Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 1:Course Orientation and the Importance of Rules

Chapter| UNDERSTANDING MORALITY AND

MORAL STANDARDS

Focus Questions:
·What are moral standards? How do they differ from other rules of
life?
·What is a moral dilemma? What are three levels of moral dilemma?
· Why is freedom crucial in our ability to make moral decisions?
·What is the advantage of owning moral standards (morality and
ethics) over merely abiding by moral standards?
How does culture define moral behavior?
·What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character?
·Are there universal values?
 Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 1:Course Orientation and the Importance of Rules

·To state what are expected of me in this course

·To explain the importance of rules

INTRODUCTION

Everywhere you go are rules - at home, at school, in church, in the barangay.Do

these rules make our life more difficult and so should be eliminated or do these rules
make our life more peaceful and orderly?Imagine your life, your home, your
school,your Church and community without rules. In this Lesson, we'll study about
the importance of rules.

Rules are not

meant to restrict
your freedom.
They are meant
to help you grow
in freedom,to
grow in your
ability to choose
and do what is
good for you and
for others.
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards Lesson 1: Course Orientation and the Importance of Rules

1. Go over the course syllabus in Appendix A. Pay particular attention to what is required and Rules are meant to set order. Rules (the Philippine Constitution and other laws
expected from you. included) are meant for man. The greatest Teacher,Jésus Christ,preached emphatically,
“The Sabbath is made for man and not man for he Sabbat”.The law of the Sabbath, i.e. to
2.Clarify points that need to be clarified with your Instructor/Professor. keep it holy and obsere rest,is meant to make man whole by resting and by giving him time
to thank and spend time in prayer and worship for his own good.

For the sake of order in society, everyone is subject to rules. In a democratic country
like the Philippines, we often hear the statement “No

1. Form groups of 5. Recall and share with your group a rule that you have to follow at school
and the reason behind such rule.

ANALYSIS

Share with your small group your answers to these questions:

·What if there were no rules? What are possible consequences?

·Are rules important? Why or why not?

·Do you find them constricting? Why or why not?

Rules are important to social beings. Just imagine the chaos that results from the
absence of rules. What happens when students and professors alike come to school in any
attire they want? Imagine what happens when in the classroom everyone wants to talk at the
same time.Let's go out of the classroom for more examples. What if there were no traffic
rules? Rules can be expanded to include the Philippine Constitution and other laws. What if
there were no Constitution and other laws of the land?
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards Lesson 1: Course Orientation and the Importance of Rules

They have no
reason to exist.

one is above the law," including the highest official of the country. We are all subject to rules 1. The Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath. What does this mean?
or else court chaos. Illustrate with an example.

Rules are not meant to restrict your freedom. They are meant to help you grow in 2.Rules/laws are made for the good of man. State the good that is derived from the
freedom, to grow in your ability to choose and do what is good for you and for others. If there following school rules:
are rules or laws that restrict your ability or strength to do good, they are suffocating laws and
they are not good laws.They ought to be abolished. Any rule or law that prevents human 1. No ID, No Entry
persons from doing and being good ought to be repealed. They have no reasons to exist.
2.Student/Teacher Tardiness beyond 15 minutes means absence
In fact, if you are a rule or a law-abiding citizen,you don't even feel the restricting
presence of a rule or law because you do what the law or what the rule states everybody 3.Any form of cheating is punishable with suspension.
should do. Looking from a higher point of view, this is the state when one acts not because
rules demand it but because one sees he has to act that way. It is like saying one no longer
4. Use of illegal drug is punishable with dismissal.
needs the rule or law because one has become mature and wise enough to discern what
ought to be done. This is an ideal state which the ancient Chinese sages (Confucius, Lao Tzu)
referred to as state of no-more rules,no-more laws, because people discern what is right or 3. Give an example of a constricting rule or law. What should be done with it?
Any rule or law
good and do what is right or good without thinking or a rule or law; people are no longer in
that prevents
need of a government because they can govern themselves. It is a state where one owns the 4.The ancient Chinese sage named Lao Tsu taught:“Leave the people to themselves, human persons
moral standard not just abide by the moral standard. no laws and inner goodness will flourish.” “The more laws and commands there are, the from doing and
more thieves and robbers will be.”Do you agree? Why or why not? being good ough
to be repealed.
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

to help persons choose and do what is good.

Those who do what is good don't even feel the presence of a rule that prevents
them from doing what is not good. It is those who intend to do the opposite of
what is good that feel the suffocating and limiting presence of a rule.

When society is ideal, i.e. when all persons are good and do only what is ideal then
there will be no more need for rules and laws according to Lao Tzu.

Rules are meant to set order in society.

Rules are intended for human persons. They are not meant to limit a person's
freedom which is the ability to choose and do what is good. Rather rules are meant
 Chapter l: Understanding Morallty and Moral Standards

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Why are rules important?

·Distinguish between moral and non-moral standards

REFLECTION

Reflect on your attitude toward rules. Do you welcome rules? Or are you
allergic to rules? What if there were no rules?

We often hear the terms “moral standards” and “non-moral standards.”What do these refer
to? What about the word “immoral?” Is there such a thing as immoral standards? Is immoral
synonymous with non-moral?Let's find this out in this Lesson.

ACTIVITY

1. Classify the following into groups: moral standards and non-moral standards.

·No talking while your mouth is full.

·Do not lie.

·Wear black or white for mourning; never red.

5
 Chapter l: Understanding Morallty and Moral Standards

·The males should be the one to propose marriage not females. ·Go with the fashion or you are not “in”.

·Don't steal. ·Don't cheat others.

·Observe correct grammar when writing and speaking English. ·Don't kill.

·Submit school requirements on time. ·When you speak pronounce words correctly.

·If you are a male, stay by the danger side (roadside) when walking with a ·Focus the microscope properly.
female.
·Maintaln a 36-24-36 body flgure.

time.

ANALYSIS Ethics or moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy which deals with moral
standards, inquires about the rightness or wrongness of human behavior or
thegoodness or badness of personality, trait or character.It deals with ideas, with
topics such as moral standards or norms of morality,conscience, moral values
1.Analyze your groupings.Why do you classify one group as morl standards and andvirtues. Ethics is a study of the morality of human acts and moral agents, what
another as non-moral standards? makes an act obligatory and what makes a person accountable.

2. What is common to those listed under moral standards? “Moral” is the adjective describing a human act as either ethically right or
wrong, or qualifying a person, personality, character,as either ethically good or bad.
3.What is common to the list of non-moral standards?

Moral Standards or Moral Frameworks and Non-Moral Standards

Since ethics is astudy of moral standards, then the first question for the course
is, what are moral standards. The following are supposed to be examples of moral
standards: “Stealing is wrong." “Killing is wrong."“Telling lies is wrong." “Adultery is
wrong." “Environment preservation is the right thing to do”. “Freedom with
responsibility is the right way."“Giving what is due to others i justice". Hence, moral
standards are norms or prescriptions that serve as the frameworks for determining
Ethymology and Meaning of Ethics what ought to be done or what is right or wrong action,what is good or bad character.

The term “ethics" comes from the Greek word “ethos” meaning "custom" used In the Activity phase of this Lesson the following can be classified as moral
in the works of Aristotle, while the term “moral"is the Latin equivalentBased on the standards:
Greek and Latin etymology of the word “ethics",ethics deals with morality. When the
Roman orator Cicero exclaimed,“0tempora o mores” (Cicero, 1856)(Oh,what time
5
and what morals), he may have been trying to express dismay of the morality of his
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE
Chapter I: Lesson 2: Moral Morality
Understanding and Non-Moral Standards
and Moral Standards
Lesson 2:Moral and Non-Moral Standardsto humanpersons.
·When you speak pronounce words correctly. On the other hand, rion-moral standards are social rules, demands of etiquette
and good manners. They are guides of action which should be followed as expected
·Focus the microscope properly. issue or dilemma.
by society. Sometimes they may not be followed or some people may not follow
·Maintain a good body figure. All these moral standards or ethical frameworks will be dealt
them. From time to time, changes are made regarding good manners or etiquette. In
with more in detail in Chapter IV of this book.
·Do not lie. An indicator whether or not a standard is moral or non-moral sociology, non-moral standards or rules are called folkways. In short, non-moral ...non-moral
lies in it compliance as distinguished from its non-compliance. Non- actions are those where moral categories cannot be applied. standards are
What Makes Standards Moral? social rules,
· Don't steal. compliance with moral standards causes a sense of guilt, while non- The question means what obliges us to follow a moral standard?
compliance with a non-moral standard may only cause shame or Examples of non-moral standards are rules of good manners and right conduct, For theists,Goc
demands
For theists,believers in God's existence, moral standards are is the ultimate
embarrassment. etiquette, rules of behavior set by parents, teachers, and standards of grammar or of etiquette
·Don't cheat others. commandments of God revealed to man through prophets. sourceof what
language, standards of art,standards and good
Classification of the Theories of Moral According to the Old of sports set by Ten
Testament,the other authorities. Examples
Commandments were are moral revealed
StandardsConsequence(teleological,from telewhich “do not eat with your mouth
revealed by Godopen;”“observe
to Moses.One whorules of grammar,”
believes and
in God vows “do and
to Him not wear manners.
Don't kill. Garner and Rosen (1967) classiied the various moral standards
meansend,result,orconsequence)thal an act isnght or wrong socks that don'tobliges
match.” himself/herself to follow His Ten Commandments. For They are
formulated by moral philosophers as follows: 1) Consequence
theists, God is the ultimate source of what is moral revealed to guides of
(teleological,from tele which means end, result, or consequence)
human
In the Activity persons.
phase of this Lesson, the following are non-moral standards: action which
standard states that an act is right or wrong depending on the How about non-theists? For non-theists, God is not the source
should be
consequences of the act, thatis,the good that is produced in the of morality.Moral standards are based on the wisdom of sages like
Moral1 standards are either consequences standards (like Stuart Mill's followed as
world.Will it do you good if you go to school? If the answer is right, ·No talkingConfucius
while your or mouth is full.like Immanuel Kant.For non-theists,Godis
philosophers
utilitarianism) or because
non-consequence
you learn howstandards
to read and(like Aristole's
write,then goingvirtue,
to schoolSt.Thomas'
is right. expected by
not the sourceB.c morality.
In China, Moral
C., Confucius standards
taught are based
the moral on the
standard, wisdom
“Do unto
natural law, or Immanuel Kant' goodstandard
The consequence will or sense of duty).
can also be a basis for determining ofor
sage like for
Confucius C philosophers lik Immanuel Kant people to society.
·Wear blackotherswhite
what youmourning;
like others never
to red.
do unto you” and persuaded
whether or not a rule is a right rule. So the consequence standard follow this rule because it is the right way, the gentleman's way.
The consequencestatesstandards
that the rightness
depend on or results,
wronguess of a rule
outcome. Andepends
act that on the in
results
consequences or thegood
goodof that ·The malesLater,
shouldImmanuel Kant,
be the one the German
to propose philosopher,
marriage formulated a
not females.
the general welfare,
...moral in the greatest theis greatest
producednumber,is'
in followingmoral.
the rule.For
To take criterion for determining what makes a moral standard moral. It is
in a project instance,
standards
part if everyone
that results in thefollows the rule ofofa game,
improvement everyoneofwill
the majority enjoy is,
people stated as follows: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can
are norms or
therefore, moral. playing the game. This good consequence proves the rule must b a · Observe correct grammar
at the same when
time will that itwriting
should and speaking
become English.
a universal law.”(1993) In
prescriptions correct rule. 2) Not-only-consequence standard other words, if a maxim or standard cannot pass this test,it cannot be
that serve as (deontological),holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action or
The non-consequence standards are based on the natural law. Natural law is ·Submit school requirements
a moral standard. Foron time.
instance,does the maxim'“Stealing is wrong"
the frameworks rule depends on sense of duty,natural law, virtue and the demand ofthe pass this test? Can one will that this maxim be a universal maxim?The
for of
law determining
God revealed thethrough
situation human reason. It is the
or circumstances. The“law of Godorwritten
rightness in the
wrongness ofhearts
an answer
what
of men.”ought
To to
preserve human life is in accordance with the natural law, therefore it is ·If you are a male, stayisby
in the
the affirmative.The opposite of
danger side (roadside) the maxim
when walkingwould
withnot be
a female.
done or what is action does not only depend or rely on the consequence of that acceptable. Moral standards are standards that we want to be
moral.Likewise,the
right or wrong non-consequence,standard
action or following that rule.standardmay alsostatesdepending
be based on good on will
the or followed by all, otherwise, one would be wishing one's own ill
intention,
action,what and
is on aconsequences
sense of duty.Respect
Natural lawofand
thevirtuefor
act,that humanity,
is,the
ethics are goodtreatment of the
that is produced
deontological moral other
in theas a
standards ·Go with the fashion or you are not “in.”
fortune. Can you wish “do not kill" to be a universal maxim? The
good orperson,an
human bad world.Not-only-consequence
because
act that their basissprings
is moral, fromstandard
for determining what(deontological),holds
a sense is right
of duty,orsense
wrongofdoes dutythat
not
that answer has to be yes because if you say “no” then you aré not
character.
you wish will applythe torightness
depend or persons.
wrongnessbut
on consequences
all human of on
an the
action or rule
natural lawdepends on Situation
and virtue. sense of objecting to someone killing you.Thus,the universal necessity of the
duty,natural law,virtue and
ethics, too,is deontological the the
because demand
rightnessof orthe situationof or
wrongness an maxim, what makes it a categorical imperative is what makes it
circumstances.
act depends on situation and circumstances requiring or demanding obligatory. “Stealing is .wrong” means “one ought not steal" and “Do
exception to rule. not kill” means “one ought not kill." It is one's obligation not to steal
Rosen and Garner are inclined to consider deontology, be it rule
or kill. Ultimately, the obligation arises from the nced of self-
or act dentology, as the better moral standard because it synthesizes
preservation.
or includes all the other theory of norms. Under this theory,the
rightness or wrongness of an action depends on (or is a function of) all
the following:a) consequences of an action or rule, what promotes The Origin of Moral Standards: Theist and Non-Theist
one's geatest good,or the greatest good of the greatest number; b) Related to the question on what makes moral standards moral is
consideration other than consequences,like the obligatoriness or the how do moral standards arise or come into existence? A lot of new
act based on natural law,or its being one's duty, or its promoting an attempts to explain the origins of morality or moral standards have
ideal virtue. Deontology also conslders the obJect,purpose,and been The
made.theistic line of thought states moral standards are of divine
circumstances or sltuation of the moral
is: Are origin while 20th century thinkers claim state that they simply
The theistic
moral evolved. The issue
line of
standards
thought states
7
derived from
that moral
standards
are of divine
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 2:Moral and Non-Moral Standards

God, communicated to man through 2. I did not dress appropriately formally for a formal party. Which did I fail to observe? Moral or non-
moral standard?
With the Divine source concept, moral standards are derived from natural law, man's
“participation" in the Divine law. The moral principle himself to respect the life, liberty, and
property of his fellowman arises from the God-given sacredness, spirituality, and dignity of
his fellow man It arises from his faith, hope, and love of God and man.

With the evolutionary concept, the basics of moral standards- do good,avoid evil -
haye been observed among primates and must have evolved as the process of evolution
followed its course.

AreFor
theistic these
line of theist and non-theist (evolutionary) origin of moral standards
origin.
reconcilable?
thought,moral
the non-
standards
must have
The evolutionist claims that altruism,a sense of morality, can be observed from man's
evolved
fellow as
primates- the apes and monkeys and, therefore,it can be said that the altruism of
the process
human persons evolved from the primates.However,the evolutionistcannot satisfactorily
of evolution
argue, with factual evidence,that the rudiments of moral standards can be observed from
followed its
the primates.Neither can it be scientifically established that the teist view,that man's
course
obliging himself to avoid evil, refrain from inflicting harm on his fellowman, is a moral
principle implanted by God in the hearts of men.But the concept of creation and evolution
are not necessarily contradictory.The revelation of the norms of Divine origin could not
have been instant,like a happening “in one fell swoop." It could have happened gradually
as man evolved to differ from the other primates. As the evolutionists claim,creation may
be conceived as a process of evolution.Hence,the biblical story of creation could have
happened in billions of years instead of six days.

RAGA COMMUMITY COLLDOL

LIBRARY EsSINN N

1.Here are two questions:

a)Can one cat while praying?

b) Can one pray while eating?

Which is a moral question? Which is a non-moral question?

11
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 2:Moral and Non-Moral Standards

Moral standards are based on the natural law, the consequence of one's actions and sense of duty.

3. Lady B dressed indecently to expose her body.Which did she violate-moral or non- Moral standards are based on natural law, the law of God revealed through human reason or the “ law of
moral standard? God written in the hearts of men."

Moral standards are based on consequences standards. That which leads to a good consequence or
result like the greatest good of the greatest number is what is moral.
4.In Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamasov, Ivan Karamasovone asserted the
famous line, “If God does not exist,everything is permitted." Moral standards are based also on non-consequence standards or sense of duty that you wish would be
followed by all. Respect for humanity,treatment of the other as a human person, an act that is moral,
a) How does this relate to our lesson on source of moral standards?Based on this line, springs from a sense of duty, a sense of duty that you wish is wished by all and applies to all human
what is the source of moral standards? persons.

b) The deeper and stronger one's faith in God is, the deeper and stronger is his/her For theists, the origin of moral standards is God who “wrote his law in the heart of every person", the
morality.Is this an implication of this quoted line? natural law.

.c) Using your knowledge of logic, what will be the continuation of Karamasov's syllogism? For non-theists, the origin of moral standards is the moral frameworks formulated by philosophers like
Confuclus, Immanuel Kant,Stuart Mill,et al.

The evolutionist claims that the sense of moral standards must have evolved with man not something
that was implanted In every human person instantly at the moment of creation. Creation as a process
may have taken place not only in 6 days as the creationist claims but in billions of years as the
evolutionist asserts.

For the theists, belief in God strengthensthem to be moral.

Non-moral standards originate from social rules, demands of etiquette and good
manners.They are guides of action which should be followed as expected by society.

1. Distinguish between moral standards and non-moral

standards.
It is more difficult to do only that which is moral than to do anything you want to do.
But you keep on striving to do only that which is moral,anyway.What makes you strive to
2. Docs belief in God strengthen a person to be moral? Explain your answer.
do only that which is moral even if difficult? Write your reflections.

REFLECTION

11
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 3: Moral Dilemmas

experience. What is a moral dilemma? This is the main focus of this Lesson.

ACTIVITY

Read The Pregnant Lady and the Dynamite, then answer the questions given:

A pregnant woman leading a group of five people out of a cave on a coast is stuck in
the mouth ofthat cave. In a short time, high tide will be upon them and unless she is
unstuck, they will all be drowned except the woman whose head is out of the cave.
Fortunately (or unfortunately),someone has with him a stick of dynamite. There seems no
way to get the pregnant woman loose without using the dynamite which will inevitably kill
her; but if they do not use it everyone else will drown. What should they
do?(http://psychopixi.com/author/pixil)

·Explain moral dilemma as a moral dilemma as a moral experience

ANALYSIS
·Distinguish between a moral dilemma and a false dilemma

1.What would you do if you were one of the men? Explain why you decided to act that
way?

2.The situation or the experience you went through is a moral dilemma.What then is a
moral dilemma?

After learning moral and non-moral standards,you must now have an idea of what a 3. Is finding yourself In a moral dilemma,a moral experlence? Why or why not?
moral experience is. When you find yourself in a moral dilemma,you are in for a moral

Lesson 3: Moral Dilemmas

15
Moral dilemmas
are situations
whore lwo
or A moral dilemma is a problem in the decision-making between two possible options,
more moral neither of which is absolutely acceptable from 2n ethical perspective. It is also referred to
values or dubes
as ethical dilemma.The Oxford Dictionary defines ethical dilemma as a “decision-making
make demands
on the decision- problem between two possible moral imperatives, neither of which is unambiguously
maker,who can Dilemma acceptable or preferable. It is sometimes called an ethical paradox in morl
Meanlng of Moral
only honor one philosophy.”(Oxford Dictionary)
of
13 them,and
thus mil violate
atleast one
Important
moral ...a fa/se
concer,no dilemma is
ETHICS. LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chaptet I:Understanding Moralty and Moral Standards

Based on these definitions, moral dilemmas have the following in common: 1) "the
present
agent is required to do each of two (or more) actions which are morally unacceptable;2)
situations where
the agent
there can do each of the actions;3) but the agent cannot do both (or all) of the actions.
is tension should wish for, and decided to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.The king
The agent thus
Detween moralseems condemned to moral failure; no matter what she does, she will do now had a choice between honoring the promise to his stepdaughter, or honoring the life
values andwrong (or fail to do something that she ought to do).
something of John the Baptist. And Herod chose to have John the Baptist beheaded.
dutos that are
more or less on
Moral
equalThis means that moral dilemmas are situations where two or more moral values or
footing.
dilemmas The king had inadvertently designed a moral trap for himself, a dilemma where
duties make demands on the decision-maker, who can only honor one of them, and thus
The decision- whatever he decided to do would be morally wrong.
will violate
maker hasat
toleast one important moral concern, no matter what he or she decides to do.
choosedilemmas
Moral betweenpresent situations where there is tension between moral values and
a wrong and
duties that are more or less on equal footing. The decision-maker has to choose between
aanother
wrongwrong.
and another wrong. The decision-maker is a deadlock.
The decision- Meaning of a False Dilemma
maker is in a
deadlock
In the case of The Pregnant Lady and the Dynamite,there were two options - use the
dynamite and kill the pregnant woman but save the other 5 or don't use the dynamite and On the other band, a false dilemma is a situation where the decision-maker has a
all the 5 willget drowned except the pregnant woman whose head is out. moral duty to do one thing, but is tempted or under pressure to do something else. A false
dilemma is a choice between a right and a wrong.For example, a lawyer or an accountant a situation
can face an opportunity to prioritize self-interest over the client's interest. where the
To have a genuine dilemma, one of the conflicting solutions should not override the
other.For instance,"... the requirement to protect others from serious,harm overrides the decision-
requirement to repay one's debts by returning a borrowed item when its owner so maker has a
demands.”Hence,...“in addition to the features mentioned above, in order to have a
genuine moral dilemma it must also be true that neither of the conflicting requirements is What to Do When Faced with a Moral Dilemma
overridden" (McConnell, T. 2019).This means that none of the conflicting requirements is moral duty tc
solved by the other. The persons involved in the dilemma are in a deadlock. They find do one thing.
Ultimately, dilemmas are conflicts in the application of moral standards. The
themselves in a "damn-if-you-do and damn-if-you-don't” situation. but Is tempte
question is which moral standards must be followed? In a state of emergency, necessity
demands no moral law. You have to decide based on your best judgment or choose based or under
Another example of a moral dilemma is the story from the Bible about King Herod. on the principlé of lesser evil or greater good or urgency. pressure to
On his birthday, his stepdaughter, Salome danced so well in front of him and the guests at do somethin:
his party that he promised to give her anything she wanted. Salome consulted her mother There are 24 moral dilemmas listed by Pixi's blog. Refer to 25 Moral Dilemmas, Pixi's else.
about what she Blog (retrieved/http://psychopixi.com/author/pixil)

1.Are these cases examples of moral dilemma? Defend your answer.

a) Anne is the project manager of a large industrial project in a developing country,

run by a Nordic company. On a crucial day for the project, the electricity is suddenly gone
from the entire plant.Large quantities of cement are about to congeal in the blenders,and it
is crucial to activate them again, quickly. More than a thousand employees are unable to
do their work. Anne contacts the local authorities to solve the problem.A bureaucrat turns
up at the plant and explains that he can get the electricity back on again very quickly, on the
condition that he can bring ten of the company's PCs back to the town hall. There is a
desperate shortage of PCs there,and the bureaucrat and his colleagues are therefore
unable to do provide adequate service to the local community. Thus, he suggests a trade-
off:PCs for electricity. In this manner, Anne and her company can make a significant

13
ETHICS. LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chaptet I:Understanding Moralty and Moral Standards

contribution to the society in which they

You reel back In shock, devastated by what you have just found out. As you step back, 17
the wreck in front of you comes into focus. You
the alternatives. There is no time to contact lop management in her has to figure this
out by herself. If the cement congeals today,it wll have to be redone, at a high cost,
particularly compared to cost of losing ten PCs that can be easily replaced.Anne also has
sympathy with the local bureaucrats and the population they are serving. They will
probably make very good use of the PCs.On the other hand,if she gives in to blackmail this
time, the same may happen again,al other crucial stages of the project.Anne faces a
difficult choice.What should she do?

Anne wants to honor the moral value of finishing the project on time and within budget, but
also the moral value ofnot giving in to blackmail or corruption. One of these valueswill have
to give way at the expense of the other. There is no harmonious way out,where Anne can say
that she has done everything right.

b)The Deliberate Infection

Ken is a doctor. One of his patients, whom he has diagnosed as HIV positive, is about to
receive a blood transfusion prior to being released from the hospital.He has told Ken, in the
confidence of their doctor-patient relationship, that after he gets his transfusion,and his
medicine from Ken, he intends to infect as many people as possible with HIV starting that
evening.

Because Ken is bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, there is no legal way to stop

this man from carrying out his plan.Even If Ken warned the police, they would not be able to
arrest him, since hls medical information is protected.

It occurs to Ken that he could contaminate his medication by putting an untraceable

poison in it that will kill him before he gets a chance to infect others.

Should Ken poison this man in order to prevent him from spreading
HIV?(Source:http://psychopixi.com/author/pixil)

c)The Unfaithful Wife

You are an emergency worker that has just been called to the scene of an
accident.When you arrive you see that the car belongs to your wife.Fearing the worst you
rush over, only to see she is trapped in her car with another man. He is obvlously herlover,
with whom she$ been having an afalr.

13
ETHICS. LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 3:Moral Dilemmas

If you report her plagiarisation to the school authorities,it will be entered on her
permanent record and she will no longer be eligible to attend the prestigious university
that she has dreamed of attending all through high school. Ifyou refuse to accept the
report,her final mark will be very poor and may harm her chances of being chosen for this
university. Ifyou mark the paper as though you believed is was her own work, she will do
see your wife is seriously hurt and she needs attention straight away.Even ifshe gets
very well, and stand every chance of getting her desired university place.
immediate attention there's a very high chance she'll die. You look at the seal next to her
and see her lover. He's bleeding heavily from a wound in the neck and you need to stem the
flowof blood immediately. What should you do?

If you attend to your wife, her lover will bleed to death, and you may not be able to save (Source:http://psychopixi.com/author/pixil)
her anyway. If you work on the 'lover, you can save his life,but your wife will definitely die.

Who should you choose to work on? (Source: http://psychopixi.com/author/pixil)

2.Are these moral dilemmas?

·Taking credit for others' work in order to get promoted

d) You are an English teacher at a high school. One ofyour pupils is a very bright and
gifted girl whom you have always enjoyed teaching.She has always achleved A grades ·Manufacturing and distributing fake drugs for profit
throughout her school years, and is now in her final year and getting ready to graduate.
Unfortunately,she has been very ill this term, and missed several weeks of schooling.She ·Offering a client a worse product for bigger profit
has just turned in a report which is worth 40% of her final grade, but you realize that she did
not write it herself-she has copied a report found online and tried to pass it offas her own
·Utilizing inside knowledge for your own profit
work.

3. As a group compose your own moral dilemma.

A moral dilemma is a situation where a person has the moral obligation to choose between
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE
two options both based on moral standards, but he /she cannot choose both, and choosing one
means vlolating the other.

In a moral dilemma, one is caught between two options. It is a "damn-if-you-do and damn-if-
you-don't situation. One is in a deadlock.

False dilemmas are situations where the decision-maker has a moral duty to do one thing, but
is tempted or under pressure to do something else. A false dilemma is a choice between a right and
a wrong unlike a moral dllemma where both choices are wrong.

· A moral dilemma is a “decision making problem between two possible moral imperatives, neither of which
is unambiguously acceptable or preferable.

13
 Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 3: Moral Dilemmas

A. Write T if the statement is True and F if is False.

1. A person or persons in a moral dilemma can casily choose which course of action to take.

2. In a moral dilemma, one course of action between two options is obviously immoral while the other choice is B. Divergent Roads
moral.
Do the divergent roads tell what a moral dilemma is? Explain your answer.
3. A person involved in a moral dilemma can choose both options.

4. In a moral dilemma, a person has a choice for the good,only that because he/she is tempted he/she ends up
choosing that which is not good.

5. In a moral dilemma,a person is torn between two no good options.

19
 Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 3: Moral Dilemmas

What is a moral dilemma that you have experienced directly or vicariously (from reading)? Are you happy you read was addressed? Write your reflections.
with how you addressed the moral dilemma you went through? Or do you agree with how the moral dilemma that

1.Read the following dilemmas:

1)The mission of Catholic School A is to serve the poor by giving quality

education. It is torn between the obligation to charge low tuition to help the
poor and to pay better salaries to keep quality teachers.

2)Heinz's wife was dying from a particular type of cancer. Doctors said a new drug might
save her. The drug had been discovered by a local chemist,and the Heinz tried desperately
to buy some, but the chemist was charging ten times the money it cost to make the
drug,and this was much more than the Heinz could afford.

Heinz could only raise half the money,even after help from family and friends. He
explained to the chemist hat his wife was dying and asked if he could havethe drug
cheaper or pay the rest of the money later.

·Illustrate the three levels of moral dilemma The chemist refused, saying that he had discovered the drug and was going to make
moncy 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.

This Lesson reinforces your understanding of moral dilemmas.Afta

understanding the meaning of moral dilemmas, let us now illustrate three levels of
moral dilemma. In this Lesson,you are expected to give examples of the levels of moral
dilemmas. A research on some significant events in history may help you arrive at a
concrete understanding of structural dilemma most especialy.

ACTIVITY

19
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morallty and Moral Standards

3) A principal ought to welcome and encourage parents and community participation A.Individual
in school affalrs, 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 This refersto personal dilemmas. It is an individual's damn-if-you-do-and-damn-if-
...personal
observe parents' and community participation which do not give any input at all at the you-don't situation.

same time she is obliged to accomplish things on time.

The case of Heinz as given in the Activity phase of the lesson is
dilemma
one of the best known individual dilemma's
is an Individu
ANALYSIS ofKohlberg's(1958). damn-il-you-
do-and-dam
Kohlberg's dilemma questions were as follows: "Should Heinz have stolen the Il-you-don't
drug." (Mackinnon,B., etal 2015) If he did not steal the drug that would mean his situation.
1. Answer the following questions: wife's death. He was torn between stealing the drug and saving his wife.The
dilemma is faced by an individual who is tom between 2 obligations - to save the
2. Among the 3 dilemmas, which is an example of an individual dilemma? wife or obey the law.So this an example of an individual dilemma.
organizational dilemma? structural dilemma?

3. How do the 3 dilemmas differ?

B. Organizational

An organizational dilemma is a puzzle posed by the dual necessities of a

social organization and members' self-interest. It may exist between
personal interestsand organizational welfare or between group interests
and organizational well-being... (Wagner, J.2019)

The example of the Catholic school in the Activity phase of the lesson shows the
dilemma between the goal of the school to give quality education for the poor and so must
charge the lowest tuition fee possible and yet to keep quality faculty the school must raise
their

An
organizatonal A structural
dilemma exists dilemma /s
The following hypothetical case highlights the story of Mr Brown,a 74-year old
between man who is seriously ill of metastatic lung cancer. Mr. Brown completed a full course of a conflict of
personal radiation therapy as well as chemotherapy for treatment of his cancer, and he is now perspective
salary and consequently, must raise tuition.
interests and hospitalized with severe shortness of breath and pneumonia.His physician has of sectors,
organizational managed the symptoms associated with the lung disease,including chest pain, fever, groups and
Organizational dilemmas may likewise occur in business, medical,and public
welfare or infection, and respiratory distress,but believes that there are no otber options instituions
sector.
available to aggressively treat the underlying cancer....Both Mr.Brown and his wife
between
clearly state that they 'want everything done.'...
individual
groups'
21
interests and
organzational
well-being
ETHICS:LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 4: The Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas

The dilemma here lies in the conflicting concerns: a) the financial problems of Mr.
Brown and his wife, b) the hospital concern of focusing its attention on this hopeless
patient when there are other cases which have still possible remedies, c) the other
hospital patient's concem,particularly their need of the medicine used by Mr.
Brown,c)the concern of the medical staff,et al.
strategies.

Organizational dilemmas arise de to different opposing concems between various

Any attempt to introduce reform in society or govemment creates structural
groupings in an organization.
dilemma. For instance, promoting or introducing universal health care, which is
tantamout to socialized health care, gives rise to a structural dilemma, that is, a conflict
local of perspective of sectors, groups and institutions that may be affected by the
decsion.Why would those who contribute less to the social fnd enjoy the same benefits
govemments
C.Structural as those who contributed big amounts of premium? In a study on the prices of
and schoois
have likewise
medicines in the Philippines, it was established that "patients are buying medicines
become more from the private sector at many times their international reference price" (Ateneo de
The case of the principal whether to be participatory or non-participatory in school
differentiated Manila University 2019).If the government intervenes by introducing price control, the
affairs but due to her not so favorable experience of attempting to be participatory
and soupit to one-woman rule is an example of a structural dilemma.
ended drug stores may lose so much that they may close shop. If the government does not do
that may be
becomes anything at all, the patients will continue to suffer because they may not be able to
afford the high prices of medicines. affected by
more dilfficult
Below are more examples of structural dilemma., the decislon.
to integrate
them for
Differentiation Versus Integration in Structural Dilemma
a unified
structure. Gap Versus Overlap
Different divisions have their own different culture and so coordination between
divisions or bringing them together for becomes more difficult.
There may be gaps and overlaps in roles and Yésponsibilities.If key responsibilities
are not clearly assigned, there mhay be gaps or overlaps in important tasks. If there are
With decentralization, local governments have become more empowered to There may
gaps, organizations end up with no one doing the responsibility. If there are overlaps,
direct their affairs just as schools have become empowered to address their problems or be gaps and
things become unclear and may lead to more confusion and even conflict and worse
are given opportunity to localize,the given curriculum. overlaps In
wasted effort and perhaps even resources because of the unintended overlap.
roles and
In effect, local governments and schools have likewise become more responsibllities.
Here is an example. A patient in a teaching hospital called her husband to report responsibilities
differentiated and so it becomes more difficult to integrate them for a unified Ifkey
how disturbed she is and how sleepless she was during the night. At night, she couldn't are not clearly
structure.Local governance and schools curricula have become more complex. There is
sleep because, hospital staff kept waking her up, often to repeat what someone else assigned,there
need for more costly coordination
had already done. This is an overlap of nurse duty. Conversely, when she wanted
may be gaps
something, her call button rarely produced any response. This is a gap.There is a gap as
or overlaps
to who according to rule is supposed'to respond to the buzzer.
In Important
(www.humancapitalreview.org/content/default;asp?Articlc ID528#
tasks.

To illustrate further the consequence of·gap and overlap, here is a story to show
what happens when there is a gap or overlap.A boy wanted his pants shorter. So he
went to his mother to ask him to shorten it. His mother was busy computing grades and
told her son to ask his sister to do it. His sister was busy reviewing for thefinal exams
and asked her brother to ask their elder brother to do it. But his older brother was also
busy with his school project and so cbuld not also attend to it. The boy highly frustrated
went to sleep. His pants were

21
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

25Dilemmas
Lesson 4: The Three Levels of Moral

beside him.After finishing her grades,Mother peeped into her sorj also
remembered her brother's request. Full of remorse she went shortened them,too.
The older brother finally completed his schoo project and suddenly remembered his if circumstances are such that by sticking to your job description the service or
brother's asking for help t shorten the pants.So he went to his younger brother's product that your organization provides suffers.
room, got a pa of scissors and cut them, too. When the younger brother woke up,h
When
was surprised to see a pair of extremely short shorts. The pants which he wanted to
individuals or
make just a little bit shorter ended up too short to him!
groups are toc
Excessive Autonomy Versus Excessive Interdependence autonomous,
That is what happens when there are gaps or overlaps in a organization. The gaps
leave an important thing in an organization undone. The overlap results in
This refers to being too isolated versus too much coordination.To illustrate:
unnecessary and counterproductive redundant procedures which ultimately lead to
waste of resources.
When individuals or groups are too autonomous, people ofien feel isolated and
disconnected. School teachers working in self-contained classrooms and rarely working
with other teachers may feel lonely and unsupported. Yet,efforts to create closer
teamwork have repeatedly failed because of teachers' difficulties in working together.
whenLack of Clarity Versus Lack of Creativity.If employees an unclear about what they In contrast,if units and roles are too tightly linked, people are distracted from work and
are supposed to do, they often tailor their roles around personal preferences instead people
responsibilities waste time on unnecessary or too much coordination.IBM lost an early lead in the
of system often feel
are over- wide goals,frequently leading to trouble. Most McDonald's customers are personal computer business in part because new initiatives required so many approvals-
not seeking
defined, novely and surprise in their burgers and fries. But when responsibilities ar
people isolated and
from levels and divisions alike - that new products were over designed and late to
over defined, disconnected.
conform to people conform to prescribed roles and protocols in "bureaucratic" market.Hewlett-Packard's ability to innovate in the late 1990's was hindered by the
ways. They rigidly
prescnibed roles follow job descriptions regardless of how much the service or same problem. (www.humancapitalreview.org/content/default.asp?Article_ID528#)
product suffers and so end up uncreative.
and protocols in tightly linked,
"bureaucratic" .if units and
Structural dilemma is the dilemma arising from conflicting concerns among people are
“You lost my bag!" an angry passenger shouted, confronting an airline manager.
ways.They roles are loo
various sectors of society. In the first instance of differentiation versus integration, the distracted
The manager's
ngidly follow response was to inquire,“How was the flight?"“I asked about my bag," from work an
dilemma is how to enforce a decision, policy, or rule intended for everybody among
the
jobpassenger
descnptionssaid."That'not my job," the manager replied. “See someone in baggage many different or unique groups or individuals. In the second, the dilemma arises waste time on
claim.The
regardiess passenger did not leave as a happy airline customer. www because of either gaps or overlaps in the procedure of implementation of certain unnecessary
humancapitalreview.org/contendefault
of how much asp?Article ID528# The job of the manager projects or policies among involved agencies like the FBI and CIA in the U.S.A. or like the or loo much
was
the overdefined
service or and made the manager uncreative and inefficient. Her job in relation NBI and the INP in the Philippines.GAPS creates serious consequences. Read about the coordination.
to the airline
product system wide goals was neither clear and so ended up giving the wrong
suffers unforgettable Mamasapano massacre in Mindanao, Philippincs.
answer
and so that turned off the airline passenger..
end up
uncreative.

Centralized versus Decentralized Decision Making

Flexibility versus Strict Adherence to Rules

In decentralized decision making, organizations can respond to change more

You accommodate by bending rules to help someone or you stick strictly to rules rapidly and effectively because the decision makers are the people closest to the
no matter what and so unable to help someone who is thrown into a helpless situation. However,top managers may lose some control. This is the dilemma of tight
situation. Or you may become being too accommodating that all rules are no more. overcentralization or diffusing authority which is loose.

Your jobs are defined so clearly that you will stick to them even

21
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Structural Dilemma in a World Organization Like the UN

27
One is only
obliged to do
Here is a situation: You are a father of seven children. On you something if
support, seven children plus your wife depend. You work in the mina and and only if he
like the UN is the problem of the balance between world order of receive only a minimum wage. After working like a “carabao"in the can do iL."do.
intemational authority essential to the establishment of separate mines,you need to ease your pains with a bottle of gin befor
what you can
members of the world community or the balance betwee interdependence where you are.
and independence. (Jenks,1971)
In resolving
moral dilem-
Source: disttalcommons.lowugaeducete?286=
ma_.think
of available
altemative
opbons
Some Structural Dilemmas of World Organization* C. Wilfred Jenks"Georgia Journal of
revealing that
International & International & Comparative Law Volume 3 1973 Issue 1
the dilemma
does not
really exist
This happens
Resolving Moral Dilemmas
are available
where there
altemative
The follwing offer some techniques in resolving moral dilemma One way is to think
optons
of available alternative options revealing that th dilemma does not really exist. This
happens where there are available alternative options. For instance one is experiencing
a dilemma betwer stealing or not stealing otherwise his family will cither die of hunger a
survive.
AnotherThe
waycreative
in moral agent will try to think of other alternative.like “alternative
means of income
resolving moral or support such as social safety ne charity,etc.”
dlemma is
'choosing
Anotherthe way is “choosing the greater good and lesser evl or...”Or one
greater
may applygood
the situation ethics approach,following the rule, one must do
and lesser
only what he can where he is.Do not resort to extraordinary or
evil"
supernatural means.

Joseph Fletcher offers some principles in resolving moral dilemma He uses Kant's
“ought implies I can"rule. If I ought to do somcthing then I can do it. By contraposition, i I
cannot do something, then cannot be obliged to do it. Or by implication, either I cannot
be obliget to do something or I can do it. In other words, one is only obliged t do
something if and only if he can do it. So Fletcher says,“do wha you can where you are."
Or quoting St. Augustine's, “Dilige,et quod vis fac” (love and do what you will).The
extent of one's obligation and responsibility is the extent of one's ability and the
measure
21 of the “extent” is one's capacity for love.
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 4: The Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas

unconditional, no limits of sacrifice or boundaries. But your love is

human, you are only human.“You can only do what you can where you
are.” Others can sacrifice more by giving up their gin and cigarette and
cat less expensive food. Yes others can,but can one be faulted for not
you lie down to rest and sleep. You also need to eat food sufficient enough being like the others,not having the strength to overcome a vice? Can
to replace your wasted encrgy.Hence,you spend for wine,food,and one not argue that the extent of his ability is the limit of his
cigarette. Minus these expenses, the balance of your wage is just enough responsibility? On the other hand, can it not be said that resorting to
for the food of your children. Nothing is left for their education, and other human frailty is just a convenient or comfortable way of justifying one's
expenses. Question: Should you be faulted for not being able to sacrifice lack of moral will? That may be easier said than done, although it is
enough by giving up your needs,so that your dependents can have possible for one who has virtue as his moral strength. But what can be
something left for their education? You love your family,but you have a said of onc who has no moral virtue or strength to sacrifice with the
need you cannot give up. Is your case what Fletcher wants to picture? Your discomfort of self-giving? Endless condemnation? That would be un-
obligation ends where your capacity for love ends. Love is supposed to be Christian.

1.Give true -to-life exmples of structural dilemmas that d) Creation of autonomous regions like ARMM

illustrate;

a) excessive autonomy versus excessive interdependence

2.“Man is not made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is made for man'How can this
guide you when face with a structural dilemma on stne adherence to rules versus
flexibility?
b) flexibility versus strict adherence to rules

c) gap versus overlap

d) differentiation versus integration

e) centralized versus decentralized decision-making

1) sovereignty of nations versus world peace and order

Researching on the following events that illustrate structural dilemm may be of help:

a) Mapapasano Encounter-SAF 44-Why were 44 killed? Base on reports,what was

said to be the cause of the death of 44?

b)Reason behind the bombing of the cities of Nagasaki an Hiroshima

c)
21Red tape in government offices
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 4: The Three Levels of Moral Dilemmas

Identify the structural dilemma described. (Differentiation vs

integration; gap vs. overlap; lack of clarity vs. lack of creativity; flexibility vs.
strict adherence to rules; excessive autonomy vs. independence)

1. Excessive interdependence versus too much coordination

2. Different divisions have their own culture versus coordination between or

among divisions by using lateral strategies to bring divisions together

3. Being too accommodating causing inconsistency versus adhering strictly to

rules

4. Unclear roles and responsibilitics due to redundancy or gaps

5. Lack of resourcefulness as a result of unclear duties and responsibilities

What structural dilemma have you experienced? How did you deal with it?
Are you happy with how you dealt with it?

29
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 5: Freedom as Foundation for Moral Acts

I've lived a life tat's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

Intended Learning Outcome:

·Explain why only human beings can be ethical [Verse 2]

Regrets,I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

Do the lower forms of animals have ethics? Like can we say that dog is immoral
or unethical if it defecates right there at you doorstep?is ethics only for buman
persons? If so, why? This is the concer of Lesson.

As a class, sing Frank Sinatra's"My Way".

My Way

[Verse 1]

And now, the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend,I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

29
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 5: Freedom as Foundation for Moral Acts

And now, as tears subside

I find it all so amusing

And saw lt through without exemption To think I did all that

I planned each charted course And may I say, not in a shy way

Each careful step along the byway Oh,no,oh,no,not me

And more, much more than this I did it my way

I did it my way

[Verse 5]

[Verse 3] For what is a man, what has he gol?

Yes,there were times,I'm sure you knew If not himself,then he has naught

When I bit off more than I could chew To say the things he truly feels

But through it all, when there was doubr And not the words of one who kneels

I ate il up and spit it out The record shows I took the blows

I faced it all,and I stood tall And did it my way.

And did is my way

[Outro]

[Verse 4] Yes,it was my way.

I've loved, I've laughed and cried

I've had my fill,my share of losing

Note: (A possible alternative: Born This Way by Lady Gaga)

Because33a
humanperson
has freedom,
ANALYSIS she has a
29 choice and so
is responsible
for the
consequences
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

ChapterI: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 5: Freedom as Foundation for Moral Acts

human person.

1.What's your favorite line from the song,My Way/Born This Wr

Why is it your favorite?

2.Does the song suggest choice or freedom? Why?

3. If a beast like a dog could sing the same song, could the dog honestly singing what the
song expresses?

Ethics Applies Only to Human Persons

The song, My Way/Born This Way, implies choice or freedom "I did my
of animais,
way".Unlke
human the lower forms of animals, human persons have a chos or freedom, hence
Unlike the
morality
personsapplies
have only to human persons.
lower forms
a choice or
freedom,
Ethics, therefore, applies only to human persons. We cannot say aa is “unethical”
hence
when morality
it eats the food at table intended for you or when a dq urinates on your favorite
bag lyingonly
applies on the floor.
to human
persons.
Dilemmas presuppose freedom. Freedom-loving societies hm customary ways of
training the young to exercise their freedom. Parec regularly give their children
opportunities to choose. “Guys, wbat do yo want for breakfast -ham and egg or
pancake?” Later in life, they com face to face with hard choices. Then dilemmas come
along. There is suchi thing as a dilemma because there is such a thing as freedom. If
there is t ability or power of choice, then any incident simply happens without ar
interference. There would also be no obligation to do any act in expectatia of the
responsibility following the act.

Freedom and Moral Choice

Without freedom it is impossible to make a moral choice."If we are to have free

will we must have the ability to make a decision that is unhindered. Kant believed that
we must have free will if we are to be held morally responsible for our actions.If God did
not give us free will then our decisions cannot be considered immoral or moral as we
would have had to act in the way we did. Thus we cannot be held responsible; a good
moral action cannot be praised as you had no other option, whilst an immoral action
cannot be punished as once again there was no free choice. In other words, making
moral choice is a necessary consequence for being free, a consequence of being a
29
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE
ChapterUnderstanding
ChapterI: I: Understanding Morality
Morality and and Moral
Moral Standards
Standards
ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Lesson 6. Culture How It Defines Moral Behavior
36a moralagent,thehumanperson isbom into aculture.
37As Chapter l:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards
Lesson 5:
6: Freedom as Foundation
Culture: How for Moral
It Defines Moral Acts
Behavior
35
bonest all the time.There ANALYSIS was the joke,of which no one knew The Human Person and Culture
Owning moral standards means internalizing them, making them part of your
the soura (PMA) “Integn Courage,Loyalty." This is a signage at conviction. Internalized orAs a moralmoral
embodied agent you areare
standards bornbeing into a culture,
followed a without
with or factual
the gate of PMA in Baguio City.A for corruption,the word anyone telling you. reality you have not chosen. You are not born nothing. It may be
For Activity#1
“Integrity” disappeared. said that the Aristotelico-Thomistic tradition is one dominant, if
1. Go back to your class list. Are these items acquired by
You internalize not
a rulethe aftermost
using dominant culture.This
reason to understand. When Aristotelico-Thomistic
you are persuaded of
Because a humanheredity person has freedom,he/she
orb learning and practice?has a choice and so is responsible
for the consequences of his/her choice.The lower forms of animaIs have no choice its wisdom, it becomes culture yourisbasis
a Greco-Roman
of resolving anculture,which
ethical problem. hasYou influenced
decide toand do
2.If there is one word that would embrace all of these on yoursomething not because shaped thesays
the law moral lifebecause
so but of those you who havesay
yourself beenso. exposed to it.
since they are bound by instinct and so cannot be held responsible for their behavior.
list questions #1 and #2,what would that be? Those who were born into this culture, educated under this
This may be termedIntended
culture, as are
theLearning
persuaded
embodiment Outcomes:
that there
of the is God,that
moral standarda divine order
in you.The and
moral
To be Ethical: Own Not Merely Abide by Moral Standards
For Activity # 2 standard becomes one law withkeepthe andmoralgovern the As
agent. world, whichagent,this
the moral includes moral you. But what
standard
1. Bernard Haring says “Morality is for persons.” What does thisbecomes your natural ·Articulate
and immediate
happens what culture,
when basis inare
there enculturation,
yourdifferent
ethical decisioninculturation
cultures withand
making. acculturation
their own
Having free will or freedom to the
choose amongbehindaltemnatives,which implics prior
2.1."Ought
mear' Explain
implies “why"
can" is an ethical formula theseascribed
different marriage
to Immanuel meandifferent views of man's direction and destiny? For instance,the
analysis and study, is coming to terms'with
practices.Are what you finally affirm or deny. When you
Kant.What doesthe thismorally
mean? acceptable? Greek
The presupposition culture
is that introduced
you have come tothe ownidea of perfection.In
the moral standard after terms
havingof
arrive at a personal conviction and self-affirmation, you begin to own the moral
standard. The moral standard 3.Does Kant's
begins statement, “ought implies
to be integrated, I can" make
internalized. You you
followunderstand
the been convinced of its·Attribute
wisdom, having
numbers, facets of
a perfect personal
chosen thing behavior
it among
is 100% other; toinprinciples
culture
terms oforfigures,
standards. Any
it is a
norm not because it is why morality
imposed or ethics
by others, notcannot
becauseapplyothersto say
theso lower forms of animals?dilemma regarding the
or authoritatively whole standard
circle.hasAbecn resolved.
perfect thing Under
has the no Chinese
privation,Taoistnoconcept
lack, no of
·Explain how cultureword, shapesand
impose it on you.On4.“Two the other
roadshand, merely
diverged abiding
in the woods; byI took
moralthestandards means by harmony, this is where
one less traveled absencethe thought,the
of being.What if athe
new moral
the action
culture agentbecome
redefines one. This author
perfection as
applying them as basis to resolve
and that made allathe moral problem without
difference."-Robert Frostnecessarily
Does the quote having imply once visited a Taoist any
temple and hadand
created a chance
presentto askmodel,which
what a Taoist live may by asbea principle
recreated, of
internalized them. Merely abiding by them means once the enforcer is not around,the life. He replied, The
“what I “absolute
think must be freedom"
the same as that
what I the
say,and existentialist
what I say and
must be the
choice and ethics or morality? How? remolded like clay? Any change in the model may be perceived
moral standard is not followed.
.making same as what Iphenomenologist
do." The result is oneness are talking about does and
of thought,word notaction,
of course
and itsexistin
effect is an
as Itthe existscreation of a allnew model of perfection,not the
moral choice What is Culture? vacuum.
integrated personality, personalityin a world
made with whole. its spatio-temporal conditions, its
Culture is “facticity." Facticity refers to the “givens” of ou situation such as our is a
actualization of what was lacking. Every created model
is a Or
necessary
if you do notown Culture “is the
or internalize integrated
the standard, you willpattern
tend toofuse human it for Enculturation,
perfection
language, in itsInculturation
our environment. own right. andchoices
Acculturation
the integratedpattem
consequenceto evade
convenience, knowledge,beliefs,an
responsibility, to putbehaviors.This
the blame on the consists
standardofitself language,
when Making your mind, word, and action, aOur unityprevious
is not easy. Youandhaveour very selves
in mind the maxim,
in their Cultures
function as in change
-itself or evolve.There
constitute our facticity. are various
(Sartte, ways by
Stanford
for being
things do notfree, ideas,
end well. customs,
You simply become legalistic, and morals,
adopt the maxims,“followlaws,taboo “honesty is the best policy." As à teacher you always tell that to students. But deep in your
of human
a consequence which
Encyclopedia cultures
of Philosophy)
heart you know it bas been difficult to be change-by
That enculturation,inculturation
includes culture. In this Lesson, weand by
the ruleChoice
or law, even if the skyisfalls
or freedom down";“the law
a prerequisite
institutions,tools,techniques,and says so";
of ethics orthe
works lawart,
morality.
of is hard,
ritualsbutand
it isother
the
knowledge,
of (dura
being a sed lex). You follow the law because others, authorities, regulators say so; shall discuss culture and howanthropological
acculturation.
Enculturation,an it affects our definition term, was of moral
coined by
law lex capacite
human Every human
beliefs,and
person. personand has habits
freedom acquired
or choice byand a person as a member of
so is expected behavior.
not because you say so.
society.”(Taylor as quote by Palispis, 1997). These include the J.M.Herskovits Margaret Mead has, however, was the one who
to be ethical or moral.
behaviors." defined the term as “the process of learning a culture in all its
list of items you made in the Activn
Lower forms of animals have no choice. They are governed by phase of this Lesson. Culture
uniqueness ACTIVITY
and particularity"....Encultu-ration
is the
instincts and soThe one
ethicsword expected
or morality of Question
doesChurch
not apply #2Activity#1.
to them. ...Enculturation is a process of islearning aprocessfrom
of infancy till
Magisterium of the explains culture as "the set
death,the components of lifein one's culture. The contents of
To be trulyof ethical
measorused moral,bywemankind
must internalize
to become or possess
more not virtuous and 1. Brainstorming-When you hear the word “culture" what
just adherereasonable
to moral standards. "I did it My Way" because thismindlearning include both down the material and non-material
in order:become fully human. In itsI amfullest sense, comes to your at once? List them then compare
Culture is have to do it "My Way" and not because others tell
convinced, culture.The latter
with your seatmate.Form groupsrefersof to four values
and while
compare the your
former refers to
culture
the set of means usedmeans
by mankindopening up tomore
to become th divine,
virtuousand and ultimately, to a
me so. religious dimension." Based on this Churd definition, it is clear answers. As groups tools such in a as
class compare
a hoe or mask. yourInanswers
the said toprocess
come upof learning,a
reasonable In order to become fully human.
with the finalperson list of common
grows into items.
a culture, acquires competence in that
that culture is meant to serve human persons.
Sociologists categorize culture into material and non-
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING culture and that culture takes root in that person and becomes
material cultur “Nonmaterial culture consists of language, 2. Marriage the Practices-Give
cognitive map, different
the termmarriage practicesfor
of reference as acting.
a leaming
values, rules, knowledge,an meanings shared by members of result of culture.
For frominfancy
instance, African tilldeath, thecomponents
girls (South of the Sahara) grow up
society. Explain
Material whycultureis
only human thebeings,
physica notobject that can
the brutes, a society
be ethical.
learning that as a woman she has less rights and privileges as
produces-tools, streets, homes and toys, to name
the African man.For instance, a man can marry more than one
few."(Brinkerhoff, 1989). If you review your lists again in the
woman while she cannot.While the African wife cannot share
Actrvn phase,you will be able to categorize those that belong to
REFLECTION her love with other men,the man can share his with other
material cultur and to the non-material culture.
Culture is passed on to the next generation by learning not women in the system. It turns women into an appendage, a
throughWhat th genes
choice haveoryou heredity.“Culture"
made in life recently? includes
Are youall happybumanwith tha property of the man - one of the man's laborers.
phenomena
choice? Are which are no you
you grateful purely
haveresults of human
the capacity to choosegenetics.
freely? Umoren,U.E.(1992)
(Kroeber et al, 1952)
of life in one'sculture.

29
ETHICS. LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 6: Culture: How It Defines Moral Behavior

African woman the property of the husband and his family is levirate marriage.
Lewir marriage is the marriage between the widow and the brother of deceased
husband.Therefore at the husband's death the woman is gener matter.She raises Acculutration
Inculturation is a two way process: it roots the Gospel in a culture and
children to immortalise the deceased husband's nam Umoren,U.E.1992. is the cultural
introduces that transformed culture to Christianity. For example, to root the Gospel
modification of
in the African culture is 'to initiate two events. The first event is to transform the
This is enculturation in concrete terms. The African girl grows enculturation African culture of oppressing women into a culture where men and women are
process has both cognitive and emotional elements. The child who later becomes a treated as human persons equal in dignity, rights and privileges.The second event is
woman learns and internalizes the idea that sh because she is a woman, has less to develop the African culture's latent potential towards the human development
privileges than the African man.T learning takes place through example, direct of the woman,created like her male counterpart in the image and likeness of
teaching and in pattems behavior.What is learned becomes her cognitive map,her God.The pther aspect is to introduce the woman and her transformed culture to
term of referens that directs her behavior. Christianity, for example, by allowing the woman a meaningful place among the
agents of inculturation.(cf.Umoren,U.E.1992)
Another
process in term is inculturation. Inculturation refers to the "missiologia process in which by adapting to c
Inculturation
the Gospel
which
refers is rooted in a particular culture and the latter:transformed by its introduction to
thethe
to Acculturation is another big term. It is the "cultural modification of an borrowing traits
Christianity.”Umoren,U.E.(1992)
Gospel is individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another from another
an individual
missiological
rooted in a culture". It is also explained as the merging of cultures as a result of prolonged culture".
group,or peopl
particular
In the Special Assembly of the Synod in 1985, Pope John Paul defined contact". Immigrants to the United States of America become acculturated to
culture and in Redemptoris Mission, n.52,as...
inculturation American life. Refugees and indigenous peoples (IP)likewise adapt to the culture of
the latter is the dominant majority.
transformed
the intimate transformation of authentic cultural values through their
byits
integration in Christianity and the insertion of Christianity in the various human There are cultural practices that should be stopped because of the painful
we evaluate
introduction
cultures." This tomeans that inculturation is characterized by a dual movement,ie. a harm they do. The practice of human sacrifice has somehow been stopped. But the
Christanity
dialogic movement towards cultures via the incarnation of the Gospel and the circumcision of women still goes on in some parts of the world, like Africa. Some
transmission of its values,and a movement towards the Church that involves the approaches bave been successful, like what one NGO tried to introduce in Africa. It
incorporation of values that come from the cultures the latter encounters. Therefore, is called a buying in. To gradually stop the circumcision of women, the approach
a fruitful cross-fertilisaton can follow.(Umoren,U.E.,1992) was to buy in, like introducing into the place good health facilities and other forms
of assistance to alleviate their economic hardships in return to their stopping the Culture
practice. definitely
In other words, inculturation raises two related problems, that of th -
evangelisation of cultures (rooting the Gospel in cultures) and that of t cultural affects the way
understanding of the Gospel. It was this movement that led Pop John Paul II to say in
1982, "The synthesis between culture and fa is not only a requirement of culture, but
also of faith.... Faith that doe not become culture is not fully accepted, nor entirely How Culture Shapes the Moral Agent
reflected upon,faithfully experienced”
Culture definitely affects the way we evaluate and judge things.Consider the
This means that inculturation is not an action but a process th unfolds over African women not as privileged as the African men described in the earlier section
time,one that is active and based on mutual recognition and dialogue, a critical mind of this Lesson. Some societies consider it alright gathering vegetables at the
and insight, faithfulness and conversion transformation and growth, renewal and backyard of their neighbor considering the act as getting a share. In such societies,
innovation. the act would not be called stealing. In most societies,the act is stealing. In ancient
times, human sacrifice was not wrong. Today it is a criminal act. In some culture like
Islamic culture,and African culture (South of Sahara) having several wives is
allowed. In other cultures, it's concubinage or adultery.
39
ETHICS. LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 6: Culture: How It Defines Moral Behavior

Culture has a very long lasting hold on an individual. A person may have become highly educated, may have even obtained a doctorate degree,

9.Culture makes absolute freedom impossible. Discuss.

educated with Christian values of forgiveness,but if he comes from member of

his tribe has been killed or harmed by another tribe,and wha case arises where
a member of his tribe is harmed by another, he becor ultimately vindictive and
joins his tribe seeking revenge. No amoum graduate education can prevent
him from joining his tribe to seek revenp He forgets about his doctorate degree
in Values Education.

1.Culture affects human behavior. Is this proven in this instance wh one spends
so much money for rebonding of her hair or buying expensive Nike pair of
shoes instead of using the money to payk tuition in school so can take the finaI
exams (which is most urgent)?

2.Cite two more proofs that culture influences human behavior.

3. Cite a behavior of yours which is an influence of your culture.Is th behavior

morally right?

4. Enculturation is the learning of first culture. Acculturation is the learning of second

culture. Arethese statements correct?

5.Faith that does not become culture is not fully accepted,nor entirely reflected upon, or
faithfully experienced" - John Paul II.Does this explain inculturation? How?

6.Is socialization a process of enculturation?

7.Culture is learned not inherited. Is it within your power to change for the better?

8.Does culture limit human person's freedom?

39
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 6: Culture: How It Defines Moral Behavior

Enculturation is the process of learning the components of life-material as well as non-material-

in one's culture.
41
Inculturation is making the Gospel take roots in a culture and introducing that transformed
culture to Christianity.

Acculturation is the process by which people learn and adapt a new culture.

Culture influences the human person, who is the moral agent.

Culture affects human behavior. Not all cultural practices are morally acceptable.
Examples are the culture of vengeance and low regard for the 'African women in
Culture is the integrated pattern of human knowledge,beliefs and behaviors. It comparison to the African men.
is people's way of life.

Culture consists of non material and material ,culture. Non-material culture

includes language, values, rules, knowledge and meanings shared by members
of society. Materlal culture refers to the physical objects that a society
produces such as tooIs and works of art.

Culture is learned not inherited. It is acquired through

enculturation,Inculturation and acculturation.
Reflect on one cultural practice of yours. Is it moral in the sense that it makes you more human?

ETHICS LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Lesson 7:Cultural Relativism

39
 Chapter I: Understanding Morally and Moral anvurve

Is there any danger posed by this thought:“What is true for me is trx for me,and what is
true for you is true for you”?
Intended Learning Outcomes:

·Explain cultural relativism

·Cite the strengths and weaknesses of cultural relativism

After studying the meaning of culture,how it is learned and how shapes moral
behavior, let us focus on cultural relativism,its meaning its strengths and weaknesses.

ACTIVITY

1. Read this statement: “What is true for me is true for me, and what is tru for you is true for
you.” Do you agree with this statement? Those wh say NO, they don't agree, form one
group. and those who say YES,the agree form another group.

2. YES group and NO group engage in a debate. Whoever is convince should transfer to the
group. Example, at first you are a YES but afc listening to the NO group, you are convinced
and so you join the N group.

ANALYSIS

43
 Chapter I: Understanding Morally and Moral anvurve

position can actually be considered "right" or "wrong."

(https://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/cultural-relativism.htm)

In the context of cultural relativism, the manner by which the African woman is
treated in comparison to that of the African man should not be judged against other
culture's standards. This should be judged in the context of African culture, not in the
context of Christian culture.

What is cultural relativism? First, relativism says “what is true for you is true for you,
and practices
and what is true for me is true for me." Analogously,cultural reativism would say, “what
Cultural Relativism vs Cultural Perspective should be
you believe, value or practice depends on your culture while what I believe, value and
understood
practice, depends on my culture.” In other words, cultural relativism is “the idea that a
based on
person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own However, what the cultural relativist' fails to see is the difference between cultural
...cultural
that person's
culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another."Stated in another way: perspective and cultural relativism. A perspective is a standpoint or viewpoint of relativism is
something. For instance, there are as many perspectives of a building, a house, as there own culture,
the idea thatb
to say that are standpoints. You try to appreciate the design of a house considering its various ratherthan
a person's
human perspective,but you never judge the design based on only one perspective. Trying to judged again
beliefs, valueo
sacnifice is understand one's culture, having a perspective of one's culture, is needed to understand the criteria
Cultural relativism is the view that moral or ethical systems,which vary from culture to
'wrong."or another.
people. But it does not follow that morality must be based only on said cultùre:
culture, are all equally valid and no one system is really “better" than any other. This is
that respect
based
for the onelderly
the idea that there is no ultimate standard of good or evil,so every judgment
about right and wrong is a product of society.Therefore, any opinion on morality or ethics is .... the problem with moving from cultural perspective to cultural relativism is the erosion
is "right"After
subject to the cultural perspective ofeach person. Ultimately, this means that no moral or of reason that it causes. Rather than simply
all,those are
ethical system can be considered the "best," or "worst," and no particular moral or ethical
products of
the culture.
This takes any
If weofhold
talk morality
on to over
right strictthe
cultural
cliff,and into
relativism,
gibbensh
meaningless it is judge the morals of other cultures," regardless of u reasons
"we cannot Stated in another way:
fornot
their actions. There is no longer any perspective, and is right or wrong. If we
possible
hold on to strict cultural relativism, it is n the elderly is "right." Afer all,those Tolerance is certainly a virtue... Ifmorality is simply relative to each culture then if the culture
are products of the culture.Th takes any talk of morality right over the cliff,and does not have a principle of tolerance, its members have no obligation to be tolerant... from a
into meaninglen gibberish.(Mckinnon, et al., 2015) relativistic point of view, there is no more reason to be tolerant than to be intolerant and neither
stance is objectively morally better than the other.
Likewise, logical analysis of cultural relativism yield contradictory
Relativism,
implications:
in general, If.. valid critcism supposes an objective or impartial standard, relativists cannot morally
breaks criticize anyone outside their own culture.Adolf Hitler's genocidal actions, so long as they are
Relativism in general breaks down when examined from a purely logical culturally accepted, are as morally legitimate as Mother Teresa's works of mercy. If Conventional
perspective. The basic premise is that “truth is relative."every truth statement is Relativism is accepted, racism,genocide ofunpopular minorities,oppression of the poor,slavery and
valid,then the statement “some truths an absolute" must be valid. The statement even the advocacy of war for its own sake are as equally moral as 'their opposites. And ifa
“there are no absolute truth'is accurate, according to relativism -- but it is an subculture decided that starting a nuclear war was somehow morally acceptable,we could not
absolute truth itself These contradict the very concept of relativism, meaning that morally cricize these people. (MacKinnon, et al., 2015)
absolu:relativism is self-contradictory and impossible.

43
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter l: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 7: Cultural Relativism

1.Is cultural perspective the same as cultural relativism? There is a difference between cultural perspective and cultural
relativism.To have a cultural perspective is to understand people's beliefs, values and practices in
2. Illustrate with an example cultural perspective and cultural relativism. the context of their culture. Having a perspective of one's culture, is needed to understand people.
But it does not follow that morality must be based on sald culture.

·Cultural relativism is “the idea that a person's beliefs, values and

practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather 1.Explain cultural relativism.
than be judged against the criteria of another."
2.How does cultural relativism differ from cultural perspective?
Morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. That is, whether an
action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it 3. What is a strength of cultural relativism? What is a weakness of cultural relativism?
is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be
morally wrong in another.
down when
The danger of cultural relativism is the idea of relativism itself. Whether
examined
anfrom
action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which
a purely
it is practiced. What is good depends on what society's culture considers as
logical
good.What is bad likewise depends on what society's cuIture considers as REFLECTION
perspective.
bad.
...absolute
relativismis
Absolute relativism Is self contradictory and impossible. Absolute
contradictory
relativism states “there are no absolute truths: which is an absolute truth
and so absolute relativism contradicts Itself.
itself,
impossible.
Do you really agree with the concept of cultural relativism? Why or why not?

Lesson 8: The Fillplno Character

47

Intended Learning Outcomes:

·Analyze crucial qualities of the Filipino moral identity ·Evaluate elements of

the Filipino character
The Filipino
character has
weaknesses:
1)extreme
family
centeredness,
45 2) extreme
personalism,
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

After having learned that culture influences the human person a a moral agent of
and after having understood the meaning of cultume relativism let us now cxamine the
Filipino character to determine which one does not help him/her grow in moral
character.
The weaknesses of the Filipino character as cited in the Report are as follows:

1.Extreme family centeredness-Excessive concern for family means using one's office
ACTIVITY and power to promote family interests and thus factionalism patronage, political dynasties
and the protection of erring family members.It results in lack of concern for the common
good,and acts as a block to national consciousness.

2. Extreme personalism - "Takes things personally,"cannot separate objective task from

1. Group yourselves by 5. Identify at least 3 strengths of the Filipino character.
emotional involvement. Because of this the Filipino is uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with
rules and regulations and with standard procedures. He uses personal contacts and gives
preference to family and friends in hiring, services and even voting. Extreme personalism
leads to the graft and corruption evident-in Philippine society.

ANALYSIS 3)lack of
3. Lack of discipline - A casual attitude toward time and space,manifested in lack of precision 4) passivity
discipline,
and compulsiveness, in poor time management and procrastination. Aversion to folowing and lack of
procedures strictly results in lack of standardization and quality control.Impatience results in initiative,
short cuts, palusot, ningas cogon. Lack of discipline often results in inefficient work 5) colonlal
These strengths sometimes also become weaknesses. Do you agree?Explain your systems,the violation of rules and a casual work ethic lacking follow through. mentality,6)
answer and illustrate with an example. kanya-kanya
talangka
4.Passivity and lack ofinitiative - Waiting to be told what to do, reliance on others (leaders and syndrome,
mentality,
government), complacence, lack of a sense of urgency. There is high tolerance for inefficiency, 7)lack of
poor service, and even violations of one's basic rights. Too patient and matiisin, too easily self-analysis
resigned to his fate, the Fiipino is easily oppressed and exploited. and self-
reflection and
5. Colonial mentality - Lack of patriotism, or of an active awareness,appreciation and love of
the Philippines and an actual preference for things foreign 8) emphasis
on porma
The Filipino Character: Strengths and Weaknesses rather than
6. Kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality-Done' by tsismis, intriga,unconstructive
substance.
criticism ... It is evidentin the personal ambition that is completely insensitive tothe common
Below is an excerpt of the Report "A Moral Recovery Program:Building a People,
good,e.g., the lack of a sense ofservice among people in the government bureaucracy. This
Building a Nation" submitted on April 27, 1988 by the Task Force to President Corazon
results in the dampening of cooperative and community spirit and in the trampling upon
Aquino,the Senate and the members of the press by thenSenator Leticia Shahani, the
other's rights.
moving spirit behind the program.

7. Lack of self-analysis and self-reflection- The tendency to be superficial and somewhat

flighty. In the face of serious personal and social problems, there is lack of analysis or
reflection and instead satisfaction with superficial explanations and solutions.

8. Emphasis on porma rather than substance - ... This lack of analysis and emphasis on form is
reinforced by an educational system that is

45
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 8: The Fllipino Character

49

mentality.6) kanya-kanya syndrome, talangka mentality, 7)lack of self-analysis and self

-reflection and 8) emphasis on porma rather than substance.
more form than substance...
So that it will not be "more form than substance" as described in Senator Shahani's
These weaknesses are rooted in many factors: home,social and economic Report,Philippine schools have to intensify values education in the curriculum which in
environment; culture and language; history; religion;educational system;mass essence is moral education. In
media; leadership and role models. Change is possible, however, and the following
goals are proposed to develop in the Filipino: (1) a sense of patriotism and national
The strengths
pride; (2) a sense of the common good; (3) a sense of interity and accountabiliry,(4) the
oftheand
values Filipino
habits of discipline and hard work;(5) the value and habits of self-reflection
character
and analysis;are:
the internalization of spiritual values and the emphasis on essence rather
1) pakikipag-
than on form.(Shahani, Leticia. (1988). A Moral Recovery Program: Building a People,
kapwa-tao,
Building a Nation.)
2) family
onentation,3)
Injoy
theand
same report in 1988, Senator Leticia Shahani said,The strengths of the Filipino
humor,
character are: 1) pakikipagkapwa-tao, 2)family orientation, 3) joy and humor, 4)
4)flexibility,
flexibility, adaptability and creativity,5) hard work and industry,6) faith and religiosity
adaptability
and 7)ability to survive.
andcreativity.
5) hard work
andThere is so much good in the Filipino but so much needs to be changed, too.
industry.
Many of our strengths as a people are also sources of our weaknesses.Shahani's
6) faitand
report explains
religiosity and that “family orientation becomes in-group orientation that prevents
us7)from reaching
ability to out beyond the family to the large community and the nation.” For
the Filipino,charity beginsat home and at the same time ends there.
survive.

Values Education in Schools

Senator Shahani's Report was given in 1988. But its findings as reported may still
be true today. If the Department of Education has to be true to its vision to help
develop ... “Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and
competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully
to building the nation” and to its core values - maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makakalikasan
and makabansa - it is an uphill battle for Philippine schools 1o realize these considering
the weaknesses of the Filipino character:1) extreme family centeredness, 2) extreme
personalism, 3) lack of discipline, 4) passivity and lack of initiative,5) colonial

45
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 8: The Fllipino Character

Other Studies on Filipino Moral Character

fact, in response to this Report, Values Education now Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao in There bad been studies of the Filipino moral life, the more popular of which were
he/she must
the K to 12 Curriculum was introduced as a separate subject in the basic education those Fr. Jaime Bulatao, Fr. Leonardo Mercado, Fr. Francis Senden, and Fr. Vitaliano
be helped
curriculum under the Values Education Framework program of Dr. Lourdes Gorospe. Fr. Bulatao's research identified the “kami” mentality of Filipinos. In “kami” (a
acquire the
Quisumbing, then Department of Education,Culture and Sports Secretary in 1988- Filipino term which means “us”) he says, “I identify with my family and relatives...We
strengths of
1990.;The Values Education Framework was conceptualized in 1987. In 2002, the are opposed to all who are not kami.” Fr. Vitaliano Gorospe, SJ referred to this way of
the Filipino
Basic Education Curriculum (Grade 1-6,and First-Fourth Year High School)integrated thinking as “group-centeredness" or "group thinking” characterized as follows: character.At
values in the major learning areas or subjects. Beginning with the K to 12 Curriculum in the same time
2013, Values Education was renamed Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) for Grades 1- One norm of morality in the Philippines is based on "group-centeredness" or he/she must
10. In the Senior High Curriculum (Grades 11-12), there is no course with the "group-thinking." One's in-group determines for the individual what is right or be made to
title,Values Education or Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao but core courses such as wrong.The individual who has not yet attained moral independence and maturity 'will realize his/
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person and Personal Development, are ask:“What will my family, or my relatives and friends, or my barkada think or her strengths
in essence Values Education subjects ad Moral Education subjects themselves. say?”“What will others say”usually determines Filipino moral behavior; it is which also
“conscience from the outside."For instance,parents tell their daughter who is being become his/
To
herhelp every
To help every Filipino child grow morally and ethically,he/she must be helped courted:"Iha, please entertain your boyfriend at home. Do not go outside. What will the source of
Filipino child
acquire the strengths of the Filipino character at the same time,he/she must be made neighbors say? Nakakahiya naman. “Shame or hiya makes the parents and the girl weaknesses.
grow morally
to realize that his/her strengths also become his/her source of weaknesses. conform to the social expectations of the neighbors lest they become the object of and ethically,
tsismis or gossip.

morality,between internal and external morality. The norm of should Impact of Culture on Morality
form his own moral "consience from the inside."(Gorospe, 1977)
The nom Speaking of the significant impact of culture on the morality of pcopk let us think of the
of morality Japanese “shame culture." “Guilt cultures emphasiz punishment and forgiveness as ways of
should be restoring the moral order;sham cultures stress self-denial and humility as ways of restoring the
by others like Fr. Leonardo Mercado. (1977) The sakop may refte
intemnalized socil order.” What keeps Japanese from acting contrary to moral standards is the fear of being
negative sense; it explains the barkada attitude, euphemism, the laugh of
so that the put to shame. At most they would do when put to shame is hara-kiri, (suicide). Contrast this to
affirmation
mature of gutter language; it explains subservience to an illegal immoral the “guilt culture" in the Philippines When a Filipino commits an immoral act, he would of course
order. Hence, Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz (1986) observed in her anic published in
individual feel guilty but after confessing his sin, he may feel as if he is back to the normal thing and can sin
the St. Louis University Research Journal:
should again.
form his
One can estimate the consequences of this sakop mentality by imagining how it works
own moral
inconscience
decision making. Since sakop welfare is the ultimate value, then a lot of principles may be Can it be said that a society that easily resorts to mob rule,mob
sacrificed
mentality,where only a few have the guts to stand up and insist on what
from thefor the sake of it. One can kill and hide the body of the crime by reason of being part
conscience dictates, is in need of moral development? Filipino homes and schools
ofinside.
the sakop. One can tell a lot of lies for the sake of the sakop. One can pick some vegetable
have to do something,to teach the moral development they want of hope to see.
from his neighbor's backyard and is... not bothered by a sense of guilt because one does not
steal from a member of the sakop. The sakop determines for the individual what is right or
wrong.
45
ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE Chapter I: Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

Lesson 8: The Fllipino Character

b.Moving Up or Completion Ceremonies should be simple, involving only the

learners, their parents and the school...

Which of the weaknesses of the Filipino does this DepEd Order wish to help
eliminate? Explain.
1. According to the report, one weakness of the Filipino character is lack of
analysis and emphasis on form (porma). The report states that this lack of analysis
and emphasis on form is reinforced by an educational system that is more form than 4. Group A reported in class first while the other groups listened.The other groups
substance... were asked to raise questions and comments. Group B gave a lot of not-so-good
comments and many points for improvement. Group A concluded Group B is
biased against their group. Which Filipino weakness is revealed? What should be
·What is meant by an educational system that is more form than substance?
done?

·Do you agree that the Philippine educational system is more form than 5.Cite instances where 1) extreme family centeredness, 2) lack of discipline, 3)
substance? If yes, why? if not,why not? passivity and lack of initiative, 4) colonial mentality,5)kanya-kanya syndrome,
talangka mentality,6) lack of self-analysis and self-reflection are manifesed in
2.Teacher observes that when students submit report, the more ornate and Philippine society. When can we say that Filipino has developed an integrated
artistic the folder is, the less substantial the report.Which,weakness in the Filipino personality?
character is pointed to? If you were the teacher how do you counteract such?
6.What is meant by integrated personality? Or what is integrity?In mathematics,
3. In line with the government's austerity program, DepEd Order # 2, an integer is a whole number. Does this help in understanding the meaning of
s.2019,reiterates the following policies: integrity? When can we say

a.Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful to encourage civil 7.The Taoist principle states:“What I think must be the same as what I say and what I say
rights, a sense of community, and personal responsibility. While these rites must be the same as what I do.” What does this principle mean?
mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should be conducled without
excessive spending, extravagant attire or extraordinary venue.

ETHICS: LIFE AS IT OUGHT TO BE

Lesson 9: Universal Values

·The Filipino has a number of strengths. His/her strengths when they become
extreme, however, also become his/her weaknesses.
52
His/her strengths help him/her become ethical and moral but his/her weaknesses
obstruct his/her moral and ethical growth.

Culture has a significant impact on morality.

The Filipino group-centeredness and "kami"- mentality make it difficult to do.

51
 Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards

There is much need for home, school and society as a whole to help even Filipino grow into the
strong moral person everyone is called to become.

·For the Filipino to become the moral and ethical person, he/she should capitalize
on his/her strengths and eliminate his/her weaknesses.

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

Intended Learning Outcomes:

Accomplish this Table.

1. Identify universal values 2. Explain why universal values are a

necessity for human survival

What should be
What is positive What is negative
Filipino trait done to make it a
about it about it
positive trait

1. Are there
After a lesson on cultural relativism and after a discussion onthe Filipino strengths
and weaknesses, let us find out if there are universal values.
2.

3.

ACTIVITY
4.

5. Read then answer the questions.

Be honest, even if others are not.

Be honest

Among the weaknesses of the Filipino character which applies to you What have you done to Even ifothers will not
counteract such to become the moral persor you are called to be?
Even ifothers cannot

He who walks honestly, walks securely.-Abhishek Tiwari

53
 whichsprings
patience,
kindness,
goodwill,
Chapter I:Understanding Morality and Moral Standards
forgiveness,
and
1. Is bonesty or truth telling considered a universal value? Why or why not? taught
compassion.
Confucius
2.What are possible consequences of dishonesty?

ANALYSIS
nighteousness,
human-
heartedness,
filial piety.
Despite the claims of cultural relativism, the concept on the reality of universal
values persists. Are there universal values? Is honesty a universal value? Plato talked
about the values or virtues of temperance, courage,

53