LESSON 1 EthicsA Journey of Inquiry 1

Ethics:A
Journey of
Inquiry
Ethics is the study of morality, right and wrong, and the
values that guide our actions. It is a field that invites deep
contemplation, challenging us to examine our beliefs and
choices.
It is derived from the Greek word "Ethos" which means way
of acting. Its Latin equivalent is "mos" meaning custom or
tradition
by maricel morada
The Ethos of man as man revealed in
the following:
1. He is able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong, moral and immoral.
2. He feels within himself an obligation to do what is good and to avoid what is evil.
3. He feels himself accountable for his actions, expecting reward or punishments for them.
In other words, man is endowed by nature with a moral sense. He is self-conscious of his dignity and
submits to the duty to do what is good and avoid what is wrong.
Ethics
It is defined as the science of morality of human acts.
HUMAN ACTS are those actions performed by man, knowingly, and freely. They are also called deliberately
or intentional actions, or voluntary actions.
ACTS OF MAN are instinctive or involuntary actions.
MORALITY is the quality of human acts as good, bad or indifferent. What is good is MORAL, bad is
IMMORAL, and that which is indifferent is AMORAL.
A person who has the habit or inclination to do good is said to be VIRTUOUS.
On the contrary, one who has the habit of doing wrong is VICIOUS.
Ethics as Values
Education
Ethics serves as a foundation for values education, helping individuals
develop a framework for moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.
1 Critical Thinking
Ethics encourages critical thinking about moral principles and their
application in real-life situations.
2 Moral Development
By engaging with ethical concepts, individuals can cultivate their
moral compass and foster personal growth.
3 Social Responsibility
Values education helps individuals understand their role in society
and develop a sense of responsibility towards others.
The Art of Correct Living
Ethics guides us towards a life lived in accordance with moral principles,

promoting well-being for ourselves and others.
1 Self-Reflection
Examining our beliefs, motivations, and actions to ensure
they align with our values.
2 Moral Judgment
Applying ethical principles to make decisions in complex situations.
3 Action and Consequences

Living a life that reflects our ethical convictions and
recognizing the impact of our choices.
Importance of Ethics
Ethics is essential for maintaining a just and equitable society. It provides a

framework for navigating relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering a sense of
community.
Trust and Cooperation

Ethics builds trust and promotes cooperation among individuals and organizations.
Fairness and Justice

Ethical principles ensure fairness, prevent exploitation, and promote equality in
all aspects of life.
Social Responsibility
Ethics emphasizes our responsibility to contribute to the well-being of society
and the environment.
Ethical Approaches: Atheistic and
Theistic
Ethical approaches can be categorized into atheistic and theistic perspectives, each drawing from
different sources of morality.
Atheistic Approach Theistic Approach
Assumes that only matter exists and that man is begins with the assumption that God is the
responsible only to himself since there is no God Supreme Lawgiver. Everything must conform to
who creates and rules the universe. God's eternal plan of creation.
Ethical Approaches: Atheistic and
Theistic
Atheistic theories propose the Theistic theories postulate the

following principles: following truths:
1. Matter is the only reality. 1. God is the Supreme Creator and Lawgiver.
2. Man is matter and does not have spiritual dimension. 2. Man is free and must use his freedom to
3. Man is free and must exercise his freedom to promote his personal and social interests along
promote the welfare of society. 3. with his fellowmen.
Man has an immoral soul which cannot die.
4. There is no life after death. 4. Man is accountable for his actions, both good and evil.
5. Man is accountable only to the state.
Ethics and Religion
Religion plays a significant role in shaping ethical systems,

providing moral guidance and a framework for living a virtuous
life.
Religion Ethical Principles
Christianity Love, compassion,

forgiveness, justice
Islam Honesty, trustworthiness,

social responsibility, respect
for others
Buddhism Non-violence, compassion,
mindfulness, selflessness
Ethics and Law
Ethics and law are intertwined, with both influencing each other. Law often
reflects societal values, while ethics provides a framework for judging the
morality of laws.
Ethical Considerations
Laws should be just and reflect ethical principles.
Legal Frameworks
Laws provide structure and consequences for unethical behavior.
Moral Responsibility
Individuals are ethically obligated to obey just laws, while
advocating for ethical reform when necessary.
Ethics and Law
Ethical norms cover thoughts and feelings. Laws do not judge
man's thoughts and desires.
Example: A man commits adultery when he regards a woman

lustfully. This is not the case with law which requires an external
act of as proof that a crime has been committed.
Morality has a wider implication than law, because law can either
be moral or immoral. Thus, what is legal is not necessarily moral;
but what is moral is necessarily worth legalizing.
Example: divorce
Ethics is not simply a body of do's and don'ts in the manner of laws are.
Ethics is a personal commitment to uphold what is true and good.

Ethics: A Lifelong
Journey
The pursuit of ethical excellence is a continuous journey of

learning, reflection, and growth. It is a path that challenges
us to strive for a better world, both for ourselves and for
others.
Quiz: Answer the following briefly:
1. What do you expect to learn from Ethics?

2. Give five examples of legal actions but not moral.
3. Give 3 examples of moral, immoral and amoral actions

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Ethics:A

ACTS OF MAN are instinctive or involuntary actions.

A person who has the habit or inclination to do good is said to be VIRTUOUS.

Ethics guides us towards a life lived in accordance with moral principles,

3 Action and Consequences

Ethics is essential for maintaining a just and equitable society. It provides a

Trust and Cooperation

Fairness and Justice

Atheistic Approach Theistic Approach

Atheistic theories propose the Theistic theories postulate the

Religion plays a significant role in shaping ethical systems,

Christianity Love, compassion,

Islam Honesty, trustworthiness,

Example: A man commits adultery when he regards a woman

Ethics is a personal commitment to uphold what is true and good.

The pursuit of ethical excellence is a continuous journey of

1. What do you expect to learn from Ethics?

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