ETHICS

LESSON 3: Freedom as Foundation for Moral Acts Ethics and Culture

At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:

1. elucidate the essential elements of culture;

2. showcase interest in giving ideas on freedom as
foundation for moral acts; and
3. reflect on the specific ways to improve one’s moral
culture.
Freedom as Foundation for Moral Acts

Morality is that quality in human acts by which we call

them right or wrong, good or evil. Freedom in its widest
sense means absence of bond, ties, and restraints. If you
are considering only the free will, then man is free only
to choose morally good acts but he can choose to abuse
his free will by doing morally bad acts. The concept of
morality implies freedom to choose; if no freedom is
possible then the possibility of a moral choice is null.
Moral freedom is the freedom to choose a set of moral
values and to live your life in accordance with those
values.
An example of moral freedom is a person choosing to live
his or her life bound by an adherence to virtues such as
honesty, loyalty, forgiveness and self- discipline.
The choice between morality and ethics cannot be made
without the unencumbered freedom to make a choice. The
same holds true for all decisions, so the one not free is not
responsible for his/her actions. The one controlling the
actions is the one responsible for them.
Freedom is a condition in which people have the
opportunity to speak, act and pursue happiness without
unnecessary external restrictions. Freedom is important
because it leads to enhanced expressions of creativity
and original thought, increased productivity, and an
overall high quality of life.
Some of the main types of human freedom are:

● Freedom of association
● Freedom of belief
● Freedom of speech
● Freedom to express oneself
● Freedom of the press
● Freedom to choose one's state in life
● Freedom of religion
● Freedom of bondage and slavery
Culture and Ethics

The concept of culture is explicitly defined by the British

anthropologist:
According to Edward B. Tylor. , culture is the complex whole which
includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other
capabilities and habits acquired by an individual as a member of
society. Since then, anthropologists have offered numerous definitions.
According to Daft, culture is a set of common values, norms,
beliefs, and ideas shared by members of the same group. Culture can be
considered as the sum total of human knowledge and the acquired
behaviors of humans. Each society has a body of norms governing its
moral and belief systems to which individuals are introduced at birth.
Ethics differs from morals or morality in the sense that ethics
denotes the theory of right action and the greater good, while
morals indicate their practice.
Ethics encompasses moral ideals and behaviors, a person’s
philosophy of life. Different cultures have distinct ways of
perceiving the world. This difference also affects how ethical
problems are viewed by different cultural communities.
Culture is a shared way of life of people living together in the
same environment. Cultures are diverse because the origins,
beliefs, and ways of life of humans are also diverse.
Within a culture, there are also existing subcultures that have
their own beliefs and value systems.
No culture is perfect. Pride and arrogance often lead
people to believe that their culture is the best, if not better
than others. But with humility, respect, and right reason,
this can be easily seen as a misconception. While it is true
that some cultures are generally perceived as more
advanced than others, this cannot be the basis in judging
whether a culture is superior or inferior.
Every culture is different from the other just like the idea that no
two persons are the same even if they are identical. Cultures are
equal in the sense that all human beings are equal in dignity as
human beings. Since human beings, the authors of cultures are
imperfect, no culture is perfect. However, since cultures are
imperfect, people must strive to see every culture as valuable as
their own.
Human limitations and weaknesses can cause cultures to progress
or regress. Human limitations should not be an obstacle to strive for
cultural or moral progress. Different ethical theories and
perspectives may complement each other. What is lacking in one
may be found in another. They are necessary to view the complete
picture of morality.
Moral norms are necessary in a culture so that everybody may live
peacefully, justly, and happily with each other. Normal norms are
found in every culture but moral perspectives and practices vary
from culture to culture and from individual to individual.
Characteristics of Culture

1. Culture is shared and transmitted.

2. Culture is learned and acquired.
3. Culture is a social phenomenon.
4. Culture gratifies human needs.
5. Culture is dynamic.
6. Culture is integrated.
Culture is shared and transmitted.

According to Geert Hofstede (2005), culture is a collective

programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one
group of people from another. It is shared by and is transmitted to
and among the members of a social group.
Generally, culture is transmitted by means of ideas. The acquired
learning of culture is passed on to succeeding generations primarily
through language and other symbolic means of communication.
Culture is learned and acquired.

Not all things shared generally by people in a particular

group are cultural. Culture is not automatic. It is
acquired through experiences. No one is born equipped
with a particular language, values, or knowledge.
Culture is a social phenomenon.

Culture is often perceived as a social phenomenon.

Cultural practices and beliefs are shaped through the
interactions of individuals living in the same social
environment.
Generally, culture is a product developed by many persons
interacting in a group. It is social due to the natural tendency
of humans to be social whether voluntary or not.
Culture gratifies human needs.

Patterns of culture exist and persist because they

continue to satisfy human needs. People tend to
habitually use systems that satiate their basic human
desires in all aspects of life.
Culture is dynamic.

It is dynamic and not static. It changes over time.

These changes may come in the form of discoveries,
inventions, or cultural adoption.
Culture is integrated.

Certain features or elements that make up a particular culture

are not random – they are integrated. The components of
culture – attitudes, values, ideals, and moral norms – are
integrated into a whole system for individuals in the same
social environment to share.
ASYNCHRONOUS

Answer the following questions comprehensively. Cite specific

examples to support your answer.

1. Why is culture dynamic?

2. How does culture influence the freedom of a person?
3. In a diverse culture, how should a person exercise his
or her freedom?