization, religion,
politics and the environment. The fifth part of the course closes with a review and synthesis of previous parts.

COURSE STRUCTURE

TEACHING AND LEARNING

TOPIC LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT TASKS RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES

PART I: INTRODUCTION (4.5 A.) Students are able to Lecture : basic concepts and Quiz on basic concepts and terms in
Hours) understand basic terms terms in ethics Ethics
employed in ethics
1. Welcome / Orientation B.) Students can differentiate Group activity: Case Presentation of case discussions by
about the Training ethical, unethical, and neutral discussions group
2.Introduction to Ethics actions
a.Definition of Terms C.) Students can determine an
b.Importance of Ethics Today ethical dilemma

PART 2: THE AGENT (9
Hours)
1) Freedom & Rationality -
Morality of the Human Act
-The Essence of Freedom
2) Kohlberg: Stages of
Moral Development
-Longitudinal Study
-Finding, Interpretation, &
Criticisms
3) Moral Reasoning
-Definition of Terms
-Limitations of Logic
-Seven Step Moral
Reasoning Model
4) Cultural and Ethical
Relativism
5) Ethical Objectivism:
What is Natural Law?
A.) Students are able determine
the connection between
freedom and rationality
B.) Students can demonstrate
the stages of moral
development in relation to the
seven step moral reasoning
process
C.) Students can demonstrate
the issues arising from cultural
and ethical relativism
Lectures:
A.) What is Freedom
Rationality?
B.) What are the stages of
development and the seven
step moral reasoning model?
C.) What is ethical and cultural Mission” (1981) explaining the
relativism?
D.) What is ethical
objectivism?
Group activities:
A.) Discuss among each
groups two selected cases that
demonstrates the seven step
reasoning model.
B.) Provide and discuss
situations that shows both
cultural and ethical relativism
Class discussion:
Presentation of situations by group
Film review (home work):
Write a short essay on the film “The
issues arising from ethical relativism
and ethical objectivism.
Or write a short essay on the film
“Bagong Buwan” (2001) explaining
situations and elements that deals with
the moral reasoning process in its
relation from the individual to the
family, and to society.
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Flanagan, Owen and Rorty
Amelie Oksenberg (eds).
Identity, Character and
Morality: Essays in Moral
Psychology. Massachusetts:
MIT Press, 1997
Flanagan, Owen. Varieties of
Moral Personality: Ethics and
Psychological Realism.
Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard
University Press, 1991
Shafer, David R and Katherine
Kipp. Developmental
Psychology: Childhood and
Adolescence, 8th ed. California:
Wadsworth, 2010
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Part 3: THEORIES IN ETHICS
(18 Hours)
1)Natural Law, Moral
Determinants and the
Principle of Double Effect
2) Deontology: Kant’s
Categorical Imperative
-Difference between
Deontological from
Teleological
-The good will and duty
-The function of reason
-Reverence for the Law
-The categorical imperative
3) Utilitarianism
-What is utilitarianism?
-Bentham & Mill
-Contemporary Utilitarian
4) Virtue Ethics
-Virtue Ethical Theories
-Eudaimonism
-The Ethics of Care
-Aristotle & the good life
5) Fletcher: Situation Ethics
-Emphasis on Love
-Working Principles
-Fundamental Principles
6) Oriental Ethics: Hinduism &
Buddhism
-Caste System and aims of life
-The Four Yogas
-Brahman & Atman
A) Students are able to
distinguish the different
normative theories in ethics
B) Students can demonstrate
this understanding of the
different normative theories by
analyzing specific ethical
situations
C) Students can appreciate the
complexities and the
responsibilities in making ethical thought-experiments in ethics
decisions
Lectures:
A. What is natural law?
B. What is Duty Ethics?
C. What is Utilitarianism?
D. What is Virtue Ethics?
E. What is Situation Ethics?
F. What are some perspectives
in Oriental Ethics?
Group Activities:
Provide both several famous
for group discussions (e.g.,
Trolley case, Violinist
argument, et.al.) and specific
cases locally and around the
globe
Film Showing:
“Eye in the Sky” (2015) and
discussion with specific guide
questions after
Quiz:
A.) Determine the distinctions between
the different normative theories of
Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork
ethics
B.) Determine the pros and cons of
each normative theories in ethics
Class discussion:
A.) Present the case discussions of
each group for review and comments
Essay:
Determine and resolve, using the
different theories in ethics, the ethical
dilemmas in the film "Eye in the Sky
Present summary of essay to class for
discussions
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of the Metaphysic of Morals.
Trans. HJ Paton. New York:
Harper, 2009.
Pojman, Louis. Ethical Theory:
Classical & Contemporary
Readings, 2nd ed. Belmont:
Wadsworth Publishing, 1995.
Rachels, James. The elements
of Moral Philosophy, 5th ed.
Boston: McGraw Hill, 2007.
Aristotle. Nichomachean Ethics.
Trans. Martin Oswald.
Indianapolis: Bobbs –Merrill
Educational Publishing, 1962.
Besser-Jones, Lorraine and
Slote, Michael (eds.) The
Routledge Companion to Virtue
Ethics. New York: Routedge,
2015.
Radhakrishnan, S. A
Sourcebook in Indian
Philosophy. New Jersey:
Princeton University Press,
1957.
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-Turning the Wheel of the Co, Alfredo P. Philosophy
Dharma of Ancient China. Manila:
University of Santo Tomas,
2009.

________. Philosophy of the

Compassionate Buddha.
Manila: UST Publishing House,
2009.

Fletcher, Joseph. Situation

Ethics: The New Morality.
Philadelphia: The Westminster
Press, 1966
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Part 4: Ethics in Context
(12 Hours) Lectures: Class discussion and debate:
A.) Students are able to bridge
1) John Rawls : Theory of the question of ethics to the A. What are the theories in A.) Each group present their acquired
Justice question of justice justice? newspaper clippings and, show and
-The Original Position & the B. What is the fundamental explain the issue that concerns their
Difference Principle B.) Students are able to different between ethics presentation
-Veil of Ignorance distinguish the different claims and religion?
2) Habermas: Theory of and inspirations of religions and C. What is the scope of
Communicative Action ethics to the question of the environmental ethics? What
-Life Word System vs System good are some of its cases? B.) Choose one topic among the group
World D. What is relation between presentation and organize a class
-Rules of Reason: Consensus Howe-Strauss generational debate on its ethical issue
C.) Students are able to critically theory and Ethics?
3)Ethics & Religion
Revisiting the debate
-Relation between ethics and consider the relation between
Generational theory and ethics between Ethical Relativism
religion?
and Ethical Objectivism
-Overlap and contrasts
D.) Students are able to
4) Ethics & Millenials understand the stakes involved
-Howe-Strauss Generational in the ethical questions on the Group activity:
Theory environment
-Characters of Millennials A.) Acquire newspaper
-The Filipino Millennial E.) Students can demonstrate clippings (local, national and
-Ethics & the MIllennial ethical thinking in the context of international) that deals with
the globalized present similar ethical issue
5) Environmental Ethics
-From science to ethics:
deriving Ought from Is
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Group Case Analysis#1. Using the 7-

step model on the business ethics case
called the Star Employee.

Individual reflection sessions in class

on a most recent personal dilemma:
How did I decide and what did I
actually do during my most important
moral experience in the past year?

Conclusion: What is at
stake in doing and
thinking the good? (4.5
Hours)
1) What is the meaning of the
good? Summary and review of B.) Students should be able to
the topics
2) Why should one act to do
the good?
A.) Students are able to
demonstrate an understanding
of ethics in relation to being
human
determine the scope and
limitation of ethical thinking
C.) Students should be able to Why should act for the good?
to have a profound appreciation
and the critical urgency that
underlies the ethical thinking
Review:
Provide a summary of subject
its context and their logical
development
Lecture and class discussion:
What is the meaning of good?
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Long Essay:
Develop an essay on the topic “What is
the meaning of good and why should
do good?”
-Specific cases and situations must be
given
-distinctions between normative
theories must be emphasized
-and the issues on freedom and
responsibility must be discussed

-VIDEO PRESENTATION
CULMINATION:
1. To present a thirty- -ORAL PRESENTATION
second video that
reflects awareness of a
specific ethical issue and
to address it by an oral
presentation using the
chosen ethical
framework discussed in
class.
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COURSE MAP
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GE Learning Outcomes Ethics

Knowledge (Intellectual Competencies)
Analyze “texts” (written, visual, oral, etc.) critically. L
Demonstrate proficient and effective communication (writing, speaking, and use of new technologies). O
Use basic concepts across the domains of knowledge. P
Demonstrate critical, analytical, and creative thinking. P
Apply different analytical modes in problem solving. P
Values (Personal and Civic Responsibilities)
Appreciate the complexity of the human condition. L
Interpret the human experience from various perspectives. L
Examine the contemporary world from both Philippine and Global Perspectives. L
Take responsibility for knowing and being Filipino. P
Reflect critically on shared concerns. L
Generate innovative practices and solutions guided by ethical standards. P
Make decisions based on moral norms and imperatives. P
Appreciate various art forms. O
Contribute to aesthetics O
Advocate respect for human rights. L
Contribute personally and meaningfully to the country’s development. L
Skills (Practical Skills)
Work effectively in a group. P
Apply computing tools to process information effectively. O
Use current technology to assist and facilitate learning and research. O
Negotiate the world of technology responsibly. O
Create solutions to problems in various fields. P
Manage one’s knowledge, skills, and values for responsible and productive living. L
Organize one’s self for lifelong learning. L

L = Learned P= Practiced O = Opportunity to Learn

RESOURCES and Other Requirements

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BOOKS
Adler, Mortimer J. Ten Philosophical Mistakes. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1985.

Agapay, Ramon B. Ethics and the Filipino: A Manual on Morals for Students and Educators. Manila: National Bookstore, 1991

Aristotle. Nichomachean Ethics. Lincoln, Nebraska, Cliff Notes, 1966.

Aquinas, Thomas. On Law, Eternal Law and Natural Law, Summa Theologiae, vol. 28, Blackfriars in conjunction with McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1966.

Aune, Bruce. Kant’s Theory of Morality. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton Univ. Press, 1979.

Alson, Raziel and Marie Louise Friquegnon. Ethics for Modern Life. New York: St. Martin Press, Inc., 1987.

Albert, Ethel M., et al. Great Traditions in Ethics. California: Wadsworth Publishing Co., c1984.

Anders, Tomas. Understanding Values. Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 1980.

Charvin, Ronda. On Christian Ethics: Living in Love. Pasay City: Daughters of St. Paul, 1994.

Co, Alfredo P. Philosophy of Ancient China. Manila: University of Santo Tomas, 2009.

________. Philosophy of the Compassionate Buddha. Manila: UST Publishing House, 2009.

Collinson, Diane, Plant, Kathryn, and Wilkinson, Robert. Fifty Eastern Thinkers. London: Routledge, 2000

Composta, Dario. Moral Philosophy and Social Ethics. Bangalore: Theological Publications in India, 1988.

Crocker, David. Ethics of Global Development. USA: Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Cruz, Corazon L. Contemporary Ethics. 3rd Ed. Manila: National Bookstore, 1995.

De Castro, Leonardo D. and Agerico M. De Villa. Ethics and Logic: Basic Concepts. Quezon City: Katha Publishing Co., Inc., 1993.

Deussen, Paul. Outlines of Indian Philosophy. Delhi: Ess Ess Publications, 1976.

Dy, Manuel B. Jr. Contemporary Social Philosophy. Quezon City: JMC Press, Inc., 1994.

Fagothey, Austin. Right and Reason. Ethcis in Theory and Practice. St. Louis: The C.V.Mosby Co., 1972.

Flanagan, Owen. Varieties of Moral Personality: Ethics and Psychological Realism. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1991

Flanagan, Owen and Rorty Amelie Oksenberg (eds). Identity, Character and Morality: Essays in Moral Psychology. Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1997

Fletcher, Joseph. Situation Ethics: The New Morality. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1966.

Friedman, Thomas. The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization. 1st ed. New York: Anchor Books, 2000.
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Fromm, Erich. Man for Himself: An Inquiry into the Psychology of Ethics. New York: Fawcett Premier, 1975.

Gregory, Robert J. Psychological Testing, History, Principles and Applications. New York: Pearson Education, Inc., 2007

Higgins, Gregory C. Where do You Stand: Eight Moral Issues Confronting Today’s Christians. Manila: St. Pauls, 1997.

Hinman, Lawrence. Ethics: A pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory. Australia: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning, 2013.

Hiriyanna, M. Essentials of Indian Philosophy. London: Diamond Books, 1996.

Ibana, Rainer R. A. and Angeli F. Tugado, eds. Commentaries on Moral Philosophy. Pasig City, Phil.: Philippine Commission on Higher Education, 1998.

_____. Primary Texts in Moral Philosophy: A Philippine Collection. Pasig City, Phil.: Philippine Commission on Higher Education, 1998.

Johnson, Oliver. Ethics. New York: Holt, Rinehard & Winston, 1989.

Kant, Immanuel. Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals. New York: Harper Perennial, 2009.

Kirimura, Yasuji. Fundamentals of Buddhism. Tokyo: Nichiren Shoshu International, 1977.

Leaman, Oliver. Key Concepts in Eastern Philosophy. London: Routledge, 1999.

Lin Yutang. The Wisdom of China and India. New York: Random House, 1942.

Kreet, Peter. Making Choices: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Moral Decisions. Quezon City: Word of Joy Foundation, Inc., 1990.

Mackinnon, Barbara. Ethics: Theory and Contemporary Issues. California: Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1995.

Mappes, Thomas, Thomas, Zembaty, Jane, and de Grazia, David. Social Ethics: Morality & Social Policy. New York: McGraw Hill, 2012.

Moga, Michael D. Towards Authentic Morality: An Ethics Textbook for the Philippines. Manila: National Bookstore, Inc., 1993.

Montemayor, Felix. Ethics: The Science and Art of Life. Manila: National Bookstore, 1993.

Owens, Karen B. Child and Adolescent Development: An Integrated Approach. California: Wadsworth, 2006

Panizo, Alfredo. Ethics or Moral Philosophy. A UST Textbook Series. Manila: Novel Publishing Co., 1964.

Patka, Frederick. Existentialist Thinkers and Thoughts. New York: The Citadel Press, 1964.

Peschke, Karl H. Christian Ethics: Moral Theology in the Light of Vatican II. Vols. I and II. Manila: Logos Publications, Inc., 1993.

Pury, Cynthia L.S. and Shane J. Lopez, ed. The Psychology of Courage: Modern Research on an Ancient Virtue. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2010

Quito, Emerita S. Fundamentals of Ethics. Manila: De La Salle University Press, 1989.

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JOURNALS

Licuanan, Patricia et al. "A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People—Building Nation." In Values in Philippine Culture and Education: Philippine Philosophical Studies I, edited by Manuel B. Dy Jr., 31-48.
Washington, DC: The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, 1994.

Jan Yun-hua. "The Mind as the Buddha-nature: The Concept of the Absolute in Ch'an Buddhism." Philosophy East and West 31 (October 1981): 467-477.

Palma-Angeles, Antonette. "Cultural Drivers of Corruption in Business and Governance." In Business Ethics in Asia: Issues and Cases, edited by Oscar G. Bulaong Jr., Ike Danita Dewi, and J. Sedfrey Santiago,
Quezon City, PH: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2014.

Quito, Emerita S. "A Short Introduction to Oriental Philosophy." SOPHIA 4 (1974-75): 70-82.

UNPUBLISHED SOURCES

Palma- Angeles, Antonette and Azada, Rowena, "Medicine Prices, Price Controls and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry" Monograph produced by the Jose B Fernandez, Jr. Ethics Center and Ateneo
graduate School of Business, 2011

Que, Nemesio S., S.J, "Notes on Moral Deliberation." Introduction to course notes for PH104: Foundations of Moral Value. Ateneo de Manila University

Rae, Scott, "A Model for Moral Decision Making" Chapter 1, Beyond Integrity.

Reyes, Ramon Castillo. "Relation between Ethics and Religious Belief." In Moral Dimension: Essays in Honor of Ramon Castillo Reyes, edited by Nemesio S. Que, S.J., Oscar G. Bulaong Jr., and Michael Ner E.
Mariano, 107-12. Quezon City, PH: Office of Research

PREPARED BY: MARIA MAJORIE R. PURINO

AUGUST 2019
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