ETHICS

Addendum  Number 1 for Module 1

FUNDAMENTALS OF MORALITY AND ESSENTIALS OF MAN AS A MORAL

BEING

Camille Rose B. Ramos

BSN1-A

ACTIVITY ONE -  Why is Ethics considered to be“the only necessary

knowledge”?

Since moral integrity is regarded by the public as the true measurement of a

man's greatness, ethics is regarded as "the only necessary knowledge." . One of the
highest principles that can be applied to people is learning how to behave honorably
toward others. It's a recognition of how we ought to behave on a philosophical level. It
explains the reasons why, on a philosophical level, we need to behave in accordance
with those principles.

ACTIVITY TWO -  Are Ethics and religion one and the same?   Decide
with reasons.

precepts intended to demarcate between right and wrong. It's a collection of

guidelines that will help you behave better when you follow them. Religions, on the
other hand, are ideas, doctrines, and practices that attempt to bring the population's
various ways of interacting, living, and consistently adhering to ways of life together.
Ethics and religion frequently go hand in hand, but this is not always the case. Ethics
is more of a code of behavior that instructs you on how to act in a way that will be
viewed as fair, courteous, and consistent by the majority of people in your community.
Although the styles of ethics and religion are fundamentally different, both pursue truth
and excellence.

ACTIVITY THREE -  How are moral norms different from civil laws (e.g.
criminal law)?

Simply said, moral norms are the principles that govern how we live our lives and
that we periodically inherit from religious traditions as well as from our parents,
friends, and community. Moral standards, on the other hand, govern how the general
public will react to a given conduct or behavior but do not, by themselves, establish
law. Civil law is a particular legal framework that upholds criminal or civil liability for
particular acts or behaviors. As a result, these laws are specific measures that a
government has chosen to act as the foundation for the legal system and civil court
system of the country. It may not be legal, but it is immoral for me to cancel a
reservation if I make one to see a movie with a friend. This is an illustration of a
moral standard. If I promise to pay for the meal I eat at a restaurant but fail to do
so, the institution expects the law to compel me to pay. Civil law is demonstrated in
this case. Naturally, there are numerous situations in which civil laws and moral
principles conflict; most conduct that is against the law in a criminal sense also
transgresses moral principles.

ACTIVITY FOUR -  What is the aim of Ethics?

We could assert that as individuals shape society and society influences

individuals, our activities affect others as well. Because it has a substantial impact on
both the present and the future, the goal of ethics in contemporary society is
extremely important. I'll start out by concentrating on "ethics," which are moral rules
that guide someone's behavior or how something is done. Since moral principles guide
our decisions, shape who we are, and determine our fate, we must educate ourselves
on them. Because fundamental principles and norms guarantee that everything operates
as it should, ethics play a key role in our society. Ethics is a fundamental component
of every institution and organization around us, whether it be a political, medical, legal,
religious, or social one. Even the idea of innocents would not exist in society without
ethics. Our culture would be one of deceit and ambiguity without any application of
ethics. Knowing that we live in a country where we have the ability to make our own
decisions offers us peace because of ethics. Even though our society is not flawless,
we can still rely on the ethics of our country. Ethics has an impact on people's
choices, which in turn affects how they live their lives and shape who they are in later
years. Our moral standards are shaped by our environment, which in turn molds our
personalities, ideas, and moral principles

ACTIVITY FIVE -  Why are rules important to a social being?  What

would happen if there are no rules in our society?

In a group or civilization, there exist rules. Government-ruled populations are

obligated to follow laws. Families and citizens need rules to ensure that they can live
happy, secure lives. The neighborhood will be more peaceful, polite conduct will be
upheld, and regulations will keep everyone in their place. Even within these categories,
there are other justifications for the need for regulations. Social rules are made
because people frequently find it easier to collaborate when everyone respects one
another equally. Communication is made easier when people adhere to the rules since
it is more obvious what they mean when they say or do anything.. Without rules, our
society would be in complete disarray. As was stated earlier, rules are commands that
are required to be followed because they uphold moral standards. If there are no rules
to follow since there are no laws forbidding it, people will act in line with their will.
There will be full chaos in society. Since there are no legal mechanisms to make those
who commit atrocities accountable, we shall be controlled by violence.

ACTIVITY SIX -  Based on your own experience, what rules do you find
restricting?   List down five rules that restrict your freedom?  Why?

 Prioritizing people with higher social class

Knowing that many individuals don't receive the same privileges as those
from upper socioeconomic classes just because they are beneath them yet, in
reality, they are the ones who need support the most makes me sad.

 Anti-terror bill

I strongly oppose this because it enables law enforcement to make

unwarranted arrests. Additionally, under this logic, protesting for what we believe
is right through a rally can be construed as terrorism even when it is actually
activism. Simply said, I don't believe upholding human rights is appropriate.
Additionally, I believe that this law may incite many people, which may lead to
increased violence rather than reducing it.

 Talking back to adults when their point of view is wrong .

Speaking back to an adult is a provocative act. Adults are supposedly

always correct, but in my opinion, if an adult is making an unfounded
accusation against a person, we should be given the opportunity to calmly
defend ourselves.

 To take multiple practical exams in order to have a driver’s license.

I find it utterly absurd that passing a number of practical tests in a driving

school is required to obtain a driver's license. Time is wasted by doing four
practical assessments that have only one goal, and the LTO won't even
recognise it. We must do the final practical test in them only for the sake of
formality. It's a huge financial waste, and not everyone can now obtain a
driver's license.

 In a school setting, having monthly haircut for boys.

 Living your life the way you want to entails putting aside what other people
may think. In this instance, boys' monthly haircuts have a significant impact on
them since having their unique hairstyles can significantly increase their sense of
masculinity. Since our body is ultimately what determines our behavior, we
should just keep to ourselves.

ACTIVITY SEVEN -  Are all voluntary actions moral?  Why?

Because you can never be sure if a person's voluntary action is safe or won't
hurt the people he is doing it for, not all voluntary activities are moral.

ACTIVITY EIGHT – What is the complete definition of Ethics?  Why is it

necessary for you to study this subject in college?

Ethics studies the logical foundations of our moral conclusions; it analyzes what
is ethically right or wrong, just or unjust. Humans and their interactions with nature
and other people, as well as their freedom, responsibility, and sense of justice, are all
subject to ethical consideration. When focusing on the interaction that exists between
humans and the outside environment, it can be argued that ethics is generally
concerned with human independence. I believe it's vital for us college students to
study ethics since it increases our chances of success. Contrary to what you might
believe, ethics can actually help you advance in a variety of ways. They are honest,
trustworthy, loyal, and compassionate, qualities that immoral people have to work hard
to mimic. Because of this, ethical people are particularly well-suited for the kinds of
interactions that lead to successful company, as well as interpersonal relationships in
general. People that are unethical typically struggle in these endeavors. You can also
create inner serenity through ethics. Ethically-driven lives typically lead calmer, more
focused, and more successful lives than unethically-driven lives do. Most people can't
help but feel compassion for other people. Giving and receiving hurt leaves both
parties with scars. In order to deal with the ways they treat others, immoral people
must actively attempt to repress their consciences and sympathies, which causes their
interior lives to be more turbulent. The remorse and shame associated with harming or
disrespecting other people seeps deep into them when they are unable to control their
sympathies
ACTIVITY NINE -  Why is it that only human beings can be ethical?
 Because only people can act morally, only people can be ethical. Human
morality and ethics are determined by humans since they are the only creatures with
the mental capacity to generate and transmit ideas, making them the only creatures
with the ability to comprehend moral values, laws, and principles. Humans are only
allowed to move and make choices.

ACTIVITY TEN -  Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral
convictions?  How did you feel about it?

Whenever I see people in need asking for food or money, I truly want to help
—even if it's only a little—but I always end up second-guessing whether I should
because I'm too bashful to contribute. I then found myself staring at them as they left
while feeling confused. When we already know what we should have done but yet
don't, it just feels like such a heavy moral compromise.

ACTIVITY 11 -  Do you feel free in making moral decisions?  Explain. 

What is the importance of freedom in deciding morally?

Yes, I feel free to make moral judgments. It is clear that we do make

straightforward, independent decisions that are not influenced by anyone else; this is
the concept of choice, and we have the ability to do so. ... Therefore, to a certain
extent, a soft determinist would think that we are free to make moral decisions if they
are motivated by an internal act. This is because moral development is made possible
by moral freedom. Immorality would go unnoticed if people could not seek out a
higher standard. Only when a person has the option to select and take alternative
actions is it possible to hold them ethically accountable for their actions. Consequently,
a lot of philosophers think that having freedom is a requirement for moral
responsibility.
ACTIVITY 12 – Give four examples of MORES in your society and explain
the moral significance of each.  Fill up the table below with the
informations needed.

MORES MORAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THE FILIPINO SOCIETY

Respect for other people's property requires

understanding and feeling that we shouldn't use
Respect for other people’s
what is not ours. If there is a time when we
property
need something that is not ours, we cannot take
it unless we get the owner's permission.
Gossiping is a norm with a moral component,
which elevates it above folkways (another sort of
norm that is only a cultural tradition). Someone
Gossiping who spreads knowledge that they shouldn't is
known as a gossip. Because gossip harms
people's feelings, we are trained to avoid it.
Getting caught spreading rumors about someone
could also leave you feeling quite humiliated..
Although opinions on what is proper or wrong in
a marriage may vary, most civilizations share the
concept of marriage. The majority of people
Beliefs About Marriage undoubtedly believe that you should treat your
spouse with respect, be devoted to them, and
share everything you have with them. You might
hear some people advise getting married before
starting a family.
We learn not to lie to one another or to our
parents from our parents as well. People may
not accept your opinions if they know you have
Lying a habit of lying. Therefore, speaking the truth is
something you should probably do in order to
get the respect and trust of your community.
However, you might consider instances where
there are ambiguities.

ACTIVITY 13 – Recall five instances in your young life as a rookie

college hopeful when you made decisions primarily invoking reason and
experience.   List these instances below and answer the questions that
follow.
 MY DECISIONS

BASED ON REASON ANCHORED ON EXPERIENCE

To be able to comprehend the things with

Waking up early to attend online
which I'm struggling. And to enhance my
class
knowledge of such topics
I applied for various scholarships in our
Be a scholar
community but was unsuccessful. I came
to the realization that being a scholar is
difficult.
Even though I had intended to live at a
Be indepent this college
boarding house, I soon realized that it
would be difficult for me to do so while
my family was away.
Being able to stay up late every I tried staying up late every night to
night
complete my homework and advance
studies, but my body can no longer
handle this.
I tried to enter various singing
Be a famous singer
competitions in our town, but I never won.
Perhaps singing is not for me.

Queries: 
1. When do you usually make decisions using your rationality
(reason)?

I usually consider my options rationally while making judgments, especially in

challenging circumstances. Rational choices aim to maximize or maximise utility. The
solution picked will align with the decision maker's tastes and convictions. Logical
consistency and deductive completeness requirements will be met by the rational
decision. The decision-making process shall be fact-based, impartial, and objective.

2. When do you usually decide invoking your experience?

Making judgments is difficult, particularly if we lack sufficient information. Some

people claim that "experience is the best teacher," and they are correct. When
things are serious, I typically make decisions based on my experience. I take the
time to think back on my prior experience and draw lessons from it if there is a
significant challenge that I have already encountered. It made it simpler for me to
decide what to do. Most of the time, I base my decisions on or invoke my
experiences. But occasionally, because of my emotions—angry, afraid, fatigued, etc.
—I take my experiences for granted. But when everything is going well, I constantly
use my experiences while making decisions.

3. What do you use more often in making decisions,   reason or

experience?  Why?

When I make decisions, I typically employ logic. Making decisions requires

using logic. This is due to two key factors. First and foremost, reason guides our
decision-making by indicating which evidence we should consider and which
evidence we shouldn't. Second, it serves as the foundation for the justification of
our choices. It is crucial to decision-making because it enables us to unbiasedly
evaluate the benefits of many possibilities and come to well-informed conclusions.
We are more inclined to act confidently and consistently when we can justify our
decisions. We can maintain composure and confidence when presented with difficult
decisions rather than acting impulsively or based on emotion.

4. Were there instances when you thought you could have used reason
better in making a decision rather than your own experiences and
vice versa?  What are those instances?
 There have been times when I have made decisions based more on reasoning
than personal experience. One time, my cousins want to take me along when they
visit my grandparents in Baguio, but I'm apprehensive to go because I used to
throw up and feel nauseous while driving. But then I consider why I should go
there. I need to see my grandmother more now than I did a year ago because we
haven't spoken.