WEEKS 2 AND 3 LESSON

ACQUIRE
I. Moral and Non-Moral Standards (Rules, Policies, Regulations)
a. Moral standards are measures that deal with matter that can either seriously harm or seriously
benefit human beings. This is to protect what is held as value in a society.
Characteristics:
i. involves serious wrong and significant benefits
ii. it is preferred to other others values. It is always given priority
iii. they are not established by authority figures
iv. they are invested with emotions and vocabularies
v. it has universal appeal and based on impartiality

b. Non-moral standards are norms that do not touch on moral or ethical concerns. Included are
rules of etiquette, fashion standards, rules in games and various house rules, religious rules,
traditions and legal statutes are non-moral.

II. Moral Dilemma

a. Meaning of moral dilemma-
Dilemma in rhetoric, it is an argument that coerces a person to choose between two
undesirable alternatives.
In logic, two conditions that imply the same conclusion that has unfavorable nature. In the
same manner moral dilemma or ethical dilemma is a situation where one must choose
between two imperatives or moral options but neither of which is ethically acceptable. It is a
scenario where one is made to choose the lesser evil/ “damned if you do, damned if you
don’t”.

b. Types of moral dilemma

1. Epistemic moral dilemma- The moral agent does not know which option is morally
right or wrong. It requires more knowledge about the situation.
2. Ontological moral dilemma- The moral agent does not know which option is of
greater value.
3. Self-imposed moral dilemma- It is born out of agent’s wrong doing where two
conflicting options are created and impossible to discharge. Eg. Not studying before
earned you 5. Are you going to cheat to pass? Take your chance but there is greater
possibility of not passing
4. World imposed moral dilemma- Certain events in the world where the agent is
placed in a situation of moral conflict. Eg. It is pandemic. You are not allowed to go
out but if you stay at home your family will starve
5. Obligation dilemma- A situation where more than one feasible action is obligatory.
Eg. You are obliged to attend two meetings. Both are important and needed your
presence
 6. Prohibition dilemma- A situation where all feasible actions are forbidden. Eg. All
possible actions you are not allowed. You have to see a friend in need. Since it is
pandemic you are not allowed to go out. You are not also allowed to video call or call
bec. You have not load and your parents do not give you money for it.
7. Single agent dilemma- A situation where an agent ought to do each of two acts but
can’t do or choose both. Eg. You have to buy load otherwise you can’t have internet
connection but if you pay, you have to sacrifice your budget for food for next week
but if you buy food for next week then you won’t have anything to pay for your
overdue electric bill.
8. Multi-person dilemma- A situation where a group ought to come up with a
consensual decision on a moral issue at hand. Eg. A group is deciding to prolong or
not the life of a sick family member.

c. Levels of moral dilemma- the conflict may happen in the following:

1. personal- In the life of an individual
2. Organizational- In the life of a group like company, family, etc.
3. systemic/ structural- In a society or culture

III. Voluntariness, Freedom and Responsibility

a. Voluntariness
i. Meaning of voluntariness
From the world voluntas, the will. The act proceeds from free will acting in the light of
knowledge. Voluntary action springs from knowledge and freedom.
ii. Kinds of voluntary actions
1. Absolute good- Act directed towards an irresistible good. Something is good
Absolutely when it is what it should be. Its goodness is without condition.
2. Non-voluntary- Acts that are beyond control like instincts, metabolic processes, dream,
coercion, etc.

b. Freedom
i. Meaning of Freedom- It is the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or
action. It is the basis for moral choice or the capacity to choose between good and evil (Kant)
ii. Types of Freedom
1. Freedom of Exercise- when there are two options to take or not to take.
2. Freedom of Specification- when there are two or more alternatives
3. Moral Freedom- the ability to do what is morally correct.

c. Responsibility
i. Meaning of Responsibility- it means accountability.
ii. Essential elements of a responsible action
1. Knowledge- Knowledge is needed for an act to be responsible. This includes intention and
consent.
2. Freedom- the person must be in complete control for the act to be responsible.
3. Voluntariness- the act must be willed by the agent or the person. The will to act comes from
liking the good.
Links
Moral dilemma
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-dilemmas/#TypMorDil Voluntariness

http://www.catholictheology.info/summa-theologica/summa-part2A.php?q=438

Freedom

https://www.coursera.org/lecture/luther-and-the-west/kant-and-freedom-hhoBW