ETHICS Key Features and Examples:

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with 1. Concern for Well-being and Dignity
questions of morality and human conduct. It Example: Helping a stranger who got
explores what is right and wrong, good and bad, injured on the street, even if you're in a
just and unjust. Ethics provides a framework for hurry.
making decisions that respect the rights and Why? Because a person’s life and well-
dignity of all individuals, guiding people in how being matter more than your personal
they should behave in various situations. schedule.

At its core, ethics seeks to answer fundamental 2. Universality

questions such as: What should I do? What kind Example: The belief that “killing an
of person should I be? and What is the right thing innocent person is wrong” applies across
to do in this situation? These questions are not all cultures.
only theoretical but have practical significance in Why? Because it's grounded in the value
everyday life, influencing personal behavior, of life and not just a local rule.
professional responsibilities, and societal norms.
3. Impartiality and Fairness
There are three major branches of ethics: Example: A teacher giving the same
opportunity to all students to submit late
1. Normative Ethics – focuses on the
work after a typhoon, not just to those she
standards and principles that determine
personally likes.
right and wrong behavior.
Why? Because fairness should not be
2. Applied Ethics – deals with how ethical selective.
principles are applied to specific real-
4. Moral Obligation (Overrides Other
world issues such as medical ethics,
Standards)
business ethics, and environmental
Example: Refusing to lie in court to
ethics.
protect a friend from punishment.
3. Meta-ethics – examines the nature, Why? Because truth and justice take
meaning, and origins of ethical concepts precedence over personal loyalty.
and judgments.
B. Non-Moral Standards
Understanding ethics is crucial for developing
Non-moral standards are rules or guidelines that
moral reasoning and critical thinking. It
regulate behavior without moral implications.
encourages individuals to reflect on their values
These are typically based on custom, law,
and actions and promotes accountability,
etiquette, or professional protocols and may
integrity, and empathy in both personal and social
vary depending on the context.
life. In an increasingly complex world, ethical
awareness helps us navigate dilemmas, build Types and Examples:
trust, and contribute to a more just and humane
1. Social Norms
society.
Example: Not wearing slippers in a formal
UNIT I: MORAL AND NON-MORAL event.
STANDARDS Why? It’s a social expectation, not a moral
issue.
A. Moral Standards
2. Legal Standards
Moral standards are principles concerned with
Example: Wearing a motorcycle helmet
what is right and wrong, rooted in ethical values
when driving.
such as respect, fairness, responsibility, and
Why? It’s a legal safety requirement, but
compassion. These guide individuals on how
not necessarily a moral act unless it
they ought to act—not based on preferences or
concerns the safety of others.
convenience, but on what is ethically right.

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3. Religious or Cultural Traditions Example: The student chooses to report
Example: Fasting during Holy Week. the cheating incident.
Why? It’s a religious obligation, which
3. The Consequence – The result of the
may or may not be moral unless
action.
connected to spiritual discipline or
Example: The classmate gets disciplined,
compassion.
but academic integrity is protected.
4. Aesthetic Standards
C. Types of Moral Experiences:
Example: A designer choosing color
palettes based on current trends. 1. Direct Moral Experience
Why? This relates to taste or beauty, not You are actively involved in making a
ethical values. moral decision.
Example: Choosing to return a lost wallet
5. Professional/Technical Standards
with money to the owner.
Example: A chef following a recipe for
food consistency. 2. Reflective Moral Experience
Why? It ensures quality, not morality. You reflect on past actions and learn from
them.
Comparison:
Example: Remembering a time you
Moral Standard Non-Moral Standard bullied a classmate and deciding to stand
up against bullying today.
“Do not steal from “Wear black shoes with
others.” the school uniform.” 3. Vicarious Moral Experience
You learn from observing the experiences
“Respect people of others.
“Stand when a teacher
regardless of Example: Watching a news story about
enters the room.”
background.” whistleblowers and understanding the
courage it takes to do what’s right.
“Speak the truth, even “Use APA format in
when it’s hard.” writing research papers.” D. Real-Life Situations Involving Moral
Experience:
“Protect children from “Use formal fonts in a
harm.” business presentation.”  At Home:
You are tempted to lie about breaking a
UNIT II: MORAL EXPERIENCE plate, but you choose to tell the truth.
A. What is a Moral Experience? → You feel proud of being honest, and
your parents trust you more.
A moral experience happens when someone is
confronted with a situation that demands a moral  At School:
decision—something that involves the rights, You see someone being excluded in a
dignity, or well-being of others. These group activity and decide to include them.
experiences help develop a person’s character, → You experience empathy and help
values, and ethical judgment. create a more inclusive environment.

B. Core Elements:  In Society:

You join a tree-planting campaign even
1. Moral Agent – The person making the though it’s not required.
decision. → You feel morally responsible for
Example: A student deciding whether to protecting the environment.
report a cheating classmate.
E. The Role of Emotions and Conscience:
2. The Act – The behavior chosen by the
agent.  Guilt: When you do something wrong,
like lying to a friend.

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 Pride: When you defend someone who is fairness, but reporting them might destroy your
being bullied. friendship.

 Shame: When you remember you  Moral Choice 1: Report them (honesty,
laughed at someone’s mistake. fairness)

 Empathy: When you feel bad seeing  Moral Choice 2: Stay silent (loyalty,
someone else cry and offer help. compassion)

Summary of Key Points:  Moral Conflict: Telling the truth could hurt
someone you care about. Staying silent
 Moral standards are universal ethical
may allow injustice.
principles (e.g., not harming others, being
honest). 2. Justice vs. Mercy

 Non-moral standards are social, legal, A school rule says that any student caught
or aesthetic rules (e.g., school dress stealing will be suspended. A teacher discovers a
codes). student stealing food because they haven’t eaten
in days.
 A moral experience involves a moral
agent, a decision/action, and its  Moral Choice 1: Enforce the rule strictly
consequences. (justice, equality)

 Real-life situations—at home, in school,  Moral Choice 2: Show compassion and

or in society—are filled with moral address the student’s needs (mercy,
experiences. empathy)

 Emotions and reflection are crucial in  Moral Conflict: Balancing the

shaping moral behavior and moral enforcement of rules with understanding
development. personal hardship.

UNIT III: MORAL DILEMMAS 3. Individual Rights vs. Public Safety

A. What is a Moral Dilemma? A government has access to private

conversations through surveillance to prevent
A moral dilemma is a situation in which a person
terrorism. Is it acceptable to limit individual
must choose between two or more conflicting
privacy to ensure national security?
moral obligations, where choosing one will result
in violating the other. In such situations, there is  Moral Choice 1: Support surveillance
no completely “right” or “wrong” choice—every (public safety)
option comes with some moral consequence.
 Moral Choice 2: Oppose it (individual
These dilemmas test a person’s values, priorities,
rights and freedom)
and moral reasoning.
 Moral Conflict: Protecting the many may
Key Elements of a Moral Dilemma:
violate the rights of the few.
1. Two or more conflicting moral choices
C. Why Moral Dilemmas Matter in Ethics
2. No clear solution that is entirely right or
 They reveal how values can conflict.
wrong
 They develop critical thinking and
3. Each option has ethical consequences
ethical reasoning.
B. Real-Life Examples of Moral Dilemmas
 They help individuals clarify what they
1. Honesty vs. Loyalty stand for.

You discover that your best friend is cheating on D. How to Approach Moral Dilemmas
an exam. You believe in academic honesty and
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1. Identify the conflicting values (e.g.,  Example: A person overcomes peer
truth vs. loyalty). pressure and refuses to bully a
classmate.
2. Analyze possible consequences for all
 Conclusion: The decision shows inner
involved.
freedom to choose what is right.
3. Consider the intentions behind each 3. Moral or Volitional Freedom
choice.
 Example: A student voluntarily chooses to
4. Make a decision you can justify based study instead of cheating, even if cheating
on reason, not emotion alone. is easier.

5. Be willing to accept responsibility for  Conclusion: The moral value of their

the consequences. action lies in their freedom to choose
the good.
UNIT IV: FREEDOM AS A BASIC
D. Examples of Freedom in Moral Contexts
REQUIREMENT OF MORALITY
1. Choosing to Forgive
A. What is Freedom in Ethics?
A person who has been wronged chooses to
Freedom in ethics refers to the ability of
forgive instead of seeking revenge.
individuals to make their own choices voluntarily
and intentionally, without being forced,  Moral Significance: Forgiveness is a
manipulated, or constrained. Moral actions are free and conscious choice to uphold
meaningful only if they are made freely. Without peace and empathy.
freedom, there can be no true responsibility or
2. Resisting Temptation
moral accountability.
A store clerk finds a lost wallet filled with money
B. Why Is Freedom Essential in Moral
and decides to return it.
Decision-Making?
 Moral Significance: They were free to
1. Freedom makes us moral agents.
take it, but chose honesty over personal
If we are not free to choose, we cannot be
gain.
blamed or praised.
3. Speaking Up Against Wrongdoing
2. Without freedom, morality becomes
meaningless. An employee reports corruption in their
If someone was forced to do something workplace despite the risk of losing their job.
(e.g., under threat), it is unfair to say they
acted immorally or immorally.  Moral Significance: Their moral action is
courageous because it was done freely
3. Freedom is tied to responsibility. and knowingly.
Being free to act also means being
responsible for the results. E. Limits and Misunderstandings of Freedom
C. Types of Freedom in Ethics 1. Freedom is Not Absolute
1. Physical Freedom  Example: You are free to express your
 Example: A person is locked in a room opinion, but not to insult or harm others.
and cannot help someone outside calling
 Key Point: True freedom respects the
for help.
rights and dignity of others.
 Conclusion: Since they are physically
unable, they are not morally accountable 2. Freedom is Linked to Responsibility
for inaction.
 Example: If you freely choose to skip
2. Psychological Freedom classes, you must accept the
consequences of poor grades.

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3. Freedom Guided by Reason and 1. Learned – Culture is not inherited
Conscience biologically. It is taught through language,
rituals, institutions, and media.
 Example: Acting out of selfish desires is
Example: Children learn respect for elders
not truly moral freedom. Ethical freedom
through traditional Filipino greetings like
is based on reason and moral awareness.
“mano po.”
F. Summary of Key Differences and
2. Shared – Culture is a collective practice;
Interrelation
it creates a sense of belonging.
Moral Dilemmas Freedom and Morality Example: Celebrating local fiestas brings
communities together and fosters shared
Involve difficult choices identity.
Freedom is required to
between two or more
make any moral choice 3. Symbolic – Culture uses symbols (like
moral duties
language, gestures, or artifacts) to
Freedom allows represent meaning.
Highlight the complexity individuals to act Example: The Philippine flag is a symbol
of moral reasoning ethically based on of national identity and pride.
values
4. Dynamic – Culture evolves through time
Without freedom, and adapts to new influences.
Every choice has
actions lose their moral Example: Traditional farming methods
ethical consequences
worth now integrate technology like drones and
irrigation apps.
Real-life examples: Real-life examples:
reporting a friend, resisting peer pressure, 5. Integrated – Culture is a complex system
enforcing rules, telling the truth, in which all parts (family, religion, politics,
protecting rights returning lost items economy) are interrelated.
Example: Filipino family values influence
Final Thought voting behavior, job selection, and
Ethics is not just about knowing what is right or educational priorities.
wrong, but about being free to choose what is B. Types of Culture:
right, especially when faced with difficult choices.
Understanding moral dilemmas teaches us the 1. Material Culture – Physical objects
complexity of life’s decisions; while recognizing created by a society.
the role of freedom reminds us that morality Example: Barong Tagalog, jeepneys,
depends on the power to choose wisely and bahay kubo.
responsibly. 2. Non-Material Culture – Intangible
UNIT V: WHAT IS CULTURE? aspects such as beliefs, values, customs,
and norms.
A. Definition of Culture Example: The Filipino concept of
Culture is the total way of life of a group of bayanihan (community spirit), pakikisama
people. It includes their beliefs, values, customs, (getting along with others), and respect
language, symbols, norms, practices, institutions, for elders.
art, and technology. Culture is passed down from C. Functions of Culture:
one generation to another through socialization
and plays a key role in shaping individual identity  Provides identity
and group behavior.  Shapes perception and behavior
Key Features of Culture:  Promotes social cohesion

 Transmits knowledge and traditions

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 Guides moral and ethical values  Promotes respect and tolerance for
cultural diversity
UNIT VI: CULTURAL RELATIVISM
 Encourages open-mindedness and
A. Definition of Cultural Relativism
reduces prejudice
Cultural Relativism is the ethical and
 Helps in understanding moral systems
anthropological view that each culture should be
from other cultural perspectives
understood and evaluated based on its own
values and beliefs, not those of another culture. It D. Limitations of Cultural Relativism:
opposes ethnocentrism, the belief that one’s own
While cultural relativism promotes tolerance, it
culture is superior to others.
can become problematic when used to excuse
Key Idea: human rights violations or unethical practices.

There is no single universal moral standard that Example:

applies to all cultures at all times. Instead, moral
 Female genital mutilation (FGM) is
codes vary depending on cultural contexts.
practiced in some cultures as a rite of
B. Examples of Cultural Relativism: passage. However, from a human rights
perspective, it is a violation of bodily
1. Burial Practices
autonomy.
o In the Philippines, most people → Moral dilemma: Should cultural
bury the dead in cemeteries. practices always be accepted, or are
there universal human rights that must be
o Among the Igorot, hanging coffins upheld?
on cliffs is a cultural tradition.
→ Cultural relativism encourages E. Cultural Relativism in Ethics
us to understand and respect both
practices.  Cultural relativism is relevant to ethics
because it highlights the contextual nature
2. Food Taboos of morality. It challenges us to recognize
the complexity of moral judgments and
o Filipinos eat pork and shellfish.
the importance of understanding cultural
o Muslims (and Jews) avoid pork as backgrounds.
part of religious law.
UNIT VII: THE FILIPINO WAY
→ Rather than judging, cultural
relativism urges understanding of A. Understanding the “Filipino Way”
why certain foods are taboo.
The Filipino Way refers to the unique cultural
3. Marriage Customs values, attitudes, and social behaviors that define
Filipino identity and morality. These are deeply
o In Western cultures, arranged
rooted in family, community, religion, and history,
marriages may be seen as
and are expressed in daily interactions and
outdated.
decision-making.
o In Indian and Middle Eastern
B. Core Filipino Cultural Values (with
cultures, they are common and
Examples):
valued.
→ Cultural relativism recognizes 1. Pakikisama (Getting Along with Others)
that these customs serve different
 Prioritizing group harmony and avoiding
social purposes in different
conflict.
societies.

C. Strengths of Cultural Relativism:

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 Example: A student agreeing to join a  May promote non-confrontational
group decision even if they personally behavior, which can discourage speaking
disagree, just to maintain peace. up about injustice.
 Practices like "utang na loob" can
2. Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude) sometimes lead to favoritism or
corruption (e.g., supporting a candidate
 A deep sense of obligation to someone only out of loyalty, not qualifications).
who has done you a favor.  Excessive hiya can prevent people from
seeking help or asserting their rights.
 Example: A family supporting a politician
who once helped them during hard times. F. The Filipino Way and Ethics
3. Hiya (Sense of Shame/Modesty)
 The Filipino way shapes ethical behavior
 A feeling of embarrassment that prevents by emphasizing relational and
people from behaving improperly. communal values. It reinforces the idea
that moral decisions are not just
 Example: A person refusing to ask for individual but social—what is
help even when in need, to avoid shame. considered "right" is often based on
relationships, community expectations,
4. Bayanihan (Community Spirit/Cooperation) and a sense of shared identity.

 Working together for the good of the Concept Definition Examples

community. Fiestas,
Total way of life
Culture languages, rituals,
 Example: Neighbors helping each other shared by a group
food, clothing
rebuild homes after a typhoon.
Cultural Judging cultures Respecting burial
5. Pakikiramay (Empathy/Compassion) Relativis by their own practices,
m standards marriage customs
 Showing sympathy during times of grief or Unique Filipino
The Bayanihan, hiya,
suffering. values guiding
Filipino pakikisama, utang
social and moral
 Example: Visiting a wake or sending Way na loob
life
condolences to a grieving family.
UNIT VIII: THE UNIVERSAL VALUE
C. Filipino Family-Oriented Morality
A. What Are Universal Values?
 Filipinos emphasize the importance of
close family ties, often making moral Universal values are moral principles or beliefs
decisions based on what is best for the that are widely recognized and upheld across all
family rather than for the individual. cultures, societies, and religions. While specific
 Example: A child gives up a job abroad to expressions may vary, the core ethical ideals
care for aging parents, prioritizing family remain constant, transcending boundaries of
over personal success. nationality, ethnicity, and language.

D. Strengths of the Filipino Way: Examples of Universal Values:

 Promotes unity, loyalty, and Value Description Example

cooperation
 Encourages respect for elders and Valuing others’ Respecting elders in
authority Respect dignity and both Filipino and
 Strengthens community values and rights Japanese cultures
empathy
Whistleblowers
Telling the truth,
E. Challenges of the Filipino Way: Honesty revealing corruption
being sincere
despite risk

Compass Empathy and Donating to disaster

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Value Description Example Universal values are not just abstract ideas; they
are practical necessities for humanity to live
concern for victims regardless of peacefully, avoid conflict, and thrive together.
ion
others’ suffering race or religion
B. Contributions of Universal Values to
Promoting Demanding equal Survival:
Justice fairness and access to education
equality for all children 1. Peace and Cooperation

 Value: Tolerance and Respect

Allowing
Supporting
individuals to  Example: International peace treaties
Freedom democratic elections
think and act between formerly warring nations are built
around the world
freely on shared respect for sovereignty and
human life.
Owning up to A leader accepting
Responsi
actions and fault in a failed 2. Justice and Equality
bility
fulfilling duties government program
 Value: Justice and Human Rights
B. Why Are They Called “Universal”?
 Example: Global movements against
1. They exist across cultures slavery, racism, and discrimination uphold
the universal value of human dignity.
o Nearly every religion teaches
respect, love, truthfulness, and 3. Environmental Responsibility
peace.
 Value: Stewardship of Nature
2. They serve humanity’s common good
 Example: Global climate agreements rely
o These values build trust, peace, on the shared value of caring for future
and cooperation in diverse generations.
societies.
4. Trust and Stability
3. They are taught from early childhood
 Value: Honesty and Integrity
o Children everywhere are taught to
 Example: Economic systems collapse
be kind, respectful, and truthful.
when trust is broken (e.g., financial
C. Are Universal Values Absolute? scandals). Honesty ensures fair trade and
global markets.
While universal values are widely accepted,
interpretations and applications may vary 5. Solidarity and Support
depending on culture, history, or context.
 Value: Compassion and Generosity
Example:
 Example: Countries send aid to other
 In some cultures, “honesty” means being nations after disasters (e.g., typhoons,
direct. In others, being “indirect” is seen earthquakes).
as respectful.
C. The Role of Education and Media
Thus, values may be universally shared, but
Universal values are reinforced through:
culturally expressed in different ways.
 Schools – teaching values like respect
UNIT IX: UNIVERSAL VALUES AND HUMAN
and honesty
SURVIVAL
 Media – promoting empathy and
A. How Do Universal Values Help Human
awareness
Survival?

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 Religious institutions – guiding ethical  Morality is about pleasing others and
living gaining approval.

D. Challenges to Universal Values  Example: A teenager volunteers for a

community project to be seen as a “good
Despite their importance, universal values can be
person.”
threatened by:
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
 Cultural conflict
 Right is obeying laws and respecting
 Political greed
authority.
 Corruption
 Example: An adult refuses to bribe a
 Extremism traffic officer because it breaks the law.

Moral education is essential to preserve these LEVEL 3: POST-CONVENTIONAL (Mature

values and ensure global human survival. Moral Reasoning)

UNIT X: DEVELOPMENT AND STAGES OF Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
MORAL CHARACTER
 Recognizing that rules should benefit the
A. What is Moral Character? majority and uphold rights.

Moral character refers to the set of ethical  Example: A journalist defends press
qualities and virtues that define a person’s freedom, even when it challenges
consistent behavior and moral decisions. A powerful figures.
morally upright person is someone who strives to
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
do what is right, even when it is difficult.
 Morality is guided by internal principles
B. Stages of Moral Development (Based on
like justice, even if they conflict with law or
Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory)
social norms.
Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral
 Example: A civil rights activist breaks an
development within three levels. Below is a
unjust law peacefully to stand up for
simplified version with examples.
equality.
LEVEL 1: PRE-CONVENTIONAL (Childhood
C. Real-Life Example: Growth of Moral
Level)
Character
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment
Age/Stage Moral Behavior
 Moral decisions are based on avoiding
Child (Stage Shares toys to avoid being scolded
punishment.
1–2) or to get praise
 Example: A child doesn’t steal candy
because they fear being scolded. Helps in school programs to
Teenager
please teachers or follow school
Stage 2: Self-Interest/Reward (Stage 3–4)
rules
 What’s right is what benefits oneself. Fights for justice, supports
Adult (Stage
 Example: A student helps clean the equality, speaks out against
5–6)
classroom because they will get extra corruption
points. D. Developing a Strong Moral Character
LEVEL 2: CONVENTIONAL (Adolescent to To grow morally, one must:
Adult Level)
 Reflect on actions and consequences
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

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 Be guided by reason and conscience  Ethical Traits: Loyalty, honesty,
independence, courage
 Practice virtues like honesty, courage,
fairness, and compassion  Example: A teenager resists peer
pressure to join bullying despite wanting
 Accept moral responsibility for one’s
to fit in
actions
3. Early Adulthood (20s–30s)
UNIT XI: PERSONAL GROWTH AND STAGES
OF DEVELOPMENT  Growth Focus: Career, relationships,
long-term goals
A. What is Personal Growth?
 Ethical Traits: Responsibility, integrity,
Personal growth refers to the process of
commitment
developing one’s full potential—physically,
emotionally, socially, intellectually, morally, and  Example: A young adult chooses not to
spiritually. It is a lifelong journey that allows cheat on a job application to maintain self-
individuals to become better versions of respect
themselves through learning, experience, and
4. Middle Adulthood (40s–60s)
reflection.
 Growth Focus: Generativity (leaving a
B. Importance of Personal Growth in Ethics
legacy), community service, leadership
 Ethics is not only about abstract ideas but
 Ethical Traits: Wisdom, fairness,
about becoming a better human being.
mentorship
 Growth allows individuals to develop
 Example: A parent teaches their child
virtues such as honesty, patience,
about the importance of honesty and
responsibility, and compassion.
respect
 Through growth, people improve their
5. Late Adulthood (60s and beyond)
ability to make wise and ethical
choices.  Growth Focus: Reflection, legacy,
mentoring younger generations
C. Stages of Human Development and Moral
Growth  Ethical Traits: Forgiveness,
understanding, humility
 Human development can be viewed in
stages, often aligned with age and life  Example: An elderly person volunteers in
experiences. Each stage presents unique civic programs or counsels the youth
challenges and ethical lessons.
D. Key Areas of Personal Growth in Ethics:
1. Childhood (0–12 years) 1. Self-Awareness – Knowing your
 Growth Focus: Basic trust, learning right strengths, weaknesses, and values
from wrong, social norms 2. Emotional Regulation – Managing
 Ethical Traits: Obedience, fairness, feelings like anger, fear, or envy
sharing 3. Empathy – Understanding and feeling
 Example: A child learns not to lie or take what others go through
someone else’s toy 4. Critical Thinking – Making thoughtful,
2. Adolescence (13–19 years) reasoned decisions

 Growth Focus: Identity formation, peer 5. Purpose and Meaning – Living a life
influence, emotional control guided by deeper values

E. Real-Life Application:
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 A college student facing a moral dilemma 1. In the Workplace:
about group project cheating uses self- An employer promotes staff based on
awareness, empathy, and merit and performance—not on friendship
or favoritism.
responsibility to decide to report the
2. In the Family:
issue and face the consequences. A parent disciplines all children equally,
UNIT XII: REASON AND IMPARTIALITY AS not just the youngest.
3. In the Classroom:
REQUIREMENTS FOR ETHICS
A teacher listens to both sides of a
A. The Role of Reason in Ethics student conflict before making a
judgment.
Reason is the human ability to think logically,
analyze situations, weigh consequences, and D. Common Barriers to Impartiality:
arrive at sound judgments. In ethics, reason
helps distinguish between right and wrong by 1. Personal Bias – Judging based on
emotions or preferences
relying on evidence, logic, and reflection—not
Example: Supporting a friend's wrong
just emotion or impulse. action just because they’re a friend
Key Functions of Reason in Ethics: 2. Cultural Prejudice – Judging others
based on stereotypes
1. Clarifies Confusion Example: Assuming someone is
Example: Instead of acting out of anger, dishonest based on their religion or
you pause and think before making a background
3. Self-Interest – Making decisions that
decision. benefit oneself unfairly
2. Helps Consider Consequences Example: Giving a family member a job
without considering other qualified
Example: You think ahead about how
applicants
lying might damage trust in a relationship.

3. Supports Fair and Consistent E. Combining Reason and Impartiality:

Decisions
To make ethical decisions, we need to:
Example: A teacher gives the same
penalty for late work to all students—not
 Think clearly (Reason)
just those they dislike.  Treat everyone fairly (Impartiality)
 Put personal biases aside
B. The Need for Impartiality in Ethical  Follow universal principles like justice,
Decisions honesty, and respect

Impartiality means treating everyone equally Conclusion

and fairly, without favoritism, bias, or prejudice.
It’s a crucial part of being ethical because it  Personal growth prepares individuals to become
shows respect for the rights and dignity of all ethical and socially responsible. As we move
through life, we develop the ability to reflect,
individuals. empathize, and make sound decisions. Ethics is
not merely about emotion or tradition—it requires
Why Is Impartiality Important? the clear guidance of reason and the fairness of
impartiality to ensure that everyone is treated
with dignity and respect.
 Promotes justice – Everyone deserves
the same moral consideration
 Reduces bias – Avoids unfair treatment
based on status, race, gender, etc.
 Builds trust – People feel safe when
treated fairly

C. Real-Life Examples of Impartiality in Ethics

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