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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE KEY CONCEPTS

MODULE OVERVIEW

Module Outline:

A. The Need to Study Ethics and the Importance of Rules to Social Beings
B. Moral versus Non-moral Standards
C. What are Dilemmas?
D. What are the Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas?
E. Foundation of Morality

Introduction

What is morality? Morality is “a system of beliefs about what is right behavior and wrong
behavior” (Rubin, 2015). Morality refers to “the principles of right and wrong behavior or rightness
and wrongness (that is, goodness and badness) of human actions” (philonotes.com, 2018). In his
book, Elements of Moral Philosophy, author and university professor Dr. James Rachels – a
philosopher who specialized in Ethics – asserted that “at the very least morality is the effort to
guide one’s conduct by reason, to act based on the best reasons for doing, while giving equal
weight to the interests of each individual affected by one’s decision” (Gallinero, 2018).

In this Module, you will learn how to distinguish a moral standard from non-moral standards
and likewise distinguish a moral dilemma from any other types of dilemmas. You will also learn in
this Module how to identify and classify moral experiences as they happen in different levels of
human existence.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. Explain the importance of following various rules (home, community, school rules
and regulations)
2. Differentiate between moral and non-moral standards
3. Differentiate between dilemma and moral dilemma
4. Identify a moral dilemma in a given situation
5. Classify moral dilemmas according to the three levels of moral dilemmas
6. Explain why only human beings can be ethical

LEARNING CONTENTS (The Need to Study Ethics and The Importance of Rules…)

Topic 1. The Need to Study Ethics and the Importance of Rules to Social Beings

What is Ethics?

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) defines that “ethics deals with
principles of ethical behavior in modern society at the level of the person, society, and in
interaction with the environment and other shared resources” (CMO 20 series of 2013).

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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

Alternatively, ethics which is also called “Moral Philosophy” is a branch of philosophy that
studies the morality of human conduct using moral frameworks, theories, principles and standards.

In our course, “ethics” and “morality” can be used interchangeably, like using the term
“unethical” instead of the term “immoral” or vice-versa. However, philosophically speaking, there is a
very thin dividing line between the terms ethics and morality. Ethics is the specific branch of
philosophy that studies morality, while morality refers to the system of beliefs or principles of
rightness or wrongness of actions. In other words, “ethics is the science of “morals”, while morality
is the practice of ethics” (philonotes.com, 2018).

Ethics
 - “ theory “of right action and the greater good
-the systematic study of the underlying principles of morality

Morality
-"practice", rightness or wrongness of human action
-prescriptive in nature
-tells us what we ought to do
-tells that we should follow the right way-

Ethics is the science of morals

Morality is the practice of ethics

Types of Ethics

Normative Ethics (prescriptive)

-seeks to set norms or standards that regulate right and wrong or good or bad.
-"do good at all times"

Metaethics (descriptive)
-aims to understand the nature and dynamics of ethical principles
-"what is good"

Applied Ethics
- application of ethical or Moral theories for the purpose of deciding which actiond are appropriate
in a given situation

CASUISTS - adherens of applied ethics

Divided into different fileds:

-bussiness ethics (ethical behaviour in the corporate world)
-biomedicalcand environmental ethics (issues relating to health, wealth and the responsibly we
have toward people and our environment)
-Social Ethics (welfare within societies)

Relevance of Studying Ethics

College students already have developed a set of moral standards by which they use to
understand the world and a moral compass to navigate it. The end goal of studying Ethics is for the
student to become a person who makes sound judgments, sensitive to the common good
(Gallinero, 2018).
The Importance of Rules to Social Beings

“Rules are necessary to protect the greater good. Even the freest societies ought to
have rules in order to avoid exploitations and tyranny while upholding the common welfare” (De
Guzman, 2018). Human societies have rules to guarantee that rights of everyone is protected by
regulating behavior and produce a sense of justice in the society.

Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “The Importance of
Rules to Social Beings” by J.M. De Guzman (2018).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

“Gear-up” Activity

Recall / review all the rules that you have to follow at home, at the church, in the community and in
Pangasinan State University.

Consider the following study questions after recalling the rules:

1. What are rules?

Rules for me are, generally accepted norm or guidelines by which people follow,it specifies how
something should be done,and the things that you are allowed or not allowed to do. Basically ,rules
sets the people’s standards of right and wrong.In opposition to the existence of order, everything will
be chaotic if there are no rules. Because people can do whatever they want without worrying about
the consequences they tend to be reckless, violent, and immoral. That’s why we should always
remember that there is no such thing as absolute freedom. It may sound good, maybe? but there’s
this saying “ Your freedom ends when the rights of others start.

2. Among the rules (i.e. rules at home, in the community, at PSU), which rule do you
find constricting?Why?

- To be honest, I have nothing against rules because I am fully aware that its
existence was to keep everyone safe. But there’s this one rule my parents
made that I find really constricting and which is my curfew. They said, that no
matter what the circumstances I need to be home by 5:30 pm which is pretty
hard because my class ends at 5:00 and usually the driver will wait for the
jeepney to be occupied before departing. There are also times when the traffic
is heavy because it is rush hour. And still, my parents would never miss
scolding me no matter what the reason, valid or not. With this rule, I never had
the chance to go out with my friends after school and it really affected my
social life.
-
3. What do you think are the reasons behind these rules?
- For me trying to understand the existence of rules is a no-brainer. Rules are there of
course to keep everything in order. Another reason is that maybe there are things in the
past that people wanted to avoid so it will never happen again. In my case, my parents
made that rule because I and my sister had a history of attempted abduction when we
 were still kids.
But mainly there are 4 reasons as to why rules exist according to J.M. De Guzman (2018) ;

 Rules protect social beings by regulating behavior. Rules build boundaries that pace limits
behavior. These things were intentionally made with the means to impose consequences
on those who violate them.
 Rules help guarantee each person certain rights and freedom. Rules form the foundations
of society. Mainly because every nation or country has its own constitution by which people
agreed upon. They agreed to be governed by such rules, that later on became a system as
to this day we call the government. And it is part of their due diligence to create rules and
regulations to protect the rights and freedom of every citizen.
 Rules produce a sense of justice among social beings.
Setting rules promote clarity and consistency because people know what should and should not
be done, right or wrong, fair and just. I believe that rules and laws are reminders that
everything has its own boundaries and people are bound to stay within those lines.
 And lastly, rules are essential for healthy economic system.

4. What would your home be without these rules? Your community? PSU?
- In opposition to the existence of order, everything will be chaotic. Because people can do
whatever they want without worrying about the consequences they tend to be reckless,
violent, and immoral. That’s why we should always remember that there is no such thing as
absolute freedom. It may sound good, maybe? but there’s this saying about anything too
much can be harmful to you and to the people around you.

Recitation:

Prepare for a sharing on why we need to study ethics and the importance of rules to social
beings, specifically by answering the study questions listed under “Gear-up” Activity.
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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

LEARNING CONTENTS (Moral versus Non-Moral Standards)

Topic 2. Moral versus Non-moral Standards

As explained under Topic 1, we may infer that morality refer to the norms that an individual, a
group or community has regarding what is right or wrong (moral or immoral).

Moral standards are those that “individuals or groups have about the kinds of actions
believed to be morally right or wrong, as well as the values placed on what we believed to be
morally good or morally bad” (philonotes.com, 2018). On the other hand, Non-Moral standards
refer to rules “by which we judge what is good or bad and right or wrong in a non-moral way”
(philonotes.com, 2018).

Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “Moral and Non-Moral
Standards” by philonotes.com.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 2
 Self-Reflection:

Read “Moral and Non-Moral Standards” uploaded/linked in MS Teams. Consider the following
study questions after reading:
 Differentiate between standards and moral standards.
 What features should a moral standard have?

LEARNING CONTENTS (What are Dilemmas?)

Topic 3. What are Dilemmas?

Dilemma refers to a situation in which a tough choice has to be made between two or more
options, especially more or less equally undesirable ones (dictionary.com, 2017).

Not all dilemmas are moral dilemmas. Moral dilemmas (ethical dilemmas) are “situations
where persons are forced to choose between two or more conflicting options, neither of which resolves
the situation in a morally acceptable manner” (philonotes.com, 2018).

Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “Moral Dilemmas” by
philonotes.com.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3

Self-Reflection:

Read “Moral Dilemmas” by philonotes.com. Consider the following study questions after reading:
 What is the difference between a dilemma and a moral dilemma?
 What features should a moral dilemma have?

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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

 Written Homework on Moral vs Non-Moral Standards (Topic 2) and Dilemmas (Topic 3):

Respond to the following guide questions as a Written Homework to be submitted in your MS

Teams. Follow the given format below.
 “Not all rules are moral rules or standard”. Give three differences between moral standards
and non-moral standards.
 Enumerate 5 examples of moral standards and 5 examples of non-moral standards.
 Recall a past experience that you consider as a moral dilemma. Briefly explain why it is
a moral dilemma and not just any other dilemmas.

GE 9 - Ethics
Name:
Course:

Moral versus Non-Moral Standards

1. “Not all rules are moral rules or standard”. Give three differences between moral standards and
non-moral standards.

2. Enumerate 5 examples of moral standards and 5 examples of non-moral standards.

Moral Standards: Non-Moral Standards:

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

3. Recall a past experience that you consider as a moral dilemma. Briefly explain why it is a moral
dilemma and not just any other dilemmas.

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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

 LEARNING CONTENTS (What are the Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas?)

Topic 4. What are the Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas?

The three levels of moral dilemmas are, 1) Personal dilemmas, 2) Organizational dilemmas,
and 3) Structural dilemmas.

Personal dilemmas are those that are encountered and resolved personally by the
individual. Personal dilemmas may be caused by the individual him/herself, by another person, or
by a group.

Organizational dilemmas are those “encountered and resolved by social organizations. This
include moral dilemmas in business, medical field and public sector” (De Guzman, 2018).

Structural dilemmas are dilemmas encountered and resolved by network of organizations.

Structural dilemmas are multi-sectoral and larger in scope than organizational dilemmas (De
Guzman, 2018).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 4

Recitation

After the short lecture, there will be a recitation. You will participate by classifying moral dilemmas
which I will provide according to the three levels.

LEARNING CONTENTS (Foundations of Morality)

Topic 5. Foundation of Morality

Freedom: Responsibility for One’s Act and to Others

Only human beings can be ethical because, 1) only human beings are rational, autonomous
(free) and self-conscious, 2) only human beings can act morally or immorally, and 3) only human
beings are part of the moral community.

Morality involves CHOICE. It is choosing ethical codes, values or standards to guide us in

our lives. Choosing is impossible without freedom. Everyone who wishes to function morally in a
society has to make choices every minute of the day (De Guzman, 2018).

Furthermore, freedom demands responsibility. According to Sartre, even though individuals

must make their own choices because they are free, these choices also have consequences to it –
these consequences are something that the person must endure (Gallinero, 2018).

Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “Freedom” by Gallinero.

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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

Minimum Requirement for Morality

Since freedom demands responsibility, according to James Rachels, moral judgments must
be backed by sound reasoning and that morality requires the impartial consideration of all
parties involved (Rachels, 2004).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 5

Reading Assignment:

Read “Freedom” by Gallinero uploaded in your MS Teams. Consider the following reflection
questions while reading:
 Why is it that only human can be ethical? How about the animals?
 Why is freedom regarded as the foundation of ethics?

Online Sharing

Respond to the following questions. I will randomly select 3-5 “lucky” students among you to share
their answers to the guide questions below in our official MS Teams or messenger group chat.
Good luck!
Questions for Online Sharing:
1. What will happen when: (a) freedom is unlimited, (b) freedom is absent?
2. What is the role of reason and importance of impartiality to ethics?

Quiz:

Review all the lessons in this module and prepare for a quiz. The schedule and mode of the quiz
will be posted in your MS Teams or Messenger Group Chat. Good luck!

SUMMARY

 Rules are important because they protect social beings by regulating behavior; they help to
guarantee each person certain rights and freedom; they produce sense of justice among social
beings; and they are essential for a healthy economic system.

 There are different kinds of standards, i.e. etiquette, policy, law, and commandment. In ethics,
a moral standard is a code of what is right or wrong without reference to specific behaviors or
beliefs.

 A moral dilemma is a situation where: there are two or more actions that you can possibly do;
there is a moral reason(s) for doing such actions; and you cannot do all the possible actions
presented to you, you only need to choose one.

 There are three levels of moral dilemmas. These are personal moral dilemma, organizational
moral dilemma, and structural moral dilemma.

 Only human beings can be ethical because of freedom and reason. Morality is a question of

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Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics Module No. 1

“choice”. Philosophically, choosing is impossible without freedom. Likewise, moral decisions

must be backed by sound reason and ought to be based on impartial and objective criteria.

REFERENCES

De Guzman, J. M., et.al. 2018. Ethics: Principles of Ethical Behavior in Modern Society. Malabon
City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.

Gallinero, W.B., et.al. 2018. Ethics. Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.

PHILO-notes: Learn Philosophy Online. www.philonotes.com/index.php

Rachels, J. 2004. The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 4th ed. New York: McGRaw-Hill College.

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