Chapter IV Introduction and Lesson 1

Chapter IV: FRAMEWORKS AND PRINCIPLES BEHIND MORAL FRAME WORKS
Lesson 1: The Meaning of Ethical Framework

Intended Learning Outcomes:
• Explain the meaning of ethical framework
• Distinguish among five ethical frameworks
Activity: Match Column 1 with Column 2. Write the letter on the space provided in Column 1.
Column 1 Column 2
Ethical Statements Ethical Frameworks
____1. The ethical person develops good A. Virtue or Character Ethics of Aristotle
character.
____2. An act is ethical if one gives the other B. Natural Law or Commandment ethics
what he/she is due. of St. Thomas
____3. An act is ethical if it is an obligation C. Deontological and Duty Framework of
expected of every man or woman. Immanuel Kant
____4. That which is right follows the rule D. Utilitarian, Teleological and
“do good and avoid evil.” Consequentialist
____5. That which is ethical is that which has E. Love and Justice Framework
good consequences.
____6. An act is ethical if one gives the other
more than what he is due.
____7. To act ethically, one must act in a way
that he wishes others to act in the same
way.
____8. An act is ethical if it brings about the
greatest good for the greatest number
of those affected by the act.
____9. What is good is written in a person’s
very being.
ABSTRACTION
An ethical framework is a set of codes that an individual uses to guide his or her behavior.
It is just another term for “moral standards”. It is what people use to distinguish right from wrong
in the way they interact with the world. It is used to determine the moral object of an action. An
ethical framework guides an individual in answering these two questions: “What do I ought to
do?” and “Why do I ought to do so?” Therefore, ethical frameworks serve as guideposts in moral
life.
The various dominant mental frames may be classified as follows: 1) virtue or character
ethics of Aristotle, 2) natural law or commandment ethics of St. Thomas and others, 3)
deontological or duty framework of Immanuel Kant, 4) utilitarianist, teleological and
consequentialist approach and 5) Love and justice framework. They will be introduced here but
will be discussed more in the succeeding lessons.
Virtue or Character Ethics of Aristotle
Virtue ethics asks, who is the ethical person? For Aristotle, the ethical person is virtuous,
one who has developed good character or has developed virtues. One attains virtues when he/she
actualizes his/her potential or possibilities, the highest of which is happiness. Happiness is the joy
of self-realization, self-fulfillment, the experience of having actualized one’s potentials.
Natural Law or Commandment Ethics of St. Thomas
For St. Thomas, what is right is what follows the natural law, the rule which says, “do good
and avoid evil.” In knowing the good as distinguished from evil, one is guided by the Ten
Commandments which is summed up as loving God and one’s fellowmen.
Deontological and Duty Framework of Immanuel Kant
Kant’s framework is “deon” or duty or deontological framework. Deontology centers on
“the rights of individual and intention associated with particular behavior… equal respect… given
to all persons.” The “deontological approach is based on universal principles such as honesty,
fairness, justice and respect for persons and property.” It is based on the categorical imperative,
that is, one must act such that his/her maxim will be the maxim of all. This acting based on a
maxim that can be the maxim of all is a duty, an obligation of every man or woman. Acting out of
duty (deon) is acting out of good will or intentions. Treating man as an end, not a means to an end
is acting with good will or intentions.
Utilitarianist, Teleological and Consequentialist Framework
The utilitarianist teleological approach focuses on consequences. “The decision maker is
concerned with the utility of decision. What really counts is the net balance of good consequences
over bad.” The rightness of an action depends on the said net balance of good consequences.
Love and Justice Framework
What is essential is that which is just and that which is loving. Justice is giving what is due
to others (justice) while love is giving even more than what due to others.
APPLICATION
1. Explain ethical frameworks by means of an analogy.
e.g., Ethical framework is to ethical and moral behavior as conceptual and theoretical
framework is to research paper.
Other – What is an “ethical framework” for a guide tour?
-What is an “ethical framework” of a functioning organization for a year or
more?
Or think of words like guidepost, blueprint.
2. For easier recall and for mastery, develop at least one mnemonic device on the ethical
frameworks.
e.g., Deontological framework – Duty framework
3. For mastery, formulate a matching type of test like the one you did in the Activity phase.
Exchange test with your seatmate and answer the test separately then correct answer together.
4. Compose a cinquain describing the ethical person based on any of the ethical frameworks. (Note:
A cinquain is A 5-line poem that consist of the following:)
Line one – one word
Line 2 – 2 words that describe line one
Line 3 – 3 words (-ing verbs_ that relate to line 1)
Line 4 – 4 words (feeling or a complete sentences) that relate to one line
Line 5 – 1 word, synonym of line 1 or a word that sums it up
e.g.
Person
Just, Loving
Thinking, delivering, choosing
I am grateful he is
Ethical
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• An ethical framework is a set of moral standards that serves as a guide for all persons to
behave ethically and morally
• Most common ethical frameworks are:
- Virtue or character ethics of Aristotle
- Natural law or commandment ethics of St. Thomas and others,
- Deontological and duty framework of Immanuel Kant,
- Utilitarianist, teleological and consequentialist approach, and
- Love and justice framework
CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

1. What is an ethical framework?
2. Give 5 ethical frameworks and explain each in a sentence.
REFLECTION
Reflect on your ethical framework. Which thought has been your guide in your desire to
be good and do good?

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Chapter IV: FRAMEWORKS AND PRINCIPLES BEHIND MORAL FRAME WORKS

Lesson 1: The Meaning of Ethical Framework

e.g., Deontological framework – Duty framework

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING

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