Course Outline

I. Course Title : Ethics

II. Course Description

This course deals with the principles and etical behavior in modern world at the level of the
person , society and interaction with the environment and other shared resources. Morality
pertains to the standard of right and wrong that an individual originally picks up from the
community. It also entails and discusses the context and principles of ethical behavior in
contemporary world. This course also guides and directs students to make moral decisions by
using moral framework and by applying moral reasoning(conscience)
to analyze and solve moral dilemmas.

III. Course Objectives

At the end of the semester the students shall be able to
1. Differentiate between moral and non moral issues
2. Describe a moral experience
3. Explain the influence and impact of the Filipino cultures and values on the students moral
experiences
4. Describe elements of moral development and moral experiences
5. Use ethical frameworks or principles to analyze moral experiences
6. Make sound ethical judgments based on principles, facts and moral ethical standards
7. Develop sensitivity to the common good
8. Understand and internalize the principles of ethical behavior

IV. Course Content

Prelims
1. Introduction to Ethics
2. Freedom, Law , Conscience, Grace, Sin , Responsibility, Accountability, crucial in our ability
to make moral sound judgment
3. Moral Dilemmas
4. Moral Agents
5. Culture and Moral behavior
6. Virtue and Vice

Midterm
1. The Act
2. Feeilings and Moral Decision Making
3. Reason and Impartiality
4. Moral Courage/ Virtues
5. Virtue and Ethics
A. St. Augustine , Conscience , Freedom, Law and Obligation
B. St Thomas Aquinas
1. Natural Law
2. The natural and it's tenets
3. Happiness as constitutes of Morals
4. Cardinal Virtues
C. Aristotle
1. Telos
2. Virtue as a habit
3. Happiness as a virtue
D. Immanuel Kant
1. Good Will
2 Categorical Imperative
3. Different kinds of Rights
a Legal b. Moral

Semi Finals
E. Utilitarianism
1 Origin and nature of theory
2. Business fascination with utilitarianism
F. Justice and Fairness Promoting the Common Good
1 The nature of the theory
2. Distributive Justice
a. Egalitarian
b. Capitalism
c Socialism

Finals
1 Globalization
2. Pluralism
3 The role of Religion in Ethics
4 The Challenges for the Millennials
A. Role Models
B. Fake News
C. Historical Revisionism
D. Human Rights
E. Rights and Obligation

Parisan, Shan Kyre M.

2 – BSESS
ETHICS – Synthesis Report

Justice according to Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas, a prominent theologian, philosopher, and jurist, outlined his views on
justice as a cardinal virtue essential for a just and harmonious society. According to Aquinas,
justice involves giving each person their due – ensuring that individuals receive what they
deserve in terms of rights, benefits, and treatment. He identified four cardinal virtues of justice,
each with its unique focus and significance.

Distributive Justice, as explained by Aquinas, centers around the fair allocation of resources,
opportunities, and benefits based on individual needs and contributions to society. It emphasizes
the importance of respecting the dignity and worth of each person by providing them with what
they are owed or deserve.

Commutative Justice pertains to transactions between individuals, emphasizing fairness and

equality in agreements, contracts, and exchanges. It highlights the mutual obligations and rights
of parties involved in a transaction, seeking to ensure just interactions and relationships.

Legal Justice, another aspect highlighted by Aquinas, refers to the adherence to laws and rules
established by society to maintain order, protect rights, and promote the common good. It
involves the just application and enforcement of laws to uphold social harmony and individual
rights within the legal framework.

Virtuous or Moral Justice, the fourth cardinal virtue of justice emphasizes being a good person
and doing what is right out of genuine concern for the well-being of others. It involves qualities
such as honesty, kindness, courage, and fairness in actions, going beyond mere compliance with
rules to consider what is morally right and good for everyone.

Aquinas’s concept of justice revolves around treating everyone fairly, upholding their rights, and
working towards the greater good of society. It is about ensuring that individuals are given what
they deserve – their rights, opportunities, and respect. Justice, according to Aquinas, involves not
only avoiding harm to others but also actively supporting and uplifting them, fostering a
community where each person’s dignity is valued and preserved.