COURSE OUTLINE: REL 403 (ETHICS)

1. Introduction

2. Definition of Ethics

3. Characteristics and Limitations of Ethics

4. Classification of Ethics

5. Objectives of Ethics

6. Relationship between Ethics and Religion

7. Theories of Ethics

• Religious Ethics: Christian Ethics and Islamic Ethics

• Branches of Christian Ethics

• General features of Religious Ethics

• Contemporary Ethical Issues: Homicide, Abortion, Suicide, Euthanasia (Mercy

Killing), Marriage, and the Family.

INTRODUCTION
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies our moral behaviours or actions.

Another word for ethics is moral philosophy. Ethics is concerned about our moral

actions—what is right and what is wrong. It is also concerned about how we want

to behave in the society.

The Questions we ask in ethics are:

1. What is the right thing to do?

2. What is just and what is unjust?

3. What makes an action good or bad?

4. How should we treat other people?

5. What kind of person should I be?

The term is derived from the Greek word ethos, which means custom, habit, or

character. Ethics can be found in all aspects of human life.

CLASSIFICATION OF ETHICS

1. Personal Ethics: It has to do with our personal values.

2. Home Ethics: Are the values that we derived from our family.
3. School Ethics: Are the expected conduct of behaviour that the schools expect

from the student.

4. Societal / Social Ethics: This has to do with how people in the society should

behave in order to promote society. In Nigeria, the government initiates ethical

programs to control the conduct of people in the society.

5. Professional Ethics: Are meant to control the activities of professional persons

in a specific career or profession.

6. Religious Ethics: Are the principles, the tenets, and the commandments that

are meant to guide the religious believers, e.g., Christian ethics and Islamic ethics.

7. Traditional Ethics: It guides the actions of people in the society.

In sum total, ethics is a vital aspect of human existence and it marks the

difference between man and animals.

DEFINITIONS OF ETHICS

1. Omoregbe (1993): It defines ethics as a branch of philosophy which deals with

the morality of human actions, or a branch of philosophy which studies the norms

of human behaviours.
2. Aderibigbe: An aspect of philosophy that examines human actions and conduct

and judges them either good or bad.

3. Harmonal: It is a science that studies the rightness and wrongness of human

action in the society. It studies the "do’s" and "don'ts" in the society.

Ethics is a systematic study of human moral behaviour.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHICS

1. Universality: Ethics is found in all human society. Every human society has their

ethical values that guide the moral conduct of every citizen. Their expression may

vary among cultures.

2. Rationality: Ethics is concerned about actions that are performed by a rational

mind. Before you can judge an action to be morally good or bad, the person

involved in that action must have a sound mind and must be conscious of his or

her moral actions.

3. Social Implications: Ethics is concerned about actions that have social

implications; that is, the action must affect the other person in the society either

positively or negatively. In this sense, ethics is not concerned about private

actions.
4. Voluntary Action (Free Will): Before an action is placed under ethics, the action

must come from the free will of that person; the action must not be performed

under compulsion.

5. Normative: Ethics acts to set standards of moral behaviours. It is meant to

provide guidelines for us to choose the right actions. It is meant to teach us what

is right and what is wrong (to create standards for moral actions).

6. Concern with Goodness, Justice, and Fairness.

7. Not concerned about Eternity: Unlike religion, ethics is only focused on our

actions on earth as they affect our neighbours.

8. Dynamic (Changing): Ethical standards change in time as society changes.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDYING ETHICS

1. It helps us to differentiate right actions from wrong actions. It helps us to

understand what action is morally right or wrong.

2. It helps us to choose the right action at all times.

3. It promotes our moral values and encourages virtues such as honesty,

responsibility, fairness, respect for human rights, and respect for the human

person.
4. Ethics brings about peace and harmony in the society, and it helps us to

maintain peaceful co-existence in a pluralistic society in Nigeria.

5. Ethics makes individuals be aware of their moral duties towards others in the

society.

6. To maintain a balance between animalistic and angelic traits.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHICS AND RELIGION

Ethics and religion are related in some aspects and they disagree in some aspects.

Areas of Agreement

1. Ethics is the foundation of all religions. In other words, there is no religion

without ethics (e.g., Christian ethics and Islamic ethics).

2. Both religion and ethics aim at guiding human behaviour in the society. They

guide people on how to choose the right actions.

3. They both promote peaceful co-existence within the society.

Areas of Disagreement

1. In religion, God is indispensable. In ethics, God is disposable.

thinking.

3. The scope of ethics is universal and applied to all human beings, while religion

may apply to followers of a particular set of people.

4. Religion is concerned about eternity, while ethics is not.

5. One can be religious without ethical conscience.

6. The voice of religion says, "Do good because God wants you to do good." The

voice of ethics says, "Do good because it is good to do good."

Would you like me to summarize these notes into a study guide or create some

practice questions based on this material

[2/23, 6:58 PM] Alfa Idris Cissey: THEORIES OF ETHICS

CLASSIFICATION OF ETHICS

Ethics as a discipline is classified into (3) major categories.

3 MAJOR CATEGORIES OF ETHICS

1. Meta-Ethics: Meta-ethics is concerned about the meanings of the words that

we use in ethics. It is concerned about our ethical expressions and language that
we use in the field of ethics. It is based on the analysis of the concepts that are

used in ethics.

2. Normative Ethics: It is concerned about creating standards for our moral

actions. It is meant to give us guidelines on how to choose our moral actions.

3. Applied Ethics: It has to do with our daily real-life situations. Applied ethics

addresses issues such as business transactions and our relationship with our

environment (how we treat our environment).

THE THEORIES OF ETHICS

The theories of ethics are propounded by philosophers of all ages to establish

guidelines for choosing our moral actions.

1. Hedonism: Hedonism is taken from the word "Hedo," which means "pleasure".

According to this theory of ethics, any action that gives you pleasure is morally

good and any action that gives you pain is bad. Accordingly, one should choose

that which gives pleasure rather than pain.

2. Intuitionism: Intuition is the instinct in man that makes man know something

without thinking deeply. Another word for intuition is "immediate awareness".

Intuitionism says that our intuition tells us when an action is morally good or bad.
Any action that your intuition tells you to be good is morally good. Intuitionism

says that every man has an intuition or moral sense that tells him if an action is

good or bad.

3. Utilitarianism (Utility of the action): One should prefer an action that gives

happiness to the greatest number of people; such should be taken to be morally

good. Utilitarianism is concerned about the utilitarian value of that action.

4. Good Will Theory: This theory was propounded by a philosopher called

Immanuel Kant. According to this theory, an action is morally good if it is

performed from a good intention or with what he called "goodwill". Although the

outcome of the action may be bad, the will of carrying out that action makes it

good. To him, any action that is performed without expecting any reward is

morally good.

5. The Will of God: The "Will of God" theory, otherwise known as the "theistic"

theory, says an action is morally good or bad if the action is either accepted or

rejected by God.

6. Pragmatism: The pragmatic theory of ethics was propounded by an American

philosopher called John Dewey. According to this theory, an action is good when
it works out to be good; in other words, an action is good when the actions are in

favorable. This is inline with the theory that says "the end justifies the means".

7. Existentialism: This is the belief that every human being is unique in his or her

own way. As a result, nobody dictates for him. Accordingly, an action is morally

good or bad depending on the choice of individuals. Existentialism is the theory

that says everybody has his absolute freedom to choose his/her moral action

without any external influence.

8. Situation Ethics: Situation ethics says that no action is inherently good or bad in

itself; it is a situation that makes an action good or bad. An action can be good in

a situation and that same action can be bad in another situation. For example, this

theory was propounded by an American psychologist called Joseph Fletcher.

RELIGION ETHICS

Ethical theories are based on human reason and intellect, but religious ethics are

unique because they are based on divine revelation. Under religious ethics, we

have Christian ethics and Islamic ethics.

1. CHRISTIAN ETHICS
Christian ethics are the laws, instructions, and principles that guide the activities

of man in society, most especially Christians.

The sources of Christian ethics are:

1. The Bible.

2. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

3. The church teachings and traditions.

Basic Characteristics of Christian Ethics:

1. Love (Agape): Divine love that is central to Christian ethics. Agape means

unconditional love. It is a love that is selfless towards fellow human beings. The

whole of the Bible is summarized in two statements: (1) Love the Lord your God,

and (2) Love your neighbor as yourself.

2. Holiness: Holiness is central to Christian ethics because God is holy and he

demands that his people must be holy. Holiness implies abstaining from all forms

of unrighteousness. The word for holiness in the Hebrew language is called

"Qadosh".

3. Christian Ethics is God-Centered: The Christian believes that moral laws

emanate from God and His people should by all means obey His laws.
4. Sanctity of Human Life (Life is Sacred): Christians believe that man is created in

God's image and likeness, and so his life is sacred. Christian ethics promote

respect for human life and the dignity of human life.

5. Absoluteness (Supreme): Christian ethics is absolute because it is

uncompromising.

6. Thought and Action: Christian ethics involves both the thoughts and actions of

an individual.

7. Christian Service to Humanity: Christian ethics encourages helping the poor and

underprivileged in society.

8. Comprehensiveness: Christian ethics is comprehensive because it touches all

aspects of human life.

9. No Retaliation: It does not encourage retaliation.

2. ISLAMIC ETHICS

Islamic ethics are the moral principles and guidelines that guide the life of human

beings, especially Muslims. Islamic ethics is primarily based on

Ethical theories are based on human reasoning and intellect, but religious ethics

are unique because they are based on divine revelation from God.

Under religions ethics we have Christian ethics and Islamic ethics

Christian Ethics

Are the laws, instructions, principles that guide the activities of man in the society

most especially Christians.

Sources of Christian ethics

1. Bible

2. Life and teaching of Jesus

3. Church teachings and traditions

Basic characteristics of Christian ethics

it is central to Christian ethics and agape means unconditional love, a love that is

selfless towards the fellow human beings.

The whole of the Bible is summarize in two statements

a. Love the Lord your God

And love your neighbors as you love yourself.

2. Holiness:

holiness is central to Christian ethics because God is holy and it demands that his

people must be holy. Holiness implies abstaining from all forms of

unrighteousness

3. God centered:

the Christians believe that moral laws emanate from God and his people should

by all means obey his law.

Christian believes that man is created in God's image and likeness and so his life is

sacred. So Christian ethics promote respect for human life and dignity of human

life.

5. Absoluteness:

Christian ethics is absolute because it is uncompromising

6. Involves both the thoughts and actions:

7. Service to Humanity: encourages helping the poor and the underprivileged in

the society.

8. Comprehensiveness : because it touches on all aspects of human life

The moral principles, guidelines that guide the life of human beings especially the

Muslims. It is primarily based on the will of

SOURCES OF ISLAMIC ETHICS:

Characteristics of Islamic ethics

1. God centered:

Muslim beliefs moral laws are derived from Allah and obedience to the law of

Allah are the foundation to Islamic ethics

3. Justice: it emphasizes fairness, equality and honesty it condemns oppression

and exploitation

3. Good characters . It promotes virtues such as humility kindness patience and

truthfulness

4. Sanctity of life: man's life is sacred and such should be protected.

5. Moral accountability: every human being is accountable for his or her actions.

And will be questioned on the day of judgment.

6. Moderation in our action: to balance up between our material and spiritual life

7. Social responsibility: emphasis is placed on the care of the poor, the orphans

and the needy.

Religions ethics are both God centered, they demand justice and fairness.
RELIGIOUS ETHICS AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE

Both Christianity and Islam preach respect for human life, human life is sacred

valuable and it demands respect and dignity. Our religion teaches that human life

must be protected at all cost.

Respect for human life is studied under for 4 categories

1) Homicide: is the killing of one human being by another. Homicide is decided

into two

a) Manslaughter: this is an unintentional killing of one human being by another e

g accident

b) Murder: this is deliberate killing of another person. in the contemporary

society, homicide is rampant.

Causes of homicide are:

1. Religious Crisis

2. Political crisis
3. Political Rivalry

4. Envy and greed

the greatest homicide in human history was the killing of over 6 million Jews by

(Adolf Hitler)

The position of Religious Ethics on Homicide.

Christianity and Islam frown against any forms of homicide. in Exodus 20:13 God

says: Thy shall not kill.

According to Quran: 5 v 32.... whoever take a life is like killing the whole world

2) Suicide is the killing of a person by oneself. suicide is also common in our

modern society.

Causes of suicide

1) Depression
2) Poverty

3) Frustration

4) Disappointment

5) Failure

6) Debt

7) Shame

position of Religious Ethics on Suicide

3) Abortion is the willful termination of the fetus from the woman's womb.

abortion are in two forms.

a) intentional abortion

b) unintentional

it takes place through pills of induced injection.

Economic issues

Rape

Position of Religious Ethics on abortion :

There is a controversies on abortion. But however to some Christians abortion is

un-godly and unpermitted

4) Euthanasia or Mercy killings implies that somebody life can be taking out of

pity. it is a strong ethical issue in contemporary medical profession.

Causes of Euthanasia

1. Severe pains

2. Chronic disease
Religious position on euthanasia

According to Christianity, on no ground should one should be kill

Shame

RELIGIOUS ETHICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Fundamental moral right and freedom that every person is entitled to simply

because they are humans. they are inherent to all humans regardless of our race,

nationality,gender and religious status.

From the angle of ethics, human rights embraces

1. Human dignity i.e every person has intrinsic value

2. Equality I e all humans are equal and deserve the same respect.

3. Justice: [Link] deserves fair treatment and protection under the law

4. Freedom: it has to do with the ability to choose and think responsibly.

5. Universality: it's applied to all humans in the society and it is inalienable

1. Right to life and security

2. Right to Education

3. Freedom of thought and conscience

4. Right to privacy

5. Right to personal dignity

6. Freedom of worship

7. Freedom to expression

LIMITATIONS TO HUMAN RIGHTS

1. National security

2. Judicial process

RELIGIOUS VIEWPOINT ON HUMAN RIGHTS

The idea of human rights is strongly connected to Christianity. Christianity

preaches human dignity. That all humans are created in the image of God.

Everybody is equal before God regardless of our gender and status

Gal 3:28

ISLAM

Islam has a strong backup to human rights

Quran 17:70 teaches that all humans are honored by God.

Human life are sacred.

CHALLENGES OF RELIGIOUS ETHICS.

Religious ethics are faced with so many challenges in our contemporary society
1. Problem of the existence of God: There are some people in our society that do

not believe in the existence of God. They referred to themselves as Atheist or free

thinkers. To them religions has no meaning to them. Therefore, it maybe difficult

for such people to accept religious ethics.

2. The problem of evil: the problem of evil is a long time problem facing human

beings and the problem has to do with why did God allow evil in the world that he

created. It is obvious that there are moral evils and natural evils. The problem of

evil constitute a challenge to religious ethics.

3. The problem of science and technology: the rapid growth of science and

technology is constituting a great challenge to religious ethics. People are more

comfortable with technology than religion. Area that are supposed to be mend

for religion has been taking over by technology.

4. Problem of Modern civilization:

past.

5. Proble of Contemporary ethics: it has overshadowed religious ethics in our

societies e.g existentialism which state that existence maters. and Pragmatism

which means the ends justify the [Link] situation Ethics.

6. Plurality of the society: Our contemporary society is complex because it is made

up of different people of various ethnic groups and religions.