Learner's Notes

Basic Information

Topic : Lessons on excellence

Sub-Topic : Ethics and integrity Part I

Objective

At the end of the module, the learners will understand the importance of ethics in life, and differentiate between
intuitionism, consequentialism, non – consequentialism.

Key Points Covered

The key points covered in this session are as follows:

• Ethics is connected with a person’s character

• Ethics and morals are not the same
• Intuitionists believe that ethics are derived from human conscience and intuition
• Consequentialism is a rational cost-benefit analysis of actions and their effects. The most famous way of
explaining consequentialism is that people should act in a way that brings about ‘the greatest good for the
greatest number’
• Non-consequentialism/Deontological Ethics is concerned with the actions themselves as opposed to the
consequences. It teaches that some actions are just right or wrong in themselves and that people should act
accordingly without necessarily considering the consequences of the act.

Based on these key points, the following points are the essential learning points:

• Ethics determine our actions/response to situations

• There are many conflicting theories of ethical behaviour

Ethics covers the following dilemmas:

how to live a good life

our rights and responsibilities
the language of right and wrong
moral decisions - what is good and bad?

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The word ethics is derived from the Greek word “ethos” meaning:

a. rules
b. policies

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 Learner's Notes

c. custom or character
d. all of these

2.Intutionists believe that ethics are derived from:

a. intuitively seeing change coming

b. human conscience and intuition
c. lessons in college
d. our social circle

3. Consequentialism believes that people should act in a way that brings about-

a. greatest misery for people

b. a lot of wealth
c. war between nations
d. greatest good for the greatest number

4. Non- consequentialism is concerned with:

a. Judgement
b. Actions themselves as opposed to consequences
c. Understanding the other person’s viewpoint
d. Intelligence

5. The following is an example of good ethics:

a. Not accepting bribes

b. Helping a victim of road accident
c. Ensuring fair practices in hiring
d. All of the above

Answer Key

1. c 2. b 3. d 4. b 5. d

Reference Material

1. The you tube videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAZG1quHG6I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbPxKuuKE8o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jorMWgBlyqU

2. http://download.nos.org/srsec321newE/321-Lesson-2.pdf

3. https://theethicalimperative.wordpress.com/tag/intuitionism/

A story to reflect upon

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 Learner's Notes

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other not. Only one child played
on the unused track, the rest on the operational track. A train is coming, and you are just beside the track
interchange. You can make the train change its course to the unused track and save most of the kids. However, that
would also mean the lone child playing by the unused track would be sacrificed.
Or would you rather let the train go its way?

Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. Save most of the children at
the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally.
But, have you ever thought that the child chose to play on the unused track had in fact made the right decision to
play at a safe place?
Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was.

The great critic Leo Velski Julian who told the story said he would not try to change the course of the train because
he believed that the kids playing on the operational track were aware that the track was still in use, and that they
would run away when they hear the train's sirens.

Now, If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never expects that a train could come
over on the unused track!

Further, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to such a track, we may
put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in our attempt to save few kids thinking that the train may run
over them, we might end up sacrificing hundreds of people.

Notes

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