GEC ETHICS: LESSON 1 • Acts of Man - these are acts that man

has no control and therefore it is

WHY DO YOU NEED TO STUDY ETHICS AND THE
involuntary.
IMPORTANT OF RULES
• Human Acts - these are acts that are
The difference between ethics and morality
voluntary and deliberate will of man.
• Ethics - comes from the Greek word
“ethos” which means customs or
manner of acting and behaving Three Essential Elements of Human Acts

• Morality - comes from the Latin word • Knowledge - the doer is aware of s/he
“mores” which means customs or is doing
practices.
• Freedom - the act is not done by force
This is the very reason why most people used it
• Will - the doer has a consent to do the
interchangeably. However, there is a very thin
act.
demarcation line between ethics and morality.
Ethics is focused on the general principles, rules
and theories on determining what is right from
wrong. While morality is the praxis, the VOLUNTARINESS
application of those principles. (Fernandez, It is very much akin to consent, comes from
2012) Latin word “voluntas”, which means act of the
will.

2 divisions of ethics 4 Kinds of Voluntariness:

• General Ethics - it delas with morality of • Perfect Voluntariness -all elements of

the human act that mainly focuses on human act are present.
the basic concepts. • Imperfect Voluntariness - knowledge is
• Special Ethics - refers to the application absent.
of the moral principles, standards and • Simple Voluntariness - it is simply doing
norms in various specific areas of or not doing the act. (obedience)
human life and activity.
• Conditional Voluntariness - when a
person is forced to do an act in which in
Characteristics of moral principles normal condition should be done

• Prescriptivity - refers to the action-

guiding nature of morality. Determinants of morality
• Impartiality - means that the moral rule • The object or the Act itself - refers to
should be neutral. the deed done by the doer of the
• Overridingness - means that it should action.
tower over all other norms or standards • Motive or Intent - the purpose or
of evaluation. reason of doing the act.
• Autonomous from arbitrary authority - • Circumstances - involves the situations
moral standards should be independent that surrounds the commission of the
hence be able to stand on its own. act.
• Publicity - since moral standards guide a. Who - refers to the person involved
people what to do, they should be in the commission of the act.
made public.
b. Why - the reason of doing it
• Practicability - rules are made for men
to follow. c. by what means - attainment of the
end goal must be lawful

d. Where - setting of the action

What act that makes man accountable and
responsible for his action? e. When - time of the commission of the
act.
Two types of Acts
 f. How - refers to the manner of the • Perplexed Conscience - when a person
commission of the act. has 2 options but fears that sin is
present in both choices that either way
feels he is doomed, the person must
Modifiers of human act postpone any action in making a choice.

• Ignorance - means absence of (cont.,)

knowledge. 2 kinds of ignorance.
• Pharisaical conscience - person
Vincible ignorance which means that
magnifies small offenses as grave and
lack of knowledge can easily be
serious.
rectified. Invincible ignorance means
ignorance that is difficult to rectify. As to the firmness of judgment of morality,
Conscience is either;
• Concupiscence or Passion - refers to
emotions whether negative or positive a. Certain - the judgment is sure tht the
desires. action is morally good or evil.

• Fear b. Doubtful - the person hesitates in

making a particular judgment.
• Violence - when a physical force is
exerted to a person by another. c. Scrupulous - a very cautious or
extremely fearful to make a decision or
• Habits - frequently repeated acts.
choice.

d. Lax - one that takes sinful acts very

What is norms? lightly and considers it as good and
okey.
• Norms is used to measure whether an
act done is good or bad, right or wrong,
moral or immoral, It is a rule or
The need to study ethics
standard in gauging the goodness or
badness of an act. • Though students who come to
college/university have already sets of
2 Types of Norms
standards or morality, this reality makes
• Eternal Divine Law - ultimate and it important for students to study,
absolute norm of morality. I t is explore, understand and critically
governed by Divine reason that reveals reflect on their personal value systems.
the necessary relations between the The end goal is for the student to
creator and creatures. become a person who makes sound
judgments, sensitive to the common
• Human Reason - this is related to good.
person’s conscience which is proximate
norm of morality telling a person
internally what to do and what should
IMPORTANCE OF RULES TO SOCIAL BEINGS
not do.
• Humans live in community whose
common goal is to thrive and survive.
What is conscience? One of the systems that human
developed are standards that guide
• Conscience comes from the Latin word human activities or simply rules. Rule is
“cum alia Scientia” which means acting defined a statement that tells you what
with knowledge. It is considered to be is or is not allowed in a particular,
the correct application of knowledge. situation. Societies have rules to ensure
Kinds of Conscience a safety level for its members. Rules
are in place to manage harmful
• Invincibly Erroneous Conscience - behaviors, it hopes to prevent chaos
mistakes cannot be avoided and it aims to encourage stability.
• Vincibly Erroneous Conscience - • Source: Gallinero, Winston et.al.
mistakes can be avoided with ordinary (2019). Ethics pgs 1-17. Mutya
diligence Publishing House,Inc.
 manner of eating are examples of
etiquette.

 Policy - is a clear, simple statement of

how an organization plans to handle its
LESSON 2 services, actions or business. Policies
are guiding rules to help with decision
MORAL VS. NON-MORAL STANDARDS
making.
 Moral Standard is defined is a code of
 Law - is a rule created and enforced by
what is right or wrong without
the government and its agencies to
reference to specific behaviors or
maintain order, resolve disputes and
beliefs. Moral standards deal with
protect a person’s liberty and rights.
matters that the person thinks have
serious consequences. The following  Commandment - is a rule that is to be
are its characteristics: strictly observed because it was said to
be set by a divine entity, such as those
 Moral standards involve behaviors that
in the Ten Commandments.
seriously affect other people’s well-
being.  For most people, the fundamental
question is, What should I do?, or How
 Moral standards take more important
should I act?.,
consideration than other standards
including self-interest.  Ethics are presumed as a moral rules on
how a person should act. Is ethics is
 Moral standards do not depend on any
only about following the things you
external authorization but in how the
should do or things you should not do.
person perceives the reasonableness of
However, the most important thing that
the action.
a person should not forget is to exercise
 Moral standards are believed to be its will to perform his choices in life. In
universal. other words, the most important
question for ethics is not “what should I
 Moral standards are based on do? But instead “what kind of person
objectivity. should I be?.”
 Moral standards are associated with
vocabulary that depicts emotions or
feelings.
LESSON 3

 Non-Moral standards can be considered Moral dilemma

as relative standards by which • What is dilemma? Is a situation in which
something or someone is judged as a difficult choice has to be made
either good or bad. The rules of non- between two or more alternatives,
moral standards vary because these especially equally undesirable ones. If
rules depend on the guidelines agreed you find yourself facing a problem but
by particular group. the solutions available to you will only
 When a person takes a picture in the create another problem or worse create
another problem, then you are in a
dark with no flash, wears sleeveless
dilemma.
shirt and shorts on a very formal
occasion, or have written a • A moral dilemma is a situation where:
grammatically incorrect essay- these
are situations that you violated a non- a. there are 2 or more actions that you
moral standard in: technique, fashion, can possibly do;
grammar. b. there is a moral reason(s) for doing
 Etiquette - is a set of rules on how an such action;
individual should responsibly behave in c. you cannot do all the possible action
the society. Table manners such as the actions presented to you, you only need to
proper use of utensils and the proper choose one.
 • FREEDOM is the foundation of moral
acts. For a person to be virtuous, he
must also be free. It is important to
note that even in following rules,
freedom is essential. It makes person
recognize that apart from personal
rights, other peoples’ rights are equally
important.
LESSON 4 FREEDOM
Human person as a free being
• According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the
difference between animals and • Human person defined: a human being
humans is that, animals behave is endowed with characteristics that are
instinctively while human beings material, spiritual, rational and free. A
behave rationally. Rational behavior is a human being is a being connotes with
decision-making process where the actuality, existence, an actual condition
person acts in ways that best achieve or circumstance with inborn properties
his or her needs in accordance with his and one of these properties is freedom.
or her set of preferences, priorities and
principles. Humans are free to decide
what to do and free to act on his own Philosophical insights on freedom
decision. Thus only human beings are
• Freedom is a gift- is an ability to make
ethical because only humans have the
significant choices and these significant
capacity for free moral judgment.
acts or free acts help make us who we
are. These are gifts from God.

THE FOUNDATION OF MORALITY • Freedom is complementary to reason-

as a moral agent must exercise practical
CS Lewis used metaphor to explains morality: rationality in order to pursue his
Morality is like a fleet of ships. Though ultimate end. (telos)
each ship must sail well on its own, each • Freedom is absolute- man is absolutely
must coordinate with the other ships at all free
time to stay in formation and avoid
collision. Finally, the fleet must have a • Freedom demands responsibility-
destination or purpose for the journey responsibility as a moral quality serves
because if the ship was just aimlessly sailing as a voluntary check and balance of
then it has failed its ultimate purpose. one’s freedom.

However, the only difference between • Source: Gallinero, Winston et.al.

the ship and human is that ship is under the (2019). Ethics pgs 23-27. Mutya
command of a captain but human being is Publishing House,Inc.
the captain of his own. He is FREE to decide
his own course.

Why is freedom crucial in your ability to make

moral decisions?

• The personal aspect of morality is about

developing virtue so that thinking
morally, performing moral acts and
choosing to do what is good becomes a
habit. Virtues are habits developed
through learning and practice. Once you
have it, it becomes your characteristics.
Thus, a virtuous man goes beyond
moral behavior. A virtuous person not
only does what is right but his or her
behavior also becomes a standard for
everyone to follow.
 2. Natural Law – is the eternal law as
known to man by his reason. By the light of
his understanding, man knows the natural
order in the existence of things which he
recognizes as that which has to be
preserved. Acknowledged by man’s reason,
the one which is in keeping with the said
order is good while the other which is not in
keeping with it is evil.
THE NORMS OF MORALITY (Law and Hence, the natural law provides man
Conscience) the general rule as known to his reason: the
In every human act performed, there good is to be done and evil is to be avoided.
are some norms or standards of acting that This is the fundamental provision of natural
people follow. When we drive our cars, we law in the preservation of order and in the
follow driving standards and traffic rules. avoidance of its disturbance – “do good and
Without those standards or rules, the avoid evil.”
streets will consequently become war These principles guide a moral subject
zones. The same can be said with regard to in sustaining and preserving basic
the moral behavior of people. Norms of relationship with God, fellowmen, himself
moral actions are highly necessary if people and creation. It guides him on how he
have to live in peace, order and harmony. should behave as he has also responsibility
There are two norms of moral or ethical with others while pursuing harmony with
actions as recognized and understood in those who also work to achieve it. This
Ethics in general. They are Law and relationship is not only limited to himself
Conscience. with other moral beings, but also with the
environment in which he lives as he is duty
bound to preserve harmony with it, both for
the good of the environment and for his
LAW
own physical and moral well-being.
There are various ways to define the
Examples of these general moral
concept of law. The great Dominican, St.
precepts are protecting and preserving the
Thomas Aquinas, has in the 13th century
self, reproducing and educating one’s
crafted a classic definition that subsumes
offspring, knowing the truth, and living in a
both the legal and moral dimension of the
society.
nature of law. He defined it as “an
ordinance of reason promulgated by a
competent authority for the common
good.” As an ordinance, a law possesses the Properties of Natural Law
inherent power to compel people to follow. a. Natural law is obligatory – since it is
It also has power to impose disciplinary intrinsically inscribed within human nature,
measures like monetary penalties, the natural law is always binding and
punishments of incarceration, expulsions, or mandatory.
loss of property, liberty and in extreme
cases, life. b. Natural law is recognizable – by reason,
man recognizes the natural law providing
Kinds of Law that good should be done while evil should.
1. Eternal Law – refers to the divine will or be avoided. This recognition transcends
command that directs all actions and different beliefs, cultures or traditions.
movements in the universe. It commands c. Natural law is immutable – by being
that the natural order of things be immutable is meant not capable of
preserved and forbids that it be disturbed. changing and that it remains to be the same
The eternal law directs all things in the at all times and in all circumstances.
universe making them tend toward an end
which is God Himself. It is conceived in d. Natural law is universal – the biding
eternity, and is therefore applicable to all in force of natural law extends to all human
the universe, hence, it is called Eternal Law. beings in the four corners of the world.
It is unchangeable and universal. 3. Positive Law – is a participation of the
eternal law and natural law by means of a
positive promulgation, that is, statutes, A. In relation to its object
codes, and regulations that have been
1. Correct Conscience – is present in the
enacted by a legislature. It is derived from
judgment of an act as good when it is truly
natural law by the use of human reason,
good and an act as evil when it is truly evil.
and must be in conformity with it.
2. Erroneous Conscience – is present in the
There are two kinds of Positive Law:
judgment of an act as good when it is evil
a. Divine Positive Law – is a participation of and an act as evil when it is good.
the eternal law and natural law
promulgated by a special command of God
and as such we find in scripture; for
example, the Ten Commandments.
B. In relation to its assent
b. Human Positive Law – is a participation
of the eternal law and natural law 1. Certain Conscience – is present when
promulgated for the common good by a there is an assured and firm judgment of an
human agency in charge of a society. act without any fear of being in error.
However, no human law that contradicts 2. Doubtful Conscience – is present when
the natural law is a true law, but it need not there is no sure judgment of whether an act
merely re-echo the natural law. is good or bad.
There are two kinds of Human Positive 3. Lax Conscience – is a type of conscience
Law: b1. Ecclesiastical Law – refers to which perceives even morally grave evils as
human positive law enacted by the church allowable. It finds and makes excuses of evil
through its ecclesiastical governing acts by rationalizing and justifying them.
authority. Example: Law of Fasting or
Abstinence 4. Scrupulous Conscience – is a type of
conscience which perceives evil in an act
b2. State or Civil Law – refers to human when there is none. In a way, it is the
positive law enacted by the state through opposite of laxity.
its legitimate body of legislature. Example:
The Philippine Constitution
Moral Responsibilities for One’s
Conscience • When conscience is properly
CONSCIENCE formed and informed, the agent is morally
obliged to obey it in all circumstances.
This second norm of morality refers to “the
practical judgment that determines that an • A person should always act in conformity
act is good, therefore to be done; and evil, with a certain conscience.
therefore to be avoided.” Etymologically, • It is never morally permissible to act with
conscience comes from two Latin terms, a doubtful conscience.
“con” and “science”, that is literally, “with
knowledge”. An act of conscience is
therefore an act that has basis on some
knowledge. Conscience is said to be the
subjective norm of morality. This is because
it is borne out of the mental judgment of
man and therefore may be erratic and
prone to miscalculations by the human
reason. When the conscience makes rules
or policies, it passes judgment and
pronounces sentences on man’s moral
actions. It sometimes commends and
approves on what people do. In all of these,
conscience evaluates the quality of the
human act on whether it is desirable or
undesirable.

Types of Conscience