WEEK 1 FUNDAMENTALS OF THICS

Fundamentals of Ethics
a. Definition of ethics
b. The need to study ethics
c. Theories of the origin of ethics
d. Ethics and morality
e. Ethics and religion
f. Ethics and law
g. Ethics and culture

a. Definition of Ethics:
- Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong, good and bad, in human conduct.
- It is a branch of philosophy that seeks to define moral principles and standards of
conduct.
- It is also called as Moral philosophy
- Ethics involves the study of what is morally right and wrong.
- It explores how individuals and societies should behave based on moral principles.
- Ethics guides decision-making and behavior to create a just and ethical society.
- it is the art and science of correct living

b. The Need to Study Ethics:

- To help us make better decisions in our personal and professional lives.
- To understand the moral codes of different cultures and societies.
- To develop our moral reasoning skills.
- To critically evaluate ethical theories and arguments.
- To contribute to the development of a more just and humane world.
- Studying ethics helps individuals make informed and ethical choices in various situations.
- It encourages critical thinking and the consideration of diverse perspectives.
 -Understanding ethical principles contributes to personal growth and responsible
citizenship.

c. Theories of the Origin of Ethics:

1. Evolutionary Theories: Ethical behaviors may have evolved as advantageous traits for
social animals, promoting cooperation and group survival.
2. Cultural Theories: Ethics can be shaped by cultural norms and values, varying across
societies and time periods.
3. Rational Theories: Ethical principles are derived from human reasoning and logic,
emphasizing fairness, reason, and individual rights.
4. Naturalistic theories, which argue that ethics is based on human nature or the natural
world.
5. Contractarian theories, which argue that ethics is based on agreements or contracts
between individuals.
6. Utilitarian theories, which argue that ethics is based on the principle of utility, or the
greatest good for the greatest number of people.
7. Deontological theories, which argue that ethics is based on duty or obligat

d. Ethics and Morality:

- Morality refers to personal beliefs about what is right and wrong.
- Ethics is a broader field that studies and discusses moral principles applicable to
society.
- Morality can influence ethical choices, but ethics also considers societal implications.
- Ethics and morality are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same
thing. Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong, while morality is the actual practice
of doing what is right.

e. Ethics and Religion:

- Religious beliefs often provide a foundation for moral values and ethical behavior.
- Different religions have distinct ethical codes and guidelines.
- Intersections between ethics and religion can lead to ethical dilemmas and discussions.
- Religion often plays a role in shaping people's ethical beliefs. Many religions have their
own set of moral codes that their followers are expected to follow. However, it is important
 to note that not all ethical beliefs are based on religion. There are many ethical theories that
are independent of religion.
- Ethics is based on reason while religion is based on faith

f. Ethics and Law:

- While ethics and law both concern right and wrong, they have different scopes and
enforcement mechanisms.
- Ethics provides a moral framework, whereas laws are formal rules enforced by legal
systems.
- Some ethical principles may overlap with legal standards, but not all ethical actions are
necessarily legal, and vice versa.
- Law is often seen as a codification of ethics. The law reflects the moral values of a society
and is intended to promote those values. However, there are also many cases where the law
does not coincide with ethics. For example, the law may allow for something that is
considered unethical, such as capital punishment.

g. Ethics and Culture:

- Culture significantly influences ethical norms and values.
- Cultural diversity leads to variations in ethical perspectives across different societies.
- Ethical considerations may differ due to cultural contexts, leading to discussions about
universal versus culturally relative ethics.
- Culture also plays a role in shaping people's ethical beliefs. Different cultures have
different moral codes, and what is considered right and wrong can vary from culture to
culture.

SOURCES
Andres, Thomas. Understanding values. Quezon City: New Day Publisher, 1980
Articulo, Archimides C. and Gloria G. Florendo. Values and Work Ethics. Trinitas Publishing, Inc., 2003
Cruz, Corazon L. Contemporary Ethics, National Bookstore, 1993
De Torre, Joseph. Christian Philosophy. Manila: Sinagtala Publishing, 1980
Evangelista, Francis Julius N, and Mabaquiao Napoleon Jr M. Ethics Theories and Application. Anvil
Publishing, Inc. 2020
Glen, Paul J. Ethics, London: Herder Book Company, 1965.
Ramirez, Luzviminda F. and Eden Tongso-Beltran. Man, Values and Work Ethics,Trinitas Publishing Inc.,
2004