GE-11 ETHICS

ALFREVILYN G. DASIG, LPT, M.E.

Faculty, College of Engineering

We Innovate. We Build. We Serve.

Unit 1
The world of ethics needs a cognizance of its very basics. Inclusive of what
will be discussed in this unit are the fundamental notions of what morality
is. As we ponder on its definition, we will also dive into the context of moral
experiences, and how we are supposed to deal with moral dilemmas. An
understanding of our actions as a result of our moral decisions are pertinent
to having a deeper grasp of what ethics is, as we all begin our discussion on
moral and ethical standards.
Chapter 1 Ethics: The Basic Concepts

1.1. What are Moral Standards?

1.2. Moral Dilemmas
1.3. Three Levels of Moral Dilemma in the Workplace
1.4. Freedom as Foundation of Ethics
 “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional
values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception
which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.”
- Socrates

.
 “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional
values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception
which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.”
- Socrates

.
At the end of this chapter, students are expected to
demonstrate the following:

1. differentiate between moral and non-moral standards;

2. recognize and recall a moral experience;
3. detect a moral dilemma;
4. identify the three levels of moral dilemmas; and
5. explain why only human beings can be ethical.
Introduction

November 2017
- The Australian parliament of Victoria, has legalized voluntary euthanasia after 20
years (McGuirk, 2017).

State Premier DANIEL ANDREWS

- called on the reform as compassionate saying that..
“I’m very proud to have made this reform and to have led a team that has delivered
the sort of leadership that all Victorians can be proud of”
The issue of legalizing euthanasia (assisted suicide) has gone through major
debates questioning the morality of the act.

Accdg. to the Handbook of Clinical Neurology (2013), voluntary active euthanasia is the
administration, by the physician, of a lethal agent (or the administration of a therapeutic
agent at a lethal dose, actively permitted by the patient, with the intent to cause the latter’s
death, for the purpose of relieving intolerable, intractable, and incurable pain. Physician-
assisted suicide is the doctor’s deliberate assistance in implementing a patient’s suicide
plan.
Is it morally right to end the life of an individual, even by just administering
what the patient so wishes?

If so, where then is the morality of the act?

Moral and ethical principles and standards are challenged if not questioned
in dilemmas such as this, as social dynamics have led many to become
more accepting and understanding of personal decisions in light of moral
issues.
Activity
(5 groups, for oral presentation)
10 minutes preparation, 5 mins. presentation

Share A BRIEF HISTORY OF EUTHANASIA in the following periods:

1. 400 BC
2. Middle Ages
3. 17-18th centuries
4. Early 20th century
5. 20-21 centuries
Input

I. What are Moral Standards?

II. Moral Dilemmas
III. Three Levels of Moral Dilemma in the Workplace
IV. Freedom as Foundation of Ethics
Pop-Up Questions

1.1 When do we say then that an act is moral or non-moral?

1.2 Are there universal principles which should be invoked before making, or
giving in a moral act?
1.3 How does cultural relativism affect moral and non-moral standards?
1.4 Why is that only human beings can be ethical?
1.5 Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral convictions? How
did you feel about it?
1.6 What are the moral dilemmas that college students like you usually
encounter?
1.7 Is it moral to end the life of a patient, with or without his/her consent?
Explain.
1.8 Do you agree to any of these forms of euthanasia?
1.9 Should employees experiencing moral dilemmas at work leave their job no
matter how compensating they are for them?
1.10 Do you feel free in making moral decisions? Explain. What is the
significance of freedom in making moral decisions?
Input

I. What are Moral Standards?

In making moral decisions, what standards are we supposed to follow?

Who made these standards?
Will following these standards make us all ethically moral?

These are but a few questions that need to be answered as we are compelled to
abide by ethical principles daily.
The rightness or wrongness of an act makes us, willingly or unwillingly, confront
the morality of our decisions. 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.

At the forefront of this discussion is the value that we give to moral standards
which serve as our guide to the rightness of our behavior. We are tied to some
sets of moral standards that we bring with us as we make moral decisions.
These standards serve as our compass, a sort of light in our path, keeping us on
our toes, thus, allowing us to check if our actions behooves ethical and moral
ideals.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.1
When do we say then that an act is moral or non-moral?

The question of what is morally right and wrong has hounded man throughout history. We
allowed ourselves to be judged by standards that we have imposed upon ourselves. In our
attempt to perfect our actions, and live in peace with our fellows, and with nature, we deemed it
necessary to create ethical standards that will surmise whether our actions are good, and of the
greatest virtue, or if we have been outrightly missing the mark.

Morality 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 reasons for such. This is very significant in our attempt to resolve moral issues at
hand.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.2
Are there universal principles which should be invoked
before making, or giving in a moral act?
Ethics, referring to the philosophical concept 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).
 ETHICS versus MORALS
Guiding principles of conduct of an Principles on which one’s judgments
individual or group of right and wrong are based

Influenced by profession, field, Influenced by society, culture and

organization, etc. religion

Related to professional work Not related to professional work

Uniform compared to morals Vary according to different cultures

and religions

Difference Between Ethics and Morals (Hasa, 2016)

To analyze what is morally acceptable or not, it is significant to zero in on the
definition of morality, and the standards that point out whether an action is moral
or not. Mason (1996), describes that morality is achieved when a set of possible
mores of any social group are observed and achieved.
Mores (pronounced as more-ays) are strongly held norms, which epitomize the
deeply held standards of what is right, and wrong (Stolley, 2005). These are
known to be morally significant which, if not followed, could result to social and
lawful sanctions. The mores are what dictates what is moral and non-moral in the
society.
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. These influences are
significant in our self-understanding, since it is somehow difficult to dichotomize
our personal moral standards from that of our society.

Non-moral standards are those unwanted principles, which are in opposition to

everything that we are expected to be and do. Likewise, non-moral standards are
influenced largely by the constructs prescribed in our society.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.3
How does cultural relativism affect moral and non-moral standards?

It is also significant to point out that only human beings belong to a certain standard of morality
since, as Guldberg (2011) explains,

“We are capable of making judgements about our own and other people’s behavior, and have the
capacity to consciously change the way we behave and society as a whole.”

Hence, it is only us, humans, who are able to make moral choices, reflect, rethink, and re-align
our actions to what is morally and ethically acceptable. These choices are not inherent in other
living beings. Thus, we are in a very special position as we are given that innate capability to
make moral decisions.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.4
Why is it only human beings can be ethical?

II. Moral Dilemmas

H.E. Mason (1996), expounds that moral conflict is a fact of moral life. It is something that we can
never do away with. It is embedded in the crucial decisions that we make, particularly in moments
that we are faced with what is and what should be.

As moral as we want to be, our convictions are oftentimes challenged, and if not strong enough,
are dejectedly compromised. These challenges are products of the evolving values and moral
systems of our society. It is thus necessary that we are in touch with the norms in our society as it
mirrors the moral consciousness of the people.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.5
Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral convictions?
How did you feel about it?

Moral dilemmas arise due to inconsistency in our principles. In understanding the

morality of an individual, we need to emphasize that majority of the moral persons are
those who are sturdily disposed to stand fast by their reflectively chosen principles and
ideals when tempted by considerations chosen that are morally irrelevant (Louden,
1992).
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.6
What are the moral dilemmas that college students like you usually
encounter?

As Mason explains, we will experience a moral dilemma if we are faced with two actions, each of
which, it would be correct to say in the appropriate sense of ‘ought’, that it ought to be done, and
both of which we cannot do. This means that we either go straight or do it the other way. We,
then, ought to make moral choices, with our own moral reasons.

As we become more conscious of the moral issues and dilemmas of people in our community,
the more that we ought to live by the moral principles that we believe are helpful and beneficial to
the society.
Let us study again the concept of euthanasia and look at the morality of the
act. This hinges on the idea that “life is good and that existing life should be
preserved as a matter of course, unless some overriding principle supersedes
the innate value of an ongoing,” (Whiting, 2001).
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.7
Is it moral to end the life of a patient, with or without his or her
consent? Explain.

As defined, euthanasia exists to at least help the patient die a good death. Ezra (2006),
explained its three forms, with the assumption that the patient has an acute, terminal,
chronic illness that medical treatment cannot remedy or even cure. In Ezra’s words,
these are the types of euthanasia, together with their explanations and reasons,
summarized in the infographic on the next slide.

Allowing someone to die

Mercy Death (Voluntary Active Euthanasia)
Non-Voluntary Active Death Euthanasia
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.8
Do you agree to any of these forms of euthanasia?
III. Three Levels of Moral Dilemma in the Workplace

Ethical dilemmas also arise in our workplace. The stress in the workplace is not only a result of beating
deadlines and what not, but also of the ethical issues surrounding the workplace. As it is very important
that employees live up to certain standards prescribed by the companies and organizations, it is
likewise significant for the latter to uphold ethical standards in and for the company.

Smith (n.d.), explains the three levels of ethical standards in a business organization where we might
find ourselves having ethical dilemmas:

1. INDIVIDUAL. The dilemma here is when the employee’s ethical standards are in opposition to that
of his or 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 conflict for those who are working in the
company.

3. SYSTEMIC. Also called as the systemic level, here, ethics is predisposed by the larger operating
environment of the company. Political pressures, economic conditions, social attitudes and others, can
affect the operating standards and policies of the organization where it might face moral dilemmas
outside of the organization but within the macro-society where it belongs.
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.9
Should employees experiencing moral dilemmas at work leave their
job no matter how compensating they are for them?

Individual moral dilemmas are far more challenging as we are tasked to decide the morality of our
actions. In order for us to manage ethical challenges, there is always that need to make sure that our
decisions have been well thought out.

On the next slide is an infographic that would be helpful in our ethical decision-making in varying
circumstances and capacities.
IV. Freedom as Foundation of Ethics

In making moral decisions, Immanuel Kant runs to human autonomy as the principal foundation of
morality. “Autonomy” literally means giving the law to oneself, and our understanding provides laws that
constitute the a priori framework of our experience (Standford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2016). This
a priori knowledge is “prior to,” or independent of, experience, but, more importantly, identical for all
human beings and not subject to change (Louden, 1992).
 Pop-Up Question No. 1.10
Do you feel free in making moral decisions? Explain. What is the
significance of freedom in making moral decisions?

To explain his concept of autonomy or freedom as foundation of moral act, Kant pointed out that moral
rightness and wrongness apply only to free agents who have the capacity to regulate their behavior
and have it in their power, at the time of their actions, either to act rightly or not. Hence, when we make
choices, we must act “under the idea of freedom” (Morality as Freedom, n.d.). Free will then becomes
the foundation of our moral act, which is done also out of our moral responsibility.
Our understanding then, in hindsight, comes from reason , rather than experience. As for Kant,
autonomy—that is freedom, comes from obeying the law for the right reasons. We do not act for self-
serving interests but out of moral responsibilities (Nucci, 2014). Hence, self-consciousness becomes
the highest principle, since it is (at least) the basis for all of our a priori knowledge about the structure of
nature (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2016).

However, freedom does not give us the ability to decide similarly. Our free will dictates that we have
differences in self-consciousness which makes it even more complicated to entirely grasp Kant’s
philosophical mooring. Rationality is not entirely the same for all of us. That being said, it could not be
our exclusive basis in making moral judgments as it is enlightening in our reflections and introspections
in doing the moral act itself.
Chapter Summary
Keywords
Photo retrieved from https://prosperityconnection.org/2019/11/the-gratitude-jar/
 Thank you!

We Innovate. We Build. We Serve.

Comprehension Check
(Individual, oral – for class interaction)

1.1 When do we say then that an act is moral or non-moral?

1.2 Are there universal principles which should be invoked before making, or
giving in a moral act?
1.3 How does cultural relativism affect moral and non-moral standards?
1.4 Why is that only human beings can be ethical?
1.5 Was there ever a time that you compromised your moral convictions? How
did you feel about it?
Comprehension Check
(Individual, oral – for class interaction)

1.6 What are the moral dilemmas that college students like you usually
encounter?
1.7 Is it moral to end the life of a patient, with or without his/her consent?
Explain.
1.8 Do you agree to any of these forms of euthanasia?
1.9 Should employees experiencing moral dilemmas at work leave their job no
matter how compensating they are for them?
1.10 Do you feel free in making moral decisions? Explain. What is the
significance of freedom in making moral decisions?
Assessment

1. My Decisions
(Individual, written)

2. OBE Project 1
(Individual, for presentation)
2. MY DECISIONS (Individual)
DIRECTION: Recall five instances in your life when you made decisions
primarily invoking reason and experience. List these instances below and answer
the questions that follow:

BASED ON REASON BASED ON EXPERIENCE

Questions

1. When do you usually make decisions using your rationality?

2. When do you usually make decisions invoking your experience?
3. What do you use more often in making decisions? Reason or experience?
Why?
4. Were there instances when you thought you could have used reason better in
making a decision rather than your own experience and vice versa? What are
those instances?
3. OBE Project 1
(Individual, to be presented next meeting)

Create your own infographic showing your moral stand on euthanasia. Give at
least three reasons why you are in favor or not, and include your sources (in your
infographic) if necessary.

(See Rubric)
Rubric (100 points)
Criteria Below Standard Passed Excellent Score
Aesthetics The infographic is The quality of the The quality of the
(25 points) blurred, was not well infographic is good, and infographic is excellent,
thought out and looks presentable. and is very
unpresentable. (11 to 20 points) presentable.
(0 to 10 points) (21 to 25 points)

Organization Ideas and thoughts Ideas and thoughts are Ideas and thoughts are
of Thoughts are disorganized. fairly organized, but conveyed in a very
and Discourse The overall needs relative organized way. The
(75 points) discourse is shallow. improvement. The overall discourse is
(0 to 25 points) overall discourse is exhaustive.
satisfactory. (51 to 75 points)
(26 to 50 points)
Total (100)
Photo retrieved from https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=congratulation