ADMAS

UNIVERSITY

MORAL AND
CIVIC
EDUCATION
INDIVISUAL ASSIGMENT

Name：DANIEL TESHOME

ID：1156/23

Class：CS2

Submitted To : Bogale Geta

Due Date：30/01/2024
 Table of Contents

I. Introduction

II. Competences of a Good Citizen

III. Kant's Categorical Imperative and Ross's Prima

Facie Duties

IV. Why Should Human Beings Be Moral?

V. To Whom Does Morality Apply?

VI. Two Types of Reasoning

VII. Theories of Citizenship

VIII. Conclusion

IX. References
 Introduction
Being a good citizen transcends mere residence within a
community; it embodies active participation, value upholding,
and dedication to societal improvement. This essay embarks on
a comprehensive examination of the fundamental competences
that delineate a good citizen, weaving theoretical frameworks
with practical applications.

In today’s complex societal landscape, the essence of good

citizenship is multifaceted, encompassing various competences
essential for contributing positively to the collective welfare.
This exploration aims to dissect and elucidate these
competences, offering insights into their theoretical
underpinnings and real-world implications.
Competences of a Good Citizen: An Exploration

1. Civic Responsibility:
A cornerstone of good citizenship is civic responsibility. This involves understanding
your rights and obligations, actively participating in the democratic process (voting,
volunteering), and advocating for positive change. It's about holding elected officials
accountable and constructively criticizing policies that might harm the community.

2. Responsible Social Conduct:

A good citizen upholds responsible social conduct by respecting the laws, respecting
the rights and dignity of others, and refraining from harmful or disrespectful behavior.
This includes actively combating prejudice and discrimination, promoting inclusivity
and understanding, and fostering healthy interpersonal relationships.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

A crucial competence is critical thinking and problem-solving. A good citizen actively
analyzes information, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions collaboratively.
This involves engaging in civil discourse, considering diverse perspectives, and
making informed decisions based on evidence and reason.

4. Environmental Stewardship:
Given the urgency of environmental issues, environmental stewardship has become an
essential competence. This involves promoting sustainable practices, reducing
individual environmental footprint, and advocating for environmental protection
policies. It requires an understanding of the delicate balance between human activity
and the natural world.

5. Continuous Learning and Open-mindedness:

A good citizen never stops learning and growing. Continuous learning and open-
mindedness are vital to adapting to changing circumstances, embracing new ideas,
and adapting to diverse viewpoints. This involves actively seeking knowledge, being
open to feedback, and engaging in personal and intellectual development.

6. Empathy and Compassion:

Empathy and compassion are crucial for fostering a sense of community and building
strong social bonds. A good citizen actively tries to understand the experiences and
perspectives of others, offering support and showing genuine care for their well-
being. This fosters an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
 2. Decoding the Ethical Blueprint: Kant's
Categorical Imperative and Ross's Prima Facie
Duties
Kant's Categorical Imperative: A Universal Law for All

Imagine holding a hammer, not just any hammer, but a hammer imbued with the
power to shape not just nails, but the very fabric of reality. Kant's Categorical
Imperative asks you to wield this hammer with utmost caution. It proposes a single,
universal law:
"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it
should become a universal law." Kant's Categorical Imperative provides a clear-cut,
objective way to assess our actions. It's like a moral litmus test, instantly highlighting
inconsistencies and potential harm.

Ross's Prima Facie Duties: A Balancing Act

While Kant offers a single, unifying principle, W.D. Ross presents a more nuanced
picture. He proposes seven prima facie duties:

Fidelity: Keeping promises and being truthful.

Reparation: Making amends for harm caused.
Gratitude: Showing appreciation for benefits received.
Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm to others.
Beneficence: Actively helping others.
Self-improvement: Striving to be a better person.
Justice: Treating everyone fairly and impartially.

The Dueling Frameworks: A Dance of Reason

Kant's Categorical Imperative provides a universal law, a singular North Star for
navigating moral dilemmas. Ross's Prima Facie Duties, on the other hand, offer a
nuanced tapestry of guiding principles, prompting us to weigh and balance competing
obligations. Both frameworks, though different in approach, aim to help us act with
integrity and contribute to a just and equitable society.

Conclusion:
Being a good citizen is a lifelong journey. By consistently nurturing and applying
these crucial competences, we can contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable
society. Remember, it's not just about fulfilling obligations; it's about embracing the
opportunity to build a better future for ourselves and those around us.
 3. Why should human beings be moral?
Answer this question by related to
different arguments.

1. The Argument from Self-Interest:

Imagine morality as a sturdy, well-lit bridge spanning a treacherous chasm.

Immorality, then, is a rickety plank precariously balanced over the void. The self-
interest argument posits that acting morally serves our own long-term interests, even
if the immediate benefits of immoral actions might seem tempting. In a society where
morality is valued, cooperation and trust flourish, creating a safer and more
prosperous environment for everyone, including ourselves. Conversely, widespread
immorality breeds distrust, chaos, and ultimately, a society where no one, not even the
most cunning opportunist, can truly thrive.

2. The Argument from Human Dignity:

Morality, some argue, is not a mere tool for convenience; it's a fundamental
expression of human dignity. By treating others with respect and compassion, we
acknowledge their inherent worth and value as fellow human beings. Conversely,
acting immorally dehumanizes not only the victim but ourselves, reducing us to mere
agents of manipulation and exploitation.

3. The Argument from Divine Command:

For many, morality stems from a belief in a higher power, a set of divine laws that
dictate right and wrong. From this perspective, acting morally is not merely a choice;
it's a duty, an obligation to a universal lawgiver. The fear of divine retribution or the
promise of eternal reward serve as powerful motivators for maintaining moral
conduct.

This argument, while deeply personal and nuanced, raises complex questions about
free will, the nature of good and evil, and the very existence of a divine lawgiver.

4. The Argument from Reason and Flourishing:

Finally, some argue that morality isn't about external rewards or punishments; it's
about aligning our actions with reason and living a life that allows us to truly flourish.
By acting with integrity, honesty, and fairness, we cultivate inner peace, self-respect,
and meaningful relationships. Immoral actions, on the other hand, create dissonance
and conflict within ourselves, ultimately hindering our ability to live a fulfilling life.
4.To whom morality apply? Explain in terms
of religion, social and individual morality.
The question of who we apply morality to is as complex and multifaceted as morality
itself. It stretches across the vast spectrum of human experience, encompassing our
religious beliefs, our social and cultural norms, and the intricate workings of our
individual conscience. In this exploration,

1. Religion and the Divine Compass:

For many, the foundation of morality rests in the teachings of their chosen religion.
From the Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity to the Five Pillars of Islam
and the Eightfold Path of Buddhism, religious doctrines offer codified sets of
principles that guide human conduct. These often emphasize compassion, fairness,
and respect for all living beings, shaping not just personal behavior but also the very
fabric of societies built upon such beliefs.

2. Social Structures and the Tapestry of Norms:

Morality is not an isolated phenomenon; it's interwoven with the social fabric in
which we live. Societies establish norms and expectations that guide our interactions
with each other. These norms, influenced by cultural values, historical contexts, and
evolving social dynamics, determine what is considered right and wrong within a
particular community.

3. Individual Conscience and the Whispers of the Inner Compass:

Beyond religious doctrines and social norms lies the realm of individual conscience.
This internal compass, shaped by personal experiences, values, and critical reflection,
guides our individual moral judgments and actions. It allows us to question
established norms, empathize with those outside our social circles, and ultimately
forge our own moral path.

The internal struggle between conscience and external pressures forms the crux of
many ethical dilemmas. Should we obey the law even if it conflicts with our personal
beliefs? Can we hold individuals accountable for actions deemed immoral by their
own cultures? Engaging with these questions strengthens our individual moral agency
and underscores the importance of developing a well-honed ethical compass.
 5. Discuss the two types of reasoning.

The human mind, an intricate labyrinth of thoughts and perceptions, employs

various tools to navigate the complexities of the world. Among these tools,
reasoning shines as a beacon, guiding us in our pursuit of knowledge,
understanding, and ultimately, truth. But within this realm of reasoning, two
distinct paths emerge – deductive and inductive. Each path, unique in its approach,
leads us closer to understanding the world around us.

1. Deductive Reasoning: The Chain of Logical Certainty

Imagine a sturdy bridge, each plank meticulously placed, each connection

flawlessly interlocked. Deductive reasoning is akin to this bridge, a systematic
process that begins with established truths and, through the power of logic, leads
to guaranteed conclusions. Think of mathematical proofs, where axioms and
theorems pave the way for irrefutable solutions. If all the premises are true, and
the logical reasoning flawless, the conclusion stands unshakeable.

For example, the statement "All humans are mortal" serves as the first plank. If we
encounter a specific individual, say, "Socrates", and establish him as human
through another plank, "Socrates is a human", deduction allows us to confidently
place the final plank: "Therefore, Socrates is mortal."

Deductive reasoning provides a sense of absolute certainty, a satisfying clarity in a

world often shrouded in uncertainty. However, its strength lies within its
limitations. It relies on pre-existing knowledge, offering no space for venturing
into the unknown.

2. Inductive Reasoning: Leaping Across the Chasm of Uncertainty

Now, imagine standing on a precipice, gazing across a vast chasm. Inductive

reasoning acts as the daring leap across this gap, venturing into the realm of
probability and educated guesses. Based on observations and patterns, it builds
bridges of possibility, leading us from specific instances to general conclusions.

For example, observing repeated sunrises might lead us to inductively conclude

that the sun will rise tomorrow. While not a guaranteed certainty like deduction, it
allows us to navigate the world with a degree of informed confidence.

However, inductive reasoning carries the risk of shaky bridges. A string of sunny
days does not guarantee an eternal sunrise. Our conclusions, informed by limited
observations, can be challenged by new evidence or unforeseen circumstances.
 6. Write the theories of citizenship in
terms of communitarian, liberal,
republican and multicultural citizenship.

Citizenship, far from being a monolithic concept, takes on vibrant shades

depending on the lens through which we view it. In this final exploration, we'll
peel back the layers, unveiling the unique perspectives of four prominent theories:

1. Communitarian Citizenship: A Tapestry of Shared Values:

Imagine a community not just as a collection of individuals, but as a tapestry

woven from shared values, traditions, and responsibilities. Communitarian
citizenship, rooted in this vision, emphasizes the importance of social cohesion
and civic engagement. It posits that individual rights and freedoms are inseparable
from duties and obligations towards the broader community.

Think of volunteering, participating in local decision-making, or upholding shared

values like respect and social solidarity. For communitarians, these actions are not
mere choices, but expressions of our interdependence and collective well-being.
This approach values cultural continuity and shared narratives, sometimes raising
concerns about potential exclusion and assimilation pressures for minority groups.

2. Liberal Citizenship: Unmasking the Individual:

Shift the focus now to the individual, standing tall amidst the bustling societal
landscape. Liberal citizenship champions individual rights and freedoms as the
cornerstone of a just and equitable society. It emphasizes concepts like freedom of
speech, religion, and assembly, believing that individual flourishing leads to
societal progress.

3. Republican Citizenship: Engaging in the Arena of Civic Virtue:

Step into the bustling marketplace of public discourse, where citizens actively
debate, deliberate, and participate in shaping the destiny of their community.
Republican citizenship, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman
ideals, emphasizes active civic engagement as the essence of good citizenship.

4. Multicultural Citizenship: Embracing the Symphony of Diversity:

Finally, move beyond the singular melody of a unified community and into the
vibrant symphony of multiculturalism. This approach recognizes the inherent
diversity of modern societies, encompassing individuals from a wide range of
cultural and ethnic backgrounds. It calls for inclusive citizenship frameworks that
respect and value these differences, allowing individuals to maintain their unique
identities while also participating in the wider society.
 References
Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by H.J.
Paton. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ross, W.D. (1930). The Right and the Good. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Aristotle. (350 BCE). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Robert C. Bartlett and

Susan D. Collins. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Mill, J.S. (1861). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.

Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Habermas, J. (1990). Moral Consciousness and Communicative Action. Translated

by Christian Lenhardt and Shierry Weber Nicholsen. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Nussbaum, M.C. (1999). Sex and Social Justice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Pogge, T. (2002). World Poverty and Human Rights. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Buchanan, A. (2011). Justice, Legitimacy, and the Claims of Community. Oxford:

Oxford University Press.