Module 1
Subject: ETHICS
Course: BSHM 111
PART ONE-
Topic : Exploring Moral Philosophy Basic Concept
Learning Objectives
To discuss briefly the meaning of Philosophy and Ethics
To differentiate moral and non-moral standard
To identify the three levels of moral dilemmas
Overview:
In this lesson, the students will be able to discuss briefly the meaning of philosophy and ethics.
They will be able to differentiate moral and non-moral standard and identify the levels of moral
dilemmas.
Learning Contents:
What is Philosophy?
< the term philosophy means the love of wisdom
<the Greek roots “Philo” meaning love and “Sophos” meaning wisdom
< is a science whose essence is founded on reason, experience, reflection, institution, meditation,
imagination, and speculation that leads to CRITICAL THINKING which embraces questioning, analyzing,
criticizing, synthesizing, evaluating, and judging a given phenomenon of reality.
Origin of Philosophy
Philosophy arises in the west when the number of Greeks begin to WONDER about the nature of
the universe and about the nature of reality and the gods. So, WONDER is the beginning of philosophy.
Wonder is a sense of the mysteries that pervade the human condition and a desire to question and
reflect about the deeper meaning of ordinary conception and experiences. But the first philosopher ever
recorded are in pre-Socratic era among them Thales, Heraclitus and Parmenides.
“WONDER” is very much the affection of a philosopher, for there is no other beginning of philosophy
than this. (Plato)
ETHICS- a branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of morality. Endeavors to understand moral
concepts and justify moral principles. It analyzes concepts such as “right” and “wrong” and seeks to
establish principles of right behavior that may serve as guides to action for people to follow
(Pojman,1992).
WHAT ARE MORAL STANDARDS?
The rightness or wrongness of an act makes us, willingly or unwillingly, confront the morality of
our decision. It is significant, therefore that we analyze carefully, not only the motive of our actions, but
to be certain that our actions are indeed keeping up with the ethical values that we have.
Morality then is the effort to guide one’s conduct by reason, that is , to do what there are the best
reasons for doing-while giving equal weight to the interests of each individual who will be affected by
what one does (Rachels, 2003).This answers the question, “How do we ought to live?” and the reason for
such. This is very significance in our attempt to resolve moral issues at hand,
MORES(more-ays) are strongly held norms, which epitomize the deeply held standards of what is right,
and wrong(Stolley, 2005).
MORAL STANDARDS- are those ethical principles that we live by and believe. These are important
blueprints of our behavior, which we abide by daily, and are influenced by our society, or by certain
ethical universals.
MORAL DILEMMAS- we will experience a moral dilemma if we are faced with two actions, of each of
which it would be correct to say in the appropriate sense of “ought” that is ought to be done and both of
which we cannot do.
The Levels of Moral Dilemmas:
1. Individual- the dilemma here is when is when the employee’s ethical standards are in opposition
to that of his/her employer, which could lead to tensions in the workplace.
2. Organizational- ethical standards are seen in company policies. Still and all, there might be a gap
between those who run the business whose ethical standards deviate from that of the
organization. This might cause ethical challenges and conflicts for those who are working in the
company.
3. Systemic-called the systemic level, here, ethics is predisposed by the larger operating
environment of the company. Political pressure, economic conditions, societal attitudes and
others, can affect the operating standards and policies of the organization but within the macro
society where it belongs.
Students’ activity (essay writing)
Why is it that only human beings can be ethical?
What are the moral dilemmas that college students liku usually encounter?
PART TWO-
I. OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define ethics and explain its significance in daily life.
2. Identify and explain key ethical concepts such as morality, values, duty, rights, and responsibility.
3. Apply these ethical concepts in real-life situations.
4. Reflect on how ethics influences personal and societal decisions.
KEY CONCEPTS TO COVER
Ethics – the study of right and wrong behavior
Morality – personal or societal standards of right and wrong
Values – personal beliefs or principles that influence choices
Duties – moral or legal obligations
Rights – things individuals are entitled to
Responsibility – being accountable for one’s actions
Virtues – positive traits like honesty, compassion, justice
B. Discussion / Lecture
1. Ethics vs. Morality – Ethics is philosophical study; morality is the practice.
2. Values – Examples include respect, kindness, justice, loyalty.
3. Duties & Rights – E.g., duty to tell the truth; right to education.
4. Responsibility – Being answerable for your choices.
5. Virtues – Traits that make someone ethically admirable.
Questions:
Is it ever okay to lie? Why or why not?
Can something be legal but not ethical?
Can you think of a time you had to choose between what’s right and what’s easy?
C. Group Activity: “Ethical Dilemma Cards” (15 minutes)
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Give each group an ethical scenario (e.g., seeing someone being bullied, a friend shoplifting,
donating to charity instead of buying a new phone).
3. Groups discuss:
o What values are involved?
o What’s the right thing to do?
o What concept from ethics applies (e.g., duty, responsibility, rights)?
4. Share group answers with the class.
Homework:
1. “My Moral Compass” Poster (20pts)
Create a poster showing your top 3 personal values.
Include a short explanation of why these values matter and how they guide your decisions.
Reflection
Individual Task: Kindly complete this prompt on a one-half sheet of paper (Graded work-10pts)
2. “One value I believe strongly in is ____. A time I had to stand by it was when ____. Ethics helped
me realize that ____.”
GOD BLESS