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Ethics Course Overview and Frameworks

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
29 views13 pages

Ethics Course Overview and Frameworks

Uploaded by

knej0302
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODULE ON ETHICS –

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a three unit as mandated by CHED MEMO No.20, 2013 that Ethics is one of the
courses that will ideally contribute to the development of intellectual competencies and civic
capacities, and to the development of ability to comprehend the complexities of social and natural
realities around us, as well as the ability to think through ethical and social implications of a given
course of actions.
There are three parts of the course description, first, lays the ground work – he meaning of
ethics that leads students through the analysis of human experience, linking it to the elements of the
ethical dimensions that human existence, how to explore in careful ethical thinking.
The second part, various classical ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontological,
virtue, and natural law ethics. thus provide us an avenue to determine ethical valuations.
The third part, the analysis and evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of various ethical
framework sand their value to human life and society. The end goal is to be able to make informed
decisions and judgments on significant concerns after careful thought.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME:


At the end of the module, the students are expected to :
`.1. Identify the ethical aspect o human life and the scope of ethical thinking
2. Classify the kinds of valuation, theories of ethics and sources authority
3. Compare between principles of utility
COURSE CONTENT
MODULE 1 OVERVIEW
LESSON 1- MISSION, VISION AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CATS CACI
LESSON 2- ETHICAL DIMENTIONS OF HUMAN EXISTENCE
LESSON 3- PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY
MODULE 2
LESSON 4- THE NATURAL LAW
LESSON 5 - DEONTOLOGY
LESSON 6- VIRTUE ETHICS; SYNTHESIS

Module 1-
LESSON 1
This module presents the conceptual and analytical tool that prepare and guide the students in
Ethical thinking., dimensions of ethics and the factors affecting their understanding of ethics and the
pursuits of the good.
Lesson 1- , Vision, Mission and History of CATS
CATS MISSION– Cebu Aeronautical Technical School or CATS AERO COLLEGE is a non-sectarian
tertiary level whose primary goal is to bring quality aviation education within the reach of the
provinciano particularly those living in Visayas and Mindanao.
CATS VISION- Cebu Aeronautical Technical School is committed to its continued pursuance of
INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONALISM, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY amid these rapidly changing times. This is
made possible by providing adequate technical and tertiary instruction necessary to professionally
equip those who intend to go into aviation industry.
Founders : CRESENCIANO ALMERO VARONA born on May 3, 1915
EXPECTACION GO VARONA- born on December 16, 1917
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Historical development
Cebu Aero College is a school of AERONAUTICS founded on February 24, 1953 in Cebu. It is one of the
oldest aviation schools in the country, Philippines. And the earliest established outside Manila .Located
along MJ Cuenco Avenue and relocated to Lahug Airport in the 1960’s after the completion of its hangar
constructed by famous Mactan Airport Builder late PJ Keiner and settled at Salinas Drive, Lahug in
1981. It offers both Baccalaureate degrees and Associate degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft
Maintenance Technology, Airline Management to prepare students to careers in Aviation industry. CATS
was given recognition by CHED, TESDA, and CAAP. In its 69 years of existence, from 1953- 2022, the
school has graduated several hundreds of students who are now employed with reputable
Aviation worldwide.
LESSON 2-
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After the discussion of the lesson, the stets re expected to:
1. Identify ethical aspects of human life
2. Determine the kind of valuations
3. Differentiate the theories of ethics
Learning activities
What is ethics?
What are the kind of valuations?
What are the sources and theories of ethics?
Ethics are matters such as good thing, we pursue and the bad thing or acts we should avoid. It involves
obligation we are expected to fulfill , prohibitions we are required to respect or ideals we are
encouraged to meet. As a subject of study ETHICS is about determining the grounds for values and
with particular significance to human life.

What are the kinds of valuatons?


VALUE JUDGMENT-

AESTHETICS- derived from the Greek word aesthesis meaning sense or feeling refers to

judgment of personal approval or disapproval that we make about what we see, hear, smell or taste.
Taste is referred to as personal aesthetic preferences we have on music, dress ( taste of music, taste of
clothes)

TECHNIQUE - is derived from Greek word techne and English words techniques and
technical often used to refer to a proper way of doing things, but a technical valuation for right and
wrong technique of doing things not be an ethical one. As aesthetics and technical valuation that we
make in a sphere of human actions, characterized by certain gravity and concern the human well-being
and human life itself.
Ethics and Morals which include cognates such as ethical, unethical, immoral, amoral,
and morality. Morals is used to refer a specific beliefs or attitude that people have to describe acts that
people perform. Such as if falls short of behaving properly can be describe as immoral. Ethical or
moral dimension compared to a realms of the aesthetics or etiquette or qualitatively weight, for the
ethical or moral cuts to the core of what makes one human. Mistakes in aesthetics such as war, crime
can be considered rude can be frowned upon by members of human society.
Ethics teaches us that moral valuation can happen in the level of the personal, the
societal and in relation to the physical environment. Ethics is clearly concerned with right way to act
in relation to other human beings and toward self.

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Study of ethics
Descriptive study of ethics reports how people particularly groups, make moral
valuation without making judgment either for or against these valuations. Social scientists either
historian or sociologist, anthropologists study different moral standards across culture.
Normative study of ethics as in philosophy, moral theology, engages the question: What
could / should be considered the right way of acting? A normative description of acting to maintain
standards or bases for moral valuation.
A moral Issue, decision, judgment, and dilemma
Issue is referred to those particular situations that are often the source of considerable
and inconclusive debate.
A dilemma is referred to complicated situation wherein one is torn between choosing
one of two goods or choosing between the lesser of two evils, to choose only one from a number of
possible actions, and compelling ethical reasons for the various choices,
A moral theory is a systematic attempt to establish the validity of maintaining moral
principles A theory is a system of thought of ideas, or a framework, which is a theory of
interconnected ideas, and a structure through which we can evaluate our reasons for valuing
decisions or judgment.

SOURCES OF AUTHORITY

1. LAW- Is enforced by way of system of sanctions administered by persons and institutions,


which all help in compelling us to obey. It is the basis of ethics has the benefits of
providing us with an objective standard that is obligatory applicable to all. The prohibitive
nature of law – it provide us what to avoid There are certain ways of acting are not
forbidden by the law, but are ethically questionable. EX. Refusing the employees with
benefits, hire on contractual not permanent basis, they deprived of benefits and also job
security. No law is violated but questionable ethically and the negligence on business
practice.
2. RELIGION-the foundation of ethical values referred to divine command theory, the divinity
of God, allah, supreme being , commands one to obey his Creator. There are many religions
in the world demands philosophical explorations on the relationship between religion and
ethics. That particular meaning of their existence and the existence of the whole reality is
found in the beliefs and teachings of their religion has promulgated and become part of their
traditions. What exactly is does the sacred scriptures command? The moral agent is in full
responsibility , understand using his own powers of rationality, with full recognition of his
situatedness and what religious authorities claim their religion teaches. Second, what
justifies the claim of particular religious teachings when it commands its followers what
they ought to do. Ex. Religious extremists or terrorists use religion to justify acts of
violence they perform on fellow human beings. That people perform heinous acts
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because they assumed they were following the teachings of their religion or blind
obedience. There are objective standards of right and wrong independently of God and
abide by such ethical standards,
3. CULTURE—ways of thinking and valuing different from our own diversity of how different
people believe it is proper to act called aesthetic differences., etiquette , religious
difference .called cultural relativism.
Criticism of cultural relativism.
✔ REALITY OF DIFFERENCEE:
✔ WE ARE IN NO POSITIONN TO RENDER A VALUE JUDGMENT ON THE PRACTICES
OF ANOTHER CULTURE
✔ WE ARE IN NO POSITION TO RENDER VALUE JUDGMENT OF EVEN OUR OWN
CULTURE
✔ WE CAN MAINTAIN ONLY BY FOLLOWING THE PRESUMPTION OF CULTURE AS A
SINGLE, CLEARLY DEFINED SUBSTANCE OR AS SOMETHING FIXED AND ALREADY
DETERMINED.

James Rachel presented the fallacy on reductor ad absurdum . to show absurdity


consequences – that one cannot criticize the practices or beliefs of another culture as long as that
culture think what it is doing is correct, one cannot criticize his own culture; that one cannot accept
moral progress can happen. He claim as that respecting and recognizing differences between cultures
does not mean that there is no objective truth in morality. He concludes by noting that one can
recognize and respect cultural differences and still maintain the right to criticize beliefs and practices
that he thinks is wrong.

Ethics therefore should neither be reduced to one’s own cultural standards and consciously
work toward a fuller maturity in ethical decision-making, Moral development is the prerequisite if the
individual is to encounter ethical situations with clear mind that his values properly placed with
respect to each other.

THEORIES OF ETHICS THAT CENTER ON THE SELF:

1. Subjectivism
2. Psychological Egoism
3. Ethical Egoism

SUBJECTIVISM Is the recognition that the individual thinking person is the heart of all moral
valuations who is confronted with the situation and is burdened with the need to make a decision
or judgment.

I am entitled to my own opinion= is often misused and misconstrued and immunity from criticism
and [Link] exhibits a close-mindedness that rightly invites censure from someone trying to
think more critically about values. What is the basis for that valuation?

PSYCHOLOGICAL EGOISM- theory that describes the underlying dynamic behind all human actions. As a
descriptive theory it does not direct one to act in any peculiar way. Instead, it points out that there
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Is already an underlying basis for how one acts. The ego or self has its desires and interests, all our
actions are geared toward satisfying these interests. We do things in pursuits of our own self-interest
all the time.

Two points of Psychological egoism:


1. Simplicity- has a unique appeal to it; theory that conveniently identifies single basis will
account for all actions
2. Plausibility- that self-interest is behind a person’s actions. The motivation behind many
actions one perform which are self-serving seemingly other-directed actions. It is not only
plausible, but also irrefutable because there is no way to answer it without being confronted
by the challenge that whatever one may say , there is self – serving motive at the root of
everything. Because we can not refute it., shall we accept it as true? Do we accept the
consequences of this theory?
Psychological egoism when it looks at its consequences, leads us to a cynical humanity, o a
gloomy description of human nature, and into a useless theory for someone who is already
concerned with asking herself what is the right thing to do.
ETHICAL EGOISM_ Prescribes that we should make our own ends, our own interests, as a single
overriding concern. We may act in a way it is beneficial to others, but we should do that only if it
ultimately benefits us. That everyone ought to put himself at the center. And consider himself as the
priority and not allow any other concerns, such as welfare of other people , to detract from this
pursuit. That ethical egoism ultimately translates into- not just some pleasant pursuit of one’s own
desires, but the imposition of a will to power potentially destructive to both the self and of others.

ASSESSMENT:
1. Explain the sources of authority.
2. Compare the three theories of ethics.
3. Define ethics and the kinds of valuations.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. List sources of authority between a) Aesthetics b) Culture c ) Religion the obligations we are
expected to fulfill and the prohibitions we are required to respect.
2. Read Basic Principles of Utilitarianism
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LESSON 3 UTILITARIAN ETHICS


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After the completion of the activities, the students are expected to:
1. Identify two modes of utilitarian models.
2. Explain the principles of utilitarian ethics
3. Determine happiness and pleasure in relation to individual rights

Learning activity:

What is utility?
What are the principles of utility?
Utilitarian ethics emphasizes the consequences of actions meaning, the goodness and badness of
an action is based on whether it is useful in contributing to a specific purpose for the greatest
number of people.
Utilitarianism is consequentialist meaning that moral value of actions and decisions is based solely
or greatly on the usefulness of the consequences; it is the usefulness of their consequences it is the
usefulness of the results that determines whether the action or behavior is good or bad.
The utilitarian value of pleasure and happiness is based on the promotion of happiness.
Happiness as the experience of pleasure for the greatest number of persons, even at the expense of
individual’s rights.
Actions are governed by two sovereign masters: 1) Pain 2) Pleasure
THE PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY is the subjection to these sovereign masters : pleasure and pain. Principle
refers to the motivation of one’s actions as guided by avoidance of pain and our desire for pleasure.
Pleasure is good if and only if they produce more happiness than unhappiness.
Bentham equates happiness with pleasure. Mill supports Bentham’s principle of utility. Moral good as
happiness , and consequently, happiness as pleasure. What makes people happy is intended pleasure
and what makes us unhappy is the privation of pleasure. and the avoidance of pain. ’
Mill dissents from Bentham’s single scale of pleasure. He thinks that the principle of utility must
distinguish pleasures qualitatively and not merely quantitatively. Mill thinks there are higher
intellectual and lower bae pleasures. Human pleasures are qualitatively different from animal
pleasures. Mill claims that quality is more pleasurable than quantity. An excessive quantity of what is
pleasurable result to pain. If the quality of pleasure is sometimes more important than quantity the it
is important to consider the standards whereby differences more important than quantity, then it us
important to consider the standards whereby differences of pleasures can be judged.

PRINCIPLE OF THE GREATEST NUMBER


Equating happiness with pleasure does not aim to describe the utilitarian moral agent
alone and independently from others. This is not only about individual pleasures , regardless of how
high , intellectual , or in other ways noble it is, but also about the pleasure of the greatest number
affected by the consequences of our actions.
Utilitarianism cannot lead to selfish acts. It is neither about our pleasure nor happiness
alone; it cannot be all about us. If we are the only ones satisfied by our own actions, then we cannot
be morally good. Utilitarianism is not dismissive of sacrifices that procure more happiness for
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others. Therefore it is necessary for us to consider everyone’s happiness, including our own as the
standard evaluate what is moral. Consequently, utilitarianism maximizes the total amount of
pleasure over displeasure for the greatest number. Mill pushes for moral irrelevance of motive in
evaluating actions.
Utilitarianism is interested with the best consequence for the highest number of people. It is
not interested with the intension of the agent. If actions are based only on the greatest happiness of
the greatest number, is it justifiable to let go some rights for the sake of the benefit of the majority?
For Mill, Utilitarian theory is hedonistic emphasis on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain, elevates
human element above animalistic and above the selfish. He builds on an action good is that it brings
about the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Greatest happiness for Bentham means
quantity , but not just for oneself since the other half of his maxim refers to the greater number
that points to the extent or number of people affected by this happiness Exalts moral individual over
above physical, material feelings or emotions . What is good or right does not reduce to what I feel is
good for me.

JUSTICE AND MORAL RIGHTS


What is right? What is justice?
According to Mill rights are valid claim of society justified by utility . Related to the interests that
serve general happiness.
The right to due process, free speech or religion, right to life are justified because they contribute to
the general good. This means that society is made happier if its citizens are able to live their lives
knowing that their interests are protected and society defends it.
Mill ‘s consequentialism means the utilitarianism with the possession of legal and moral rights. He
distinguishes legal RIGHTS ARE NOT MORALLY JUSTIFIED in accordance to the greatest happiness
principle. Then these rights are neither be observed nor be respected and even objectionable. It is
commendable to endure legal punishments for ACTS OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE FOR THE SAKE OF
PROMOTING A HIGHER MORAL GOOD. Moral rights take precedence over legal rights. It is an act of
injustice to violate an individual moral rights. Moral rights are only justifiable by considerations of
greater over all happiness. That justice can be interpreted in terms of moral rights because justice
promotes the great social good.
Rights are divided into two: civil right and rights when accused of a crime
Civil rights are guaranteed by the Constitutution:
[Link] to due process that no person shall be deprived of liberty, property without due process.
(Sec.1, Art. III) meaning even the government cannot take away your life, freedom, or property unless
according to the law. By a .l property taken must be used for the benefit of the general public a.2 the
owner must be paid a fair and just price for it (Sec 9, [Link]) By due process of law means investigation
and prosecution of crimes , or it is where the life and liberty of a citizen is in peril. That the accused of
a crime get a fair trial in court in the investigation of crimes policemen and other law-enforcement
officers are duty-bond to obey the Constitution (Sec.1. Art. III)
[Link] right to equal protection of the law or shall be denied of equal protection of the law . Everyone
is equal before the law.
[Link] right against unreasonable searches and seizures. There must be search warrant or a warrant
of arrest a court order issued by a judge. if someone is to be arrested.
d. Privacy of communication and correspondence. Shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of
the court or when public safety order requires, prescribed by law(Sec.3.(1) , Art. Iii).If a person
suspected of future plans of terrorist attack, he can be ordered by the court to give these papers in the
authorities).
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e. Freedom of speech- the right to express your own opinion on any issue or topic no matter how silly
or foolish it may be.
f. Freedom of the press- the right of free speech you enjoy same in mass media you publish any newsor
comment it pleases.
g. Freedom of religion- the right to believe not only one religion. The government cannot establish a
religion neither can tell you how to worship God. Cannot make religion a requirement to exercise your
civil or political rights.
h. Liberty of abode- the right to live wherever you want you can go home and move out any time from
your parent’s home. if minor under the parental authority.
i. The right o travel. If minor with parental consent.
Other rights in bill of rights:
a. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern - any official documents
records pertaining to transactions, actions or decisions of the government(Sec.7, Art III) The
government shall disclose to public all government transactions involving public interest. (Sec.
28. Art,III)
b. The right to form unions, associations or societies not contrary to law (Sec.8 Art III)
c. The right t enter into contracts provided not against the law. The Congress cannot enact into la
that will change the terms of an agreement etweenm or among persons , That no law
impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed (Sec. 10, [Link])
d. The right to free access of the courts and quasi bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
be denied to any person by Reason of poverty.(Sec.11,[Link]) even poor persons can use courts
and quasi judicia bodies (government agencies exercise powers resemble those courts) for the
protection of their rights.
e. The right against involuntary servitude – except as a punishment for a crime the party shall
have been convicted. (Sec 18, (2) Art, III).Prohibits slavery, person cannot be forced to work for
another person against his will).
f. No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-[payment of poll tax. (Sec. 20 Art. III)
g. No ex-post facto law or bill be enacted (Sec. 22, [Link]) An ex-post facto is one that punishes an
act which at the time it was done, was not punishable. A bill of attainder is a legislative act
punishes a person without trial.
h. Protection against double jeopardy a right of the person not to be tried again for the same
crime. Putting the person in danger of punishment twice for the same crime is called double
jeopardy
Rights are not absolute meaning you cannot enjoy those rghts all times when all circumstances.
Other rights must give way togreater good such as national security, public safety, and order
and public health.
Freedom of speech- not to call people dirty names or shout fire when there is none creating
panic;
Freedom of the press to publish malicious stories bout other persons sued for libel
Freedom of assembly- rally against the government to overthrow the government- sedation,
rebellion creating disorder and violence.
Human Rights- a person is entitled because he is a human being; a god-given right inherent in
the person. Deprive him of his rights is to deprive his personality.
Human rights are classified : a) political rights b) economic social and cultural rights
Justice_ called fairness, equality, balancing , harmony just society is one everyone fulfills his
roles so that society runs smoothly.; getting what one deserves; getting what one seeks.
9

Types of justice:a) Distributive justice-(need-based ); merit-based. fairness b0 RETRIBUTIVE


JUSTICE- ONLY JUSTICE TO BE SATISFIED FOR A WRONG DOER TO SUFFER IN PROPORTION TO
THE WAY HE IS MADE TO SUFFER. MAKING A WRONG DOERS SUFFER FOR SUFFERING’S SAKE,
Ex, Rehabilitation is an option , education, and therapy.
Restorative justice- restoration and forgiveness - assigning community service that right
approach to wrong doing lead to healing and growth both the wrong goer and the victim
Social justice- (stipulated in the constitution)
ASSESSMENT:
1. Differentiate legal rights from moral rights? Is it justifiable to torture suspected criminal?

ASSIGNMENT:
Study Lessons 1,2 and 3 for Midterm Examination

8
10

MODULE 2- CLASSICAL FRAMEWORK :


OVERVIEW:

Deontological ethics, virtue ethics and natural law (ethics) embedded values that guide student’s
understanding to the different ways these theories provide avenue of determining ethical valuations.

Lesson 1- Natura law(ethics)


Lesson 2 Deontology
Lesson 3- Virtue Ethics

Learning Outcomes:
After the activity, the students are expected to:
[Link] Aquinas Christian Ethics
2. Differentiate other types of law mentioned by Aquinas: eternal law, human law and divine law
3. Determine ethical theory grounded on Greek Concepts: Plato. Aristotle, and Socrates

LESSON 1- NATURAL LAW

AQUINAS THEORY OF Natural law


The fundamental understanding OF human nature is anchored on our capacity for reason will
become the basis of the natural law theory which will provide us a unique way of determining the
moral status of our actions. The moral theory in turn is Aquinas ‘s vision of the Christian faith.
The fundamental truth is the promise right at the center of Christian faith that we RE
CREATED BY God in order to ultimately return to Him. The structure of MAGNUM OPPUS SUMMA
THEOLOGIAE follows three parts: First is GOD his goodness, might and His creative power the second
part is man or dynamic of human life characterized by our pursuit of happiness in the highest good
which is God himself and the third salvation is the only possible through the presence of God’s grace
and that grace has become perfectly incarnate in the person of Jesus.
There is within us conscience that directs our moral thinking and reasoning. There is a sense of
right and wrong in us we are obliged to obey and must be informed , guided , and ultimately grounded
in an objective basis of morality So, we are called to heed the voice of conscience and enjoined to
develop a life of virtue. We need to basis of guided and informed conscience a clearer guidepost on
whether the decision we make leads us to virtue to be virtuous or right vice ro be wrong. For Aquinas
it is the natural law.
The Greek Heritage :
Neoplatonic Good: God creates He cares and thus governs. The activity of every creature.
That Christian faith is inspired by divine revelation has been shaped and defined by an idea by Plato,
Aristotle and Socrates. The notion of a supreme and absolutely transcendent good. In the Republic
Plato emphasizes that justice in human person can only be attained if three parts of soul ( rational,
appetitive and spirited soul are working harmoniously with one another the rational soul forge by
reason and the intellect has to govern the affairs of the human person, spirited soul in charged of
emotions, should be kept at bay and the appetitive soul I charge of desires are controlled thus, human
person’s soul becomes just and virtuous.
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In Neoplatonics, Plato’s idea of the good which is the source of beings becomes identified with
the One and the BEAUTIFUL THE ULTIMATE REALITY WHICH IS ONNESS IN THE =COSMOS. All these
being have a single goal which is to return to that unity.
Socrates the notion of good is that real and not something that one can pretend to make up or
ignore. That good may be said not the author of knowledge to all things known , but also of their being
an essence and the good is not essence but far exceeds essence in dignity and power.
Aristotle 4 concepts causes:
1. Material- - bronze of statue, silver of bowl both bronze & silver are genre of species
2. Formal- form ex 2:1 generally the number and its parts in the definition
3. Efficient-= product ; what causes change of what It IS CHNGED.
4. Final=function - sense of end for the sake of which a thing is done.

The process of becoming or change understanding beings , how they are how that
Become or what they could be is significant Aristotelian contribution which Aquinas transcendent
good That form of good and loving God who is in Himself is good the fullness of being God is essentially
good which all beings seek to return., Him as the final cause.
God communicates to each being the perfection and goodness. Every creatures strives
to its own perfection, thus the divine goodness is the end of all actions. All things come from God and
we are created by Him in order to return to Him. The nature is the materiality makes a being a certain
kind of being: unique as a participation in God’s goodness and imperfect at the same time..
Coming from God, it is good, but in its limitations, it Hs yet to be perfected. The perfection means
fulfilling our nature the best we can, thus realizing what God intended us to be, fulfilling and
actualizing the potencies that are already present in our nature. Our way of reaching God is by
knowing and loving him, as the way of perfection and return to Him,
Under the governance of the Divine, beings are directed as how their acts are to lead
them to their end o return to Him. . As rational beings we have fee will. Through reason we are to
judge between choosing our CTIONS IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. Aquinas says we are not isolate
beings who belongs to a community we continue to what is good for the community and our own
good called Common good we should recognize the proper measure or the limit so our actions that
allow us to direct our acts we can pursue ends both our own also that of others. That proper measure
of our acts is referred to as law
A law is concerned with the common good belongs whether to the whole person or to a public person
who care for the common good or tasked with the concern for the good of the community or of the
whole people. It is an ordinance of reason ,promulgated for the common good by one charge of a
Society. It is promulgated until it is repealed by the authority who enacted it.
Classification of Laws:
1. According to their duration: Eternal & Temporal
Eternal law refers to what God wills for creation how its participant in it is intended to return to Him.
All beings are created by God in a certain way intended to return to Him
All human laws are in themselves temporal.
2. According to the manner of their promulgation- Natural Law & Positive law
Natural law- ,
Therefore, our human nature ,at a natural inclination given by God, we can determine the rule and
measure we should be directing our acts. These are the precepts of natural law . Natural law theory
states as its first natural Inclination the innate tendency that all human beings share with other all
12

other existing things namely natural propensity to maintain oneself in one’s existence. Any action
therefore that sustains and cultivates one’s biological or physical existence is to be deemed good
while all actions that lead to the destruction of one’s existence is to be called bad or evil. . That
taking care of one’s being is a moral duty that one owes to himself and to God. Making one’s harm is
for Aquinas, a part of person’s moral responsibility to live healthy life and avoids all things that may
hurt one or cause Inclination one may look at third natural inclination that says part of human nature
is to promote the truth and cultivate a harmonious life in society with other humans, preserving human
life, a natural inclination to now the truth about God, and the live in society ignorance to avoid
offending among whom one has to live Natural law is grounded on sense of morality and rooted in a
Christian vision not on faith but on human nature..
Positive laws are enacted by positive act of a legislator
Human law refers to all instance wherein human beings conduct and enforce laws in their
communities. For the common good but if instead unjust can be called a matter of violence.
Human Positive Law as an ordinance of reason , derived from the natural law, or making a concrete and
determinate application of the natural law, promulgated for the common good by human agency in
charge of a society. It is enacted by Church and State when it is just, honest, useful and duly
promulgated it derives its blending force from natural law so ultimately from the Eternal law from God
3. According to their immediate author : Divine Law and Human law
Divine Law law which come directly from God is to direct supernatural happiness through the
power of God alone.
Man’s natural inclination given by God to provide us the path toward our perfection: desire to
preserve our being human life; man’s virtue ; according to man’s reason to know the truth about God.
to return to him and to live in society.
Human law are enactments of Church and State. Those enactment from the Church are called
ECCLESIASTICAL LAWS ; those by the state are called CIVIL Law
Assessment:
1. Differentiate types of laws.
Are there human laws that violate the natural law/ JUSTIFY your answer.
Are there form of harm taken a violation to natural inclination to preserve one’s being?
Why is it possible or not possible to maintain a natural law theory without believing in the
divine source and divine law?
2. What are the concepts of the Greek philosophers to Good , goodness of God’s creation and man’s
called to perfection?
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LESSON 3 DEONTOLOGY – A spirit of enlightenment


LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of the activity the students are expected to:


Explain the basic priniples of deontology
Differeniate autonomy heteronomy and universality .
What is enlightenment morality/ paternalism?

Learning activity:

Deontology means the study of duty and obligation its main proponent is Immanuel Kant
Human beings have the faculty called rational will the capacity to act according to principles that we
determined for ourselves.
Rationality consists of the mental faculty to construct ideas and thoughts that are beyond
our immediate surroundings, To act according to duty is a human experience, animals do not possess
the faculty of rational will they react to their external surroundings and internal impulses. Humans
have reasons which intervenes between impulse and act.
Autonomy is the property of the rational will opposite of heteronomy. Greeks autos, heteros,
and nomos, Autonomy means SELF LAW for self legislating and heteronomy means other law, Kant
claims the difference between animal impulse and rational will. There is a difference between a choice
or decision, whether it is caused by sensible impulse or by pure reason.. There is a choice or action
that is determined by pure reason, called free choice It describes rational will as the mental capacity to
construct ideas and thoughts beyond one’s immediate surroundings. This mental capacity is what
makes the intervention to mediate with in arbitrium , stimulus and reaction. Kant describes that
human choice can be affected but is not determined by sensible impulses. Autonomy is a property
of the will only during instances when ACTION IS DETERMINED BY PURE REASON. When the action is
determined by sensible impulses, despite the source of those impulses being nevertheless internal, Is
considered heteronomous. Because a sensible impulse is external to one’s self legislating faculty of
reason. That action is caused by sensible impulses results always only in the heteronomy of the will
because it is what he calls foreign impulse. Has the same immediacy of an external AUTHORITY
FIGURE That impulse is its will on the agent or sensible bodily instincts or base emotions.

Universality
TWO TYPES OF THEORIES:
1. Substantive moral theory-ss

Common questions

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Civil laws, enacted by the state, reflect societal norms and uphold order through enforceable rules. They derive authority from positive law, focusing on temporal and practical aspects for societal governance. In contrast, human laws in Aquinas’ terms relate more to innate rights aligned with cosmic order from divine sources, entrusting a broader ethical responsibility beyond enforceability. Ethical foundations of civil laws emphasize practicality and enforceability, while human laws appeal to moral universality and divinity for just actions .

Aquinas' theory of natural law posits that divine law, which comes directly from God, directs humans towards supernatural happiness and is reflected in human nature through innate tendencies given by God. Human laws, while temporal and positive, derive their validity from natural law and ultimately from divine law, serving the common good unless proven unjust. This relationship shows the hierarchy and interdependence between divine and human laws in promoting moral actions .

Political rights, such as the right to due process, free speech, and equality before the law, embody ethical principles of justice by ensuring individuals can live freely while having their interests protected. Such rights, justified by their contribution to general happiness, align with ethical principles by promoting fairness, legal equality, and the protection of individual liberties, which are core components of a just society .

Religious teachings can justify both positive and negative actions, with ethical implications hinging on proper interpretation and application. Ethical considerations arise when teachings are invoked to justify violence, as seen in religious extremism, or when authorities claim divine commands demand certain actions. The moral agent bears full responsibility to utilize rationality, recognizing their personal and religious context to decipher teachings accurately, highlighting the potential dangers of misinterpretation or blind obedience .

Human rights, regarded as intrinsic to human beings, extend beyond legal rights by emphasizing inherent dignity and moral justice. While legal rights may be constrained by temporal laws and societal norms, human rights focus on universal fairness and equality, rooted in the idea of innate human dignity, perpetual irrespective of legal systems. This distinction reflects a broader scope in ensuring justice by recognizing intrinsic value and moral claims unconstrained by legal standing .

Aristotle’s concept of causes provides a structural framework for understanding change and purpose, critical to Aquinas' natural law theory. Each cause (material, formal, efficient, final) offers insight into the ‘why’ of existence, paralleling with Aquinas’ view of human actions returning to God as the final cause. This reflects the integration of Aristotle's causation with divine purpose in Aquinas' moral framework, presenting a comprehensive view of ethical actions leading to fulfillments as intended by God .

Ethical dilemmas between natural law and legal positivism potentially arise when positive laws, created by human authority, conflict with fundamental moral inclinations dictated by natural law. Such dilemmas manifest in situations where legally permissible actions contradict ethical imperatives derived from innate human tendencies to pursue truth, societal harmony, or self-preservation. These conflicts necessitate evaluative decision-making to reconcile legal adherence with moral righteousness, challenging individuals to discern ethical priorities over statutory compliance .

Descriptive study of ethics reports how people, particularly groups, make moral valuations without making judgments either for or against these valuations, often analyzed by social scientists such as historians and sociologists. In contrast, normative study of ethics, as seen in philosophy and moral theology, engages with questions about what should be considered the right way of acting by maintaining standards or bases for moral valuation .

Laws serve as a source of authority in ethics by providing an objective standard obligatory to all, with systems of sanctions compelling obedience. However, certain ways of acting, while not forbidden by law, may still be ethically questionable, such as refusing employees benefits while hiring them on a contractual basis, highlighting the limitations of law in covering all ethical concerns .

Mill justifies moral and legal rights through the principle of utility, asserting that rights are valid claims justified by their contribution to general happiness. This framework permits civil disobedience when legal rights conflict with moral rights, as moral rights, justified by greater overall happiness, take precedence. Consequently, enduring legal punishments for civil disobedience may be commendable if it promotes a higher moral good .

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