Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Ethics

LESSON
Moral and Non-Moral Standards
1
After this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Differentiate Moral and Non-moral standards.
2. Identify actions in a given situation whether it's Moral or Non-moral.
3. Recognize actions that are morally accepted.
ENGAGE
Direction: Read the situation below carefully and answer the question briefly.
Marcedes was buying orange juice from their local convenience store when she noticed
that the cashier gave her more change than it should be. If you were Marcedes, what would be
your decision? Explain.

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EXPLORE
Direction: Below is a link to a video about Moral and Non-Moral Standards. After Watching the
video read the questions carefully and answer them briefly.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGGaHVoehE4\
1. What is Moral Standard?
2. Base on the video provided, give at least four common morals that people agree on.
3. Give at least three characteristics of moral standards that differentiate them from non-
moral standards.
4. Enumerate the moral standards versus other rules in life based from the video.

EXPLAIN
In order to differentiate Moral Standards from that of Non-moral Standards, we should define
first what is Morality, Ethics, and Mores.
MORALITY- pertains to the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason, that is, to do what there
are the best reasons for doing – while giving equal weight to the interest of each individual who
will be affected by what one does (Rachels, 2003).
ETHICS – referring to the philosophical concept of morality, endeavors to understand moral
concepts and justify moral principles. It analyzes concepts such as right and wrong, and seeks to
establish principles of right behavior that may serve as guides to action for people to follow
(Pujman, 1992)
MORES – are strongly held norms which epitomize the deeply held standards of what is right
and wrong (Stolley, 2005).

MORAL STANDARDS
Moral standards are norms 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. Basically, moral standards promote what is “the good” like the
welfare and well- being of humans as well as animals and the environment. Thus, it prescribes
what humans should do in terms of rights and obligations.
Moral standards are the sum of combined norms and values. In other words, norms plus
values equal moral standards. On one hand, norms are understood as general rules about our
actions or behaviors. For example, we may say “We are always under the obligation to fulfill our
promises” or “It is always believed that killing innocent people is absolutely wrong”. On the
contrary, values are understood as enduring beliefs or statements about what is good and
desirable or not. For example, we may say “Helping the poor is good” or “Cheating during
exams is bad”.
Characteristics of Moral Standards
1) Moral standards deal with matters we think can seriously injure or benefit humans, animals,
and the environment, such as child abuse, rape, and murder.
2) Moral standards are not established or changed by the decisions of authoritative individuals or
bodies.
3) Moral standards are overriding, that is, they take precedence over other standards and
considerations, especially of self-interest.
4) Moral standards are based on impartial considerations. Hence, moral standards are fair and
just.
5) Moral standards are associated with special emotions (such as guilt and shame) and
vocabulary (such as right, wrong, good, and bad).

NON-MORAL STANDARDS
Non-moral standards refer to standards by which we judge what is good or bad and right
or wrong in a non-moral way. Examples of non-moral standards are standards of etiquette by
which we judge manners as good or bad, standards we call the law by which we judge something
as legal or illegal, and standards of aesthetics by which we judge art as good or rubbish. Hence,
we should not confuse morality with etiquette, law, aesthetics or even with religion.
As we can see, non-moral standards are matters of taste or preference. Hence, a scrupulous
observance of these types of standards does not make one a moral person. Violation of said
standards also does not pose any threat to human well-being.
Finally, as a way of distinguishing moral standards from non-moral ones, if a moral standard
says, “Do not harm innocent people” or “Don’t steal”, a non-moral standard says, “Don’t text
while driving” or “Don’t talk while the mouth is full”.

ELABORATE

 Morality is the principle concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and
bad behavior.
  Ethics are moral principle that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an
activity.
 Moral standards are norms that individuals or groups have about the kinds of actions
believed to be morally right or wrong.
 Non-moral standards refer to standards by which we judge what is good or bad and right
or wrong in a non-moral way.

EVALUATE
ACTIVITY 1
A. DIRECTION: Encircle your answers from the choices below.
1.It promotes what is “the good” like the welfare and well- being of humans as well as
animals and the environment.
A. Moral Standards C. Values
B. Moral D. Moral Values
2. It is understood as general rules about our actions or behaviors.
A. Values C. Norms
B. Moral D. Standards
3. It is understood as enduring beliefs or statements about what is good and desirable or not.
A. Values C. Moral
B. Norms D. Standards
4. It refers to standards by which we judge what is good or bad and right or wrong in a non-
moral way.
A. Moral Standards C. Moral Dilemmas
B. Non-Moral Standards D. Moral
5. It is strongly held norms which epitomize the deeply held standards of what is right and
wrong.
A. Moral
B. Non-Moral Standards
C. Moral Standards
D. Mores
B. DIRECTION: Classify the following into Moral or Non-Moral categories. If it is a
non-Moral write the correct action.

_________1. Attending calls during a meeting.

_________2. Ana gave the hungry woman a piece of bread.

_________3. Wearing shorts in a formal meeting.

_________4. If you are a male stay on the danger sign, when you are with a female.

_________5. Do not get what is not yours.

_________6. Males should be the one to propose marriage not females.

_________7. Don’t be a copycat.

_________8. Maintain a body figure.

_________9. When you speak pronounce the words properly.

_________10. Go with the fashion or you are not in!

ACTIVITY 2
Direction: Differentiate Moral and Non-moral standards, provide examples. Use the
space provided.
REFERENCES:
Jefjust24 (2018). Difference between Moral and Non-Moral Standards. Studuco.
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/technological-university-of-the-philippines/bachelor-
of-science-in-civil-engineering/difference-between-moral-and-non-moral-standards/8615149
Ntara, C. (n.d.). Moral dilemma. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/moral-
dilemma-definition-examples-quiz.html
 Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Ethics
LESSON
2 Moral Dilemma
After this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define Moral Dilemma.
2. Share personal experiences involving Moral dilemmas.
3. Classify situations according to the three levels of Moral dilemmas: Individual Level,
Organizational Level, and Systematic Level.
4. Identify the differences of the three levels of Moral dilemmas.

ENGAGE
Direction: Read the situation below carefully and answer the question briefly.
While walking on the way home you happen to see a beggar pleasing for food, Will
you give the beggar a food or just pass by and pretend that you didn’t see him/her? Explain
your answer.
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EXPLORE
Direction: Below is a link to a video about Moral Dilemma and its three levels. After
Watching the video read the questions carefully and answer them briefly.
Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=hb1XOcjLZwE&feature=share
1. It is a situation where persons who are called moral agents in ethics have to choose
between 2 or more conflicting options.
2. Based on the video, you are to choose between 2 or more conflicting options by
means of what?
3. Moral Dilemmas are resolved in what manner?
4. Compare the three levels of moral dilemma.
5. Enumerate the three levels of moral dilemma.

EXPLAIN
MORAL DILEMMAS
A moral dilemma is also called an ethical dilemma and refers to a situation where
an individual needs to make a choice but faces a conflicting situation between one or more
alternatives. Ideally, the choice they make presents a dilemma because every available option
may be wrong or incorrect.
This creates a situation where there is a conflict of morals or ethics. Moral dilemmas
are important as they help individuals interrogate their moral standing and who they are in
terms of the choices they make when presented with conflicting options or situations. In a
real dilemma, the choice is between a wrong and another, roughly equal wrong. The latter are
situations in which the decision-maker has a moral duty to act in one way but is tempted or
pressured to act in another way. In a false dilemma, the choice is between a right and a
wrong.
A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person is torn between right and wrong and
looks at the very core of a person’s principles and values. The choice the person makes may
leave them feeling burdened, guilty, relieved, or questioning their values. A moral dilemma
often forces an individual to decide which option he or she can live with, but any outcomes
are extremely unpleasant no matter what.
Examples:
1. An example is a child cheats on a test and gets caught by a teacher. He then has to talk
to the parents and the principle. The parents say they are disappointed in him, but the
next day his father takes him and his brother to the movies. His father lies to the ticket
attendant saying his 14 years old son is a 12-year-old child to get the ticket cheaper.
The young child is now confused on why it’s not ok for him to cheat but for his father
to cheat the ticket price.
2. A rich family has been on life support for over 10 years. Amber is next in line to
inherit the family’s posh palatial home and two splendid cars. She is the person with
the authority to sign a doctor’s consent to end life support for the family member,
which will result in that person’s death, or to allow them to remain on life support and
continue living possibly five more years. At present, Amber is homeless and lives
with a relative.

HOW DO YOU SOLVE A MORAL DILEMMA?

A moral dilemma can be resolved when someone makes a choice that is deemed the
best regardless of the situation, based upon their morals, a person’s actions can help in
solving the dilemma. However, it is not always true that the choice made resolves the
dilemma as it can hurt all parties involved.

THREE LEVELS OF MORAL DILEMMA

1. PERSONAL/INDIVIDUAL DILEMMA
Simply put, these personal dilemmas are those experienced and resolved on
the personal level. Since many ethical decisions are personally made, many, if not
most of, moral dilemmas fall under, or boil down to, this level. If someone makes
conflicting promises, he faces a moral conflict. When an individual has to choose
between the life of a child who is about to be delivered and the child’s mother, he
faces an ethical dilemma.
Example: Heinz tried desperately to buy some, but the chemist was charging
them times the money it cost to make the drug, and this was much more than
Heinzcould afford. Heinz could only raise half the money, even after help from
family and friends. He explained to the chemist that his wife was dying and asked
if he could have the drug cheaper or pay the rest of the money later. The chemist
refused, saying that he had discovered the drug and was going to make money
from it. The husband was desperate to save his wife, so later. That night he broke
into the chemist’s laboratory and stole the drug.
Kohlberg’s dilemma questions were as follows: “Should Heinz have stolen the
drug”. If he did not steal the drug that would mean his wife’s death. He was torn
bet.
ween stealing the drug and saving his wife. The dilemma is faced by an
individual who is torn between 2 obligations, to save the wife or obey the law. So,
this is an example of an individual dilemma.
 2. ORGANIZATIONAL DILEMMA
Ethical cases encountered and resolved by social organizations are
organizational moral dilemmas. This category includes moral dilemmas in
business, medical field, and public sector. Moral dilemmas also arise in
professional work. These moral dilemmas in business involve issues about
corporate practices, policies, business behaviors, and the conducts and
relationships of individuals in the organizations. 
Examples of Organization dilemmas include:

a) Becoming whistle blower even if it means potentially derailing a policy

objective one is pursuing.

b) Accepting gifts if it is legally permitted creates the appearance of

impropriety.

c) Whether or not to favor family, friends, or campaign contributors over

other constituents.

d) Favoring the agenda of one’s political party over a policy one believes to
be good for the community.

3. STRUCTUAL/SYSTEMATIC DILEMMAS

These structural moral dilemmas pertain to cases involving network of

institutions and operative theoretical paradigms. As they usually encompass multi-
sectoral institutions and organizations, they may be larger in scope and extent than
organizational dilemmas.

An example is the prices of medicine in the Philippines which are higher

compared to other countries in Asia and in countries of similar economic status.
Factors affecting medicine prices include the cost of research, presence of
competition in the market, government regulations, and patent protection.

Example: A principal ought to welcome and encourage parents and

community participation in school affairs. Based on her experience, parents and
community are passive and so the principal always ends up deciding and doing
things just the same. She is obliged to observe parents’ and community
participation which do not give any input at all at the same time she is obliged to
accomplish things on time.

The case of the principal whether to be participatory or non-participatory in

school affairs but due to her not so favorable experience of attempting to be
participatory ended up to one-woman rule is an example of structural dilemma.

ELABORATE
 A moral dilemma is also called an ethical dilemma and refers to a situation where
an individual needs to make a choice but faces a conflicting situation between one or more
alternatives. Ideally, the choice they make presents a dilemma because every available option
may be wrong or incorrect.
There are three levels of Moral Dilemma: Personal, Organizational, Structural.
Personal/Individual Dilemmas are moral dilemmas are those experienced and
resolved on the personal level.
 Organizational Dilemmas are Ethical cases encountered and resolved by social
organizations are organizational moral dilemmas.
 Structural/Systematic Dilemma are moral dilemmas pertain to cases involving
network of institutions and operative theoretical paradigms.
EVALUATE
ACTIVITY 1
The class will be grouped into five. Think and write on a 1/4 sheet of paper a situation
where there is a conflict of morals or ethics that leads to a moral dilemma, which is then put
on a raffle box. Each group is to pick one and whatever they pick, they are required to create
a solution or an answer to that certain conflict

ACTIVITY 2
Remain in your assigned seats and the reporters are to give the first person in line a
ball in which will be passed to the next one while the music is playing. If the music stops then
whoever has the ball is presented by a situation or a dilemma by the reporters. The student is
to identify which of the three levels of moral dilemma is being illustrated and provide a short
explanation.

ASSIGNMENT
A. DIRECTION: Make a short essay about why moral dilemmas are important to
an individual for an individual. A minimum of 5 sentences.
B. DIRECTION: Make an essay on your personal experience and your
corresponding reflection on EACH of the 3 levels of moral dilemmas.
REFERENCES:
Kvalnes , Ø. (n.d.). Moral Dilemmas. SpringerLink.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-15191-1_2
Mañebog, J. D. (2021, August 12). What is Moral Dilemma (And the Three Levels of Moral
Dilemmas). Myinforbasket. https://myinfobasket.com/what-is-moral-dilemmas/
Ntara, C., & Williams, Y. (2021, September 24). Moral Dilemma. Study.com.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/moral-dilemma-definition-examples-
quiz.html#:~:text=This%20is%20known%20as%20an,do%20two%20or%20more
%20actions.
Ntara, C. (n.d.). Moral dilemma. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/moral-
dilemma-definition-examples-quiz.html
Cumbe, R. J. (2021, February 2). Freedom as Foundation of Moral Acts. Slideshare.
https://www.slideshare.net/chumce02/lesson-1-topic-3-freedom-as-foundation-of-moral-acts
Jefjust24 (2018). Difference between Moral and Non-Moral Standards. Studuco.
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/technological-university-of-the-philippines/bachelor-
of-science-in-civil-engineering/difference-between-moral-and-non-moral-standards/8615149
Kvalnes , Ø. (n.d.). Moral Dilemmas. SpringerLink.
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-15191-1_2
Mañebog, J. D. (2021, August 12). What is Moral Dilemma (And the Three Levels of Moral
Dilemmas). Myinforbasket. https://myinfobasket.com/what-is-moral-dilemmas/
Ntara, C., & Williams, Y. (2021, September 24). Moral Dilemma. Study.com.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/moral-dilemma-definition-examples-
quiz.html#:~:text=This%20is%20known%20as%20an,do%20two%20or%20more
%20actions.
Opido, E. (2020, February 2). The Three Level of Moral Dilemmas. Scribd.
https://www.scribd.com/document/445213147/The-Three-Level-of-Moral-Dilemmas-docx
 Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Ethics
LESSON
FREEDOM AS THE
FOUNDATION OF MORALITY
3
After this lesson, students should be able to:
6. Describe the importance of freedom as the foundation of Morality.
7. Identify the limitations of freedom.
ENGAGE
Direction: Read the situation below carefully and answer the question briefly.
What is your understanding of freedom? Cite a scenario in class depicting your
understanding of freedom?
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EXPLORE
Direction: Below is a link to a video. After Watching the video read the questions carefully
and answer them briefly.
Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=uPNfxlz-PHk&feature=share
What is Moral Standard?
8. Define what is freedom?
9. Based on the video, what are the two important principles of doing a moral?
10. What is our responsibility?
EXPLAIN
FREEDOM AS FOUNDATION OF THE ETHICS
“Autonomy as the principal foundation of morality”
AUTONOMY- “giving the law to oneself.”
A German philosopher by the name of Immanuel Kant once said that “Moral rightness and
wrongness apply only to free agents who have the capacity to regulate their behavior and
have it in their power at the time of their actions either to act rightly or not.”
MORALITY- standard of right or wrong that an individual picked from the community.
Freedom is defined as the act of doing something without any impediment, is an important
factor in doing moral actions. It is being free to do something but with limitation.
Limitations of Freedom
a. Agent (context, cultural, communal, environmental)
b. Act
c. Reason

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FREEDOM

 Freedom to be alive.
 Freedom of association.
 Freedom of speech.
 Freedom to express oneself.
 Freedom to press.
 Freedom to choose one's state in life.
 Freedom to talking each other.
 Freedom of religion.
 Freedom from bondage and slavery.

ELABORATE
Freedom is the foundation of morality because we people have our own freedom and there is
no limits onto it. It is the foundation for the reason that it gives limit to people, limit to know
the actions needed to the right and wrong decisions made.

EVALUATE
C. DIRECTION: In your own words make an essay on what does it mean to say that
freedom is foundation of ethics.
D. DIRECTION: Watch a video on moral standards. Identify the agent, the act and the
reason and justify if the reason is moral or immoral.
REFERENCES:
Cumbe, R. J. (2021, February 2). Freedom as Foundation of Moral Acts. Slideshare.
https://www.slideshare.net/chumce02/lesson-1-topic-3-freedom-as-foundation-of-moral-
acts
Rivera, M. (2021, March 6). FREEDOM AS THE FOUNDATION FOR MORAL ACT. Prezi.
https://prezi.com/p/fl3gqpsvr0p-/freedom-of-foundation-of-moral-act/#:~:text=Why%20freedom
%20become%20the%20foundation,wrong%20decision%20to%20be%20made.
 Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of Ethics
LESSON
REASON AND IMPARTIALITY
4
After this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define reason and impartiality.
2. Integrate reason and impartiality as minimum requirements for morality.

ENGAGE
Direction: Read the situation below carefully and answer the question briefly.
During an exam you saw your friend (who is sitting next to you) secretly open her notebook
to look for an answer on one of the test questions. Your teacher noticed that your classmate
was doing something suspicious. He called your classmate and asked if she was cheating. She
closed her notebook and answered
‘’No’’
Your teacher did not trust your classmate’s answer, so he asked you. What will you say?
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EXPLORE
Direction: Below is a link to a video about Reason and Impartiality. After Watching the video
read the questions carefully and answer them briefly.
Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=L-8J6ClFX4k&feature=share
1. It is the ability to think, understand and form judgment.
2. On your own words what is Impartiality?
3. It is the basis of principle of justice holding a decision.
4. What are the three important values reasons is associated with?
EXPLAIN
THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT FOR MORALITY: REASON AND
IMPARTIALITY

Reason is the basis or motive for an action, decision, or conviction. As a quality, it

refers to the capacity for logical, rational, and analytic thought; involves justification/
justifying. Reason is a necessary requirement for morality. In the case of moral judgments,
they require backing by reasons. Truth in Ethics entails being justified by good reasons.
Moral truths are objective in the sense that they are true no matter what we might want or
think.
VALUES OF REASON
1. Thinking
2. Cognition
3. Intellect
Impartiality involves the idea that everyone’s interests and point of view are equally
important. It is a principle of justice. Impartiality in morality requires that we give equal
and/or adequate consideration to the interests of all concerned parties. It assumes that every
person, generally speaking, is equally important, that is, no one is seen as intrinsically more
significant than anyone else. For example, while allocating funds, an impartial civil servant
would not favor his/her own village but allocate funds based on the needs.

ELABORATE

Reason and Impartiality become the basic prerequisite for morality as one is expected to be
able to deliver clear, concise, rightful and appropriate judgments made out of logic and
understanding in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner while considering the general welfare
to accurately concoct moral decisions.

EVALUATE
ACTIVITY 1
A. In making a moral decision, why do we need to consider reason and impartiality.
And how important in the use of reason and impartiality in solving issues and moral
dilemmas.

B. In your own words Make an essay why reason and impartiality are important
requirement of morality.

Classify each situation whether it's Personal Level, Organizational Level or Structural Level.
1.) The wife of Carlisle is giving birth. Unfortunately, an accident occurred and the doctor
advised Carlisle to choose between the life of his wife or their future child. If he chooses the
life of their child, he will end up losing the life of his wife and if he chooses the life of his
wife he will eventually lose the life of their child.

2.) A hospital that believes that human life should not be deliberately shortened and that
unpreventable pain should not be tolerated encounters a conflict in resolving whether to
withdraw life support from a dying patient.

3.) You caught a friend of yours cheating during your final exam and you're conflicted to
report it to your teacher.

4.)The prices of medicine in the Philippines which are higher compared to other countries in
Asia and in countries of similar economic status. Factors affecting medicine prices include
the cost of research, presence of competition in the market, government regulations, and
patent protection.

The institutions concerned may want to lower the costs of medicine, thereby benefiting the
Filipino public, but such a move may ruin the interests or legal rights of the involved
researchers, inventors or discoverers, and pharmaceutical companies which own the patent of
the medicines or healthcare technologies.

5.) An international company is currently encountering racial and gender discrimination in

their workplace.
REFERENCES:
NAELGAS, M. A. R. (n.d.). Reason & Impartiality as Minimum Requirement for Morality.
Studuco. https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/pangasinan-state-university/ethics/reason-
impartiality-as-minimum-requirement-for-morality/27328044