Module 6 - Determinants of Morality
Module 6 - Determinants of Morality
Module 6 - Determinants of Morality
Determinants of
Morality Mrs. Soledad A. Tambaoan
Instructor
Email Address:
[email protected]
Contact Number:
0961-436-8702
Module Duration:
October 17 – 28, 2022
GE004
Ethics
MODULE 6 – DETERMINANTS OF MORALITY
MODULE SCHEDULE
This module is designed to be discussed for a period of two weeks. Lesson Delivery will be done in synchronous and
asynchronous learning. The platform to be used will be facebook messenger, google classroom and google meet
created for the class.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
INPUT INFORMATION
I. INTRODUCTION
An axiom says -"Bonum ex integra causa, malum ex quocumque
defectu", that is, a thing is good from the perfection of its parts, evil
from any defect of its part. A human act, in order to be morally
acceptable, must be morally perfect in all its aspects.
Actions which are neutral or indifferent to the norm of morality are extrinsically good or evil. These actions are either good
or bad, not on account of their nature, but because of factors or circumstances concomitant to them. The act of eating, for
example, is an amoral act and is neither morally good or bad. But either over-eating or excessive dieting could be
unhealthy and therefore, morally objectionable.
Actions which are intrinsically evil are prohibited at all times. Actions which are extrinsically evil may be permitted when
the factors which render them evil are removed or corrected.
It is a fact that some actions entail pain and suffering, while some do bring pleasured to their doers. Pain or pleasure do
not define whether an act is moral or immoral. The sexual act, for example, could either be moral or immoral regardless
whether it is a painful or pleasurable
experience.
2. A good action done on account of an evil motive becomes evil itself . This
means that something nice and sweet may turn ugly and sour because of a
bad motive. Do not be a hypocrite!
4. An indifferent act may either become good or bad depending on the motive . This means you be careful of what you eat or what
you say.
Circumstantial factor:
Laws are "ordinance of reason" because they are results of serious study,
deliberation, or public debate. They are "promulgated" because they are made
known to the people who are bound to observe them. They are "for the common
good" because the purpose of the law is the general welfare of the people. They are
enacted "by who has charge of society" because only those who have legitimate
authority to govern may pass laws.
3. Affirmative and Negative Laws. Both divine and human positive laws are either
affirmative or negative. Affirmative laws are those that require the performance of
an act, like that of giving respect to parents and that of paying taxes when due.
Negative laws are those that prohibit the performance of an act, like the
prohibition against smoking in designated public places.
VII. Binding in Conscience
Moral laws are those derived from natural law. They are the inherent and
essential tendencies of human nature so that they are thought as being "written"
in the hearts of men. They regulate thoughts and feelings.
Moral laws are enforced by personal commitment in the absence of the threat of
corporal punishments or sanctions. Moral laws are said to bind in conscience,
because they impose upon the person a moral obligation to accept the law and
comply with it. Moral laws then are enforced by personal conviction rather than
by the threat of corporal punishment.
On the other hand, human laws regulate only the external acts when these are manifested and observed. They do not regulate
thoughts and feelings so that, for example, a person may not be arrested for wanting to commit murder until such time when he
actually attempts it. Human laws do not bind in conscience and are purely penal, that is, they are enforced by police powers and
justice is served when the culprit suffers the punishment.
IX. Reading
The Reality of Evil
There are good actions and there are evil actions. Their realities do not
come from the mind in spite of some people saying "evil is all in the
mind".
The expression "ang masama ay nasa isip lang" should not mean that evil is a fiction. It should mean rather that an evil act begins in
the mind as an evil thought and is translated into an immoral act .. Indeed, the mind is "the devil's workshop".
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Answer the following question (10 points each).
1. What factors determine the moral quality of an act?
2. When is an action a “just act?”
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
Be ready for a 15-item quiz.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Explain: “the end does not justify the means.”
LEARNING RESOURCES
Agapay, Ramon (2016): Ethics and the Filipinos. National Bookstore