REYNALDO C.
CORPUZ ETHICS
BSEE 2 | BLK 1 SCORE:
As I reflect on my personal growth, it becomes evident that honoring my parents
is a central value guiding my actions. This commitment is deeply rooted in Filipino
values, particularly the concept of debt of gratitude, which underscores the importance
of family and reciprocal obligations. In my early years, my adherence to my parents'
rules was largely driven by a desire to avoid punishment and disapproval, influenced by
a strong sense of shame. I obeyed their expectations primarily to maintain family
harmony and avoid the discomfort of dishonor.
As I matured, my approach evolved. I began to act not just to gain approval or
avoid consequences, but to genuinely reciprocate the sacrifices my parents made for
me. This shift marked my transition into a deeper understanding of utang na loob, where
my achievements and good behavior were seen as a way to repay their efforts and
support. The values of social harmony and shared humanity began to play a significant
role in shaping my behavior, leading me to consider not only the immediate impact of
my actions but also their broader implications for family and community.
In my teenage years, my moral development progressed as I became more
focused on meeting societal expectations and maintaining relationships. This period of
growth aligns with Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, where actions are guided
by the desire to gain approval from others. For me, this approval came from both my
family and the wider community, who expected me to uphold Filipino values like
pakikisama and avoid actions that might bring shame. As I entered adulthood, my moral
reasoning became more complex, and I began to consider fairness and justice on a
broader scale. Honoring my parents was no longer just about following their wishes; it
involved understanding the deeper principles of shared humanity and justice, and
applying these principles to contribute positively to society.
Comparing simple subjectivism and emotivism, both theories offer distinct
perspectives on moral judgments. Simple subjectivism posits that moral statements are
expressions of personal beliefs that can be true or false depending on individual
perspectives. For instance, when I assert that "Helping others is good," I am conveying
my personal opinion, which may vary from others'. In contrast, emotivism argues that
moral statements are expressions of emotional responses rather than factual claims.
When I say "Helping others is good," emotivism suggests that I am expressing my
approval and feelings about helping others, rather than stating a fact or belief. Thus,
while simple subjectivism views moral judgments as subjective but potentially true or
false, emotivism sees them purely as emotional expressions without claims to truth.
When faced with moral dilemmas, my immediate responses are often driven by
emotion. For example, seeing someone in need might elicit a compassionate response,
influenced by my Filipino value of shared humanity. However, I also engage in rational
deliberation to assess the long-term consequences and broader ethical implications of
my actions. This dual approach helps me balance emotional impulses with thoughtful
consideration of how best to address the situation.
News stories often evoke both emotional and rational responses. Reports on
natural disasters, for instance, can trigger strong feelings of empathy and a desire to
help. I feel a sense of community spirit when reading about collective efforts to support
victims. Emotionally, I am moved by the solidarity and compassion of others. Rationally,
I consider the logistical challenges and effectiveness of aid distribution to ensure that
assistance reaches those in greatest need.
Applying the 7-step moral reasoning model to a hypothetical dilemma, such as a
friend confessing to infidelity and requesting secrecy, involves several steps. First, I
gather the facts: my friend is cheating and wants me to keep it confidential, while their
partner is unaware. Next, I determine the ethical issues, balancing loyalty to my friend
against the principles of honesty and fairness. I identify the affected parties: my friend,
their partner, and myself. I then consider the consequences of keeping the secret
versus revealing it, weighing potential harm to all parties involved. Identifying my
obligations, I must respect my friend’s trust while upholding a moral duty to be honest
and prevent further harm.
Reflecting on my character and integrity, I would encourage my friend to confess
and, if necessary, inform their partner myself, balancing emotional loyalty with a
commitment to fairness and honesty. This approach aims to uphold both personal
integrity and broader ethical principles.
