Introduction to ethics

SUBJECT: Ethics
Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation
College of Nursing

What is Philosophy?  Is an important part of the human person’s life

Two Greeks words whether he knows it or not because a human
‘philo’ - love person is, by nature, a rational being, as such his
‘sophia’ – wisdom nature is to search for the source of his own
Philosophia – love of wisdom, coined by Pythagoras fulfillment and happiness.
(one of the sages of ancient Greece, born about the year
584 B.C.) Importance of Philosophy
Philosopher - lover of wisdom  Why should we philosophize or study
philosophy?
Philosophy  What good will philosophizing do considering
 Is the search for wisdom that we are in a world where life is hard and
 Is the search for meaning largely dictated by scientific and technological
advances?
Wisdom
 means learning the principle of things, the first What is the point of doing philosophy?
cause of all things, and the meaning and purpose  Philosophy supplements scientific explanations
of understanding such things. to come up with holistic explanations.
 deals with an understanding of the meaning of  Contributes to the development of some
one’s existence and the importance of the things disciplines
around the human person.  Provides ethical guidelines for the use of modern
technology
Who is the wise person?  Contributes to social transformation
 a wise person is one who is aware of what he  Expands the boundaries of knowledge
knows and what he does not know
 a wise person holds beliefs that are not only true,
but which can also justify.
 a wise person knows a lot about things that are
valuable in life.
 a wise person can put his knowledge to practical
use.
 a wise person does not only know what is true,
but also knows what is good or what ought to be
done in a given situation and acts accordingly.

Thus, wisdom consists in:

a. knowing what he knows and does not know
b. having justified true beliefs
c. knowing things that are valuable in life
d. having the ability to put knowledge into practice
e. knowing should be done and acting accordingly.

Question:
What is the advantage of one who knows that he/she does
not know over another who does not know that he/she
does not know?

Philosophy
 is the science of beings (things) in their ultimate
reason, causes, and principles acquired by the aid
of human reason alone.
 Is a search for meaning. Philosophy is engaged
in the search of the meaning of life.