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Module No. 4
STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 4
FRAMEWORKS AND PRINCIPLES BEHIND OUR MORAL DISPOSITION
MODULE OVERVIEW
Module Outline:
A. Basic Theories and Frameworks in Ethics
B. Virtue Ethics
1. Aristotle: Telos; Virtue as Habit; Happiness as Virtue
2. St. Thomas: Natural Law
C. Kant and Rights
1. Kant (Good will; Categorical imperative)
2. Different Kinds of Rights
D. Utilitarianism
4.1 Origins and Nature of Theory
4.2 Business’s Fascination and Utilitarianism
E. Justice as Fairness: Promoting the Common Good
5.1 The nature of the theory
5.2 Distributive justice
5.3 The Principles of Taxation and Inclusive Growth
Introduction:
A person’s moral disposition must be based on frameworks and principles in Ethics. According
to Gallinero, making ethical decisions requires sensitivity to the ethical implications of problems and
situations; and likewise requires practice (Gallinero, 2018).
In this Module, you will first have an overview of the different fundamental ethical theories and
principles which are held by many people. After which, you will learn some leading and overarching
frameworks or principles that dictate the way we make our individual moral decisions, namely: Virtue
Ethics, Kantian and Rights Theory, Utilitarianism, and Justice and Fairness.
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this Module, you should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Discuss the dominant mental frames and their role in moral experience
Define what virtue ethics is
Evaluate virtue ethics
Apply virtue ethics
Define what rights theory is
Differentiate a legal from a moral right
Analyze rights theory
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8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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Apply rights theory
Define what utilitarianism is
Evaluate and apply utilitarianism as basis of morality
Define what justice and fairness are
Evaluate and apply justice and fairness
LEARNING CONTENTS (Basic Theories and Frameworks in Ethics)
Topic 1. Basic Theories and Frameworks in Ethics
The study of ethics or morality today is generally divided into three main areas, namely: 1)
meta-ethics, 2) normative ethics, and 3) applied ethics.
Meta-ethics consists in the attempt to answer the fundamental philosophical questions
about the nature of ethical theory itself (Klement, n.d.).
Some Classifications of Meta-ethics
1. Cognitivism and Non-cognitivism
Cognitivism is a view that ethical judgments are propositions, hence, they can either
be true or false. Non-cognitivism is a view that ethical judgments cannot be true or
false, but they are most likely expressions of emotions or exclamations. (Klement,
n.d.)
2. Subjectivism and Objectivism
Subjectivism is an ethical view that morality depends on the individual’s attitudes,
beliefs, desires, etc., rather than anything external. Objectivism is an ethical view
that morality is absolute (objective) wherein it is based on moral facts and principles,
rather than anything from the individual’s attitudes, beliefs, desires, etc. (Klement,
n.d.)
Normative Ethics is the study of what makes actions right or wrong, what makes situations
or events good or bad and what makes people virtuous or vicious (Klement, n.d.)
Classifications of Normative Ethics
1. Deontology
Deontology is a theory that bases morality on moral rules or duties (De Guzman,
2018). In other words, a moral deontologist will utilize established rules or duties to
distinguish what is right and wrong.
2. Teleology
Teleology is a theory that determines the moral value of actions by their outcomes or
results (De Guzman, 2018). So, an action is good if it is done or in pursuit of a moral
goal or end.
3. Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism, sometimes called consequentialism, is a theory that bases morality on
the consequences of actions. So, an action is good if it produces the “best”
consequences among the rest of the alternative actions.
4. Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is a theory that is character-based rather than act-based like deontology
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or teleology. When we say that it is character-based, it means that we judge or
determine goodness (or badness) in the person by judging the overall character or
virtues that he/she possesses.
Applied Ethics consists in the attempt to answer difficult moral questions actual people face
in their lives (Klement, n.d.). The moral questions addressed under Applied Ethics are mostly about
the social issues that we usually experience in the present time. According to De Guzman, J.M.
et.al., Applied Ethics is classified into the following sub-fields (De Guzman, 2018):
1. Bioethics - abortion, euthanasia, surrogate motherhood, cloning and genetic
manipulation, mutilation, etc.
2. Human Sexual Ethics - human sexuality, pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex, pornography,
contraception, loveless and casual sex, rape, etc.
3. Environmental Ethics - animal welfare and rights, environmental sanitation, pollution
control, kaingin, cyanide fishing, etc.
4. Business Ethics - harassment, job discrimination, employer-employee relationship,
whistle blowing, unprofessionalism, false advertising, etc.
5. Social Ethics - poverty, child labor, war on drugs, death penalty, racial discrimination,
gender discrimination, etc.
LEARNING CONTENTS (Aristotle: Telos; Virtue as Habit; Happiness as Virtue)
Topic 2. Virtue Ethics
Gallinero states that virtue ethics refers to the theories that put emphasis on the role of
character and virtue in living one’s life rather than in doing one’s duty or in acting to bring about
good consequences (Gallinero, 2018).
Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas are two of the main proponents of virtue ethics. Most of
the virtue ethics that we apply today lay their foundation or draw inspiration from the views of these
two philosophers.
Sub-Topic 2.1. Aristotle: Telos; Virtue as Habit; Happiness as Virtue
Who is Aristotle?
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) is an Ancient Greek philosopher who has significant contributions to
almost any area of study such as Logic, Biology, Aesthetics and Ethics. More information about
Aristotle is discussed in our textbook, page 74.
Telos
Telos is a Greek term which means “end” (or purpose). According to Aristotle, “every action
and pursuit is thought to aim at some good…” (Stumpf, S.E., 2005). As persons with a capacity for
rational thinking, we always have telos which is a goal that we have to fulfill.
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Virtue as Habit
According to Gallinero, in the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explains that a person acquires
character excellence by habituation. Hence, we can say that virtues are positive or good acts that are
habitually put into action which in turn develops the character of the person (Gallinero, 2018).
According to Aristotle, there are two kinds of virtues, namely: 1) Moral virtues, and 2)
Intellectual virtues.
In terms of moral virtues, we must always remember that we should always act in a moderate
way, that is, to act in a way that is too much nor too little (neither in excess nor in deficiency). For
Aristotle, a virtuous act is the “golden mean” between two extremes – by which these extremes are
considered as undesirable actions or commonly termed as vices.
Happiness as Virtue
For Aristotle, happiness or “eudaimonia” is the summum bonum or the supreme good.
Happiness as the supreme good is ultimately interpreted as our telos (we do not want a telos that is
not good and does not bring happiness). Furthermore, according to Aristotle, living a virtuous life “is
the best life because it contributes to the happiness or eudaimonia of the person” (Gallinero, 2018).
Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics”
by philonontes.com.
LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.1
Seatwork: “Let’s Work Together”
Communicate with your assigned partner to answer the following guide questions regarding virtues
and “acting in moderation”. If this activity is done asynchronously, it should be submitted by partner
via MS Teams. Please use the given format below.
• What specific virtue a PSUnian student must possess? Discuss your answer.
• What do you think is the importance of “acting in moderation” rather than acting in excess or
in deficiency? Give an example.
• How can you be a morally virtuous person in our present-day situation (i.e. during the
Covid19 pandemic)?
GE 9 - Ethics
Names: ______________________________________
Course: _______________________
“Let’s Work Together” (Virtue Ethics)
1. What specific virtue a PSUnian student must possess? Discuss your answer.
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2. What do you think is the importance of “acting in moderation” rather than acting in excess or in
deficiency?
3. How can you be a morally virtuous person in our present-day situation (i.e. during the Covid19
pandemic)?
Quiz:
Review the previous lessons from Module 3, topic 3 to Module 4, topic 2 and prepare for a quiz.
The schedule and mode of the quiz will be posted in your MS Teams or Messenger Group Chat.
Good luck!
LEARNING CONTENTS (St. Thomas and Natural Law)
Sub-Topic 2.2. St. Thomas Aquinas and Natural Law
Known as the Angelic Doctor and Prince of Scholastics, Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) is an
Italian philosopher and theologian who ranks among the most important thinkers of the medieval
time period. His influence on Western thought is considerable, especially on modern philosophy. His
great works include Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles. The two books are
combinations of philosophy and theology where he discussed about the role of natural laws, virtues
and happiness in moral philosophy. (De Guzman, 2018)
Natural Law
According to St. Thomas, Natural Law is based on the two fundamental authority the Bible
and Aristotle. Aquinas described natural law as a moral code existing within the purpose of nature,
created by God. For him, morality is accessible through natural order given by God. It is universal
and relevant to all situations and accessible to all. It is unchanging and for all time, whether or not
they believe in God. The Aquinas’ basic moral law can be best described by the following, “Good is
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to be done and pursued… and evil to be avoided. All the other precepts of the law of nature are
based on this. (Do good and avoid evil).
There are four primary types of law according to St. Thomas Aquinas. These are Eternal
Law, Natural Law, Human Law and Divine Law.
“Eternal Law refers to the rational plan of God by which all creation is ordered. Natural Law
is that aspect of the eternal law which is accessible to human reason. Human Law refers to the
positive natural laws. Human law also includes the civil and criminal laws as formulated in the light
of proper and practical reason and moral laws. Human laws that are against the natural law are not
binding and not real laws, and people are not obliged to obey those unjust laws. Divine Law is a
law of revelation, disclosed through sacred text or Scriptures and the Church which is also directed
toward man’s eternal end” (De Guzman, 2018).
Furthermore, Aquinas agreed with Aristotle that as human reason dictates (natural law),
happiness or eudaimonia is our natural telos. In order to achieve true happiness, humans must
follow certain natural laws – these are the Primary precepts (which ensure self-preservation such as
reproduction, education, peaceful living in a society and worshipping God) and the Secondary
precepts (the ways in which the primary precepts can be put into practice).
Happiness as Constitutive of Moral and Cardinal Virtues
St. Thomas Aquinas “believes that all actions are directed towards ends and that eternal
happiness is the final end. He also thinks that happiness is not equated with pleasure, material
possessions, honour or any sensual good, but consists in activities in accordance with virtues. A
person needs a moral character cultivated through the habit of choice to realize real happiness” (De
Guzman, 2018).
According to De Guzman, Aquinas categorized habits (as virtues) into acquired habits and
infused habits. Aquinas further categorized infused virtues into two kinds – the moral and the
theological virtues (De Guzman, 2018).
Moral virtues are divided into four basic kinds, namely:
Prudence – this virtue is an exercise of understanding that helps us know the best means in
solving moral problems in which we encounter in the concrete circumstances. It is acting in the right
time, place, manner, intention, person, and situations. Knowing the best means, and without acting
carelessly without thinking, will incline us to apply them immediately with certainty. (Gallinero, 2018)
Justice – The habit is an exercise of the will to give or render what is due to another. It may
be in the form of material or immaterial things, to the person who rightly owns or belong it. Each one
must respect and give due to what is rightly belongs to another person. No one is allowed to violate
any of these rights and privileges that is due to other people. (Gallinero, 2018)
Fortitude – The habit of the will to exercise courage and bravery despite facing grave
danger especially when serious injury or threat to life is at stake. (Gallinero, 2018)
Temperance – The habit is an exercise of the will to demonstrate proper control and restrain
in the midst of strong attraction to pleasurable acts. The key word here is moderation. Getting
indulged into strong pleasures has undesired consequences, either excess or disorder. (Gallinero,
2018)
How happiness becomes constitutive of moral and cardinal virtues?
For, Aquinas, Happiness entails the wholeness/totality of human being that involves body and
soul to be united with the highest good or the summum bonum, no other than God himself who is in
heaven. Man’s ultimate fulfilment of his nature is to live as being God’s creature through the
exercise of virtues and in accordance to man’s final purpose. The Divine plan of God is for man to
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act to his ultimate purpose/end. Man should not hinder his future union with God in heaven.
(Gallinero, 2018)
LEARNING ACTIVITY 2.2
Homework - Interview with Parents/Guardians:
You will interview your parents or guardians about their opinions on one of the following contentious
social issues. Make a transcript and reaction of the interview based on what you learned about the
natural law theory of Aquinas:
1. Same sex marriage
2. Premarital sex
3. Extra-judicial killings
Prepare for sharing online: I will randomly select 3-5 “lucky” students among you to share their chart
or stories in our official messenger group chat. The interview transcript will be submitted through MS
Teams or email.
LEARNING CONTENTS (Kant and Rights Theory)
Topic 3. Kant and Rights
Sub-topic 3.1. Kant (Good will; Categorical imperative)
Immanuel Kant and Rights Theory
Immanuel Kant – (1724-1804) is a German thinker regarded by many as the most significant
philosopher in the modern era. His major contributions to Ethics can be found in his two works: The
Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals and The Critique of Practical Reason.
Kantian Ethics
Kant’s ethics is based primarily on an a priori foundation. His ethical theory uses reason
alone. He rejects ethical judgments that are based on feelings (De Guzman, 2018). Genuine
morality is based on the moral law, which is valid for all people because it is grounded completely
on rational exercise. Kant’s test for the rational consistency of a moral principle is the categorical
imperative. (Mariano, 2016)
Kant’s Moral Theory
Only the good will is absolutely good. A good will is good, not because of its effect, but is
good in itself. A good will is good because it is done out of duty (Mariano, 2016).
“Kant believes that one of the functions and capacities of our reason is to produce a will
which is good not as a means to further end, but good in itself”…therefore, it is only when we
recognize that we ought to do an act because it is our duty, understand the nature of this obligation,
and act upon it that we are said to perform an authentically moral act”. Kant’s theory of moral
judgement emphasizes on the ethical relevance of good will and acting from a sense of duty (De
Guzman, 2018).
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Categorical Imperative
Kant regards man as a rational being acting on a principle/maxim. This maxim is rightly
called the Categorical Imperative.
Kant’s 3 Ethical Propositions (Mariano, 2016)
1. An act must be done from duty in order for it to have an inner moral worth.
2. An act done from sense of duty derives its moral worth, not from the purpose, which is to be
attained by it, but from the maxim by which it is determined.
3. Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law
Kant’s Categorical Imperative (Mariano, 2016)
The supreme principle of the moral law is the categorical imperative
Versus hypothetical imperatives, which can either be imperative of skill or imperative of
prudence
Kant’s Formulations of the Categorical Imperative (Mariano, 2016)
1. Act only on that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a
universal law. (Principle of Universality)
2. Act as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of any other person or in
that of any other, in every case as an end in itself, not as means only. (Principle of
Humanity as End-in-Itself)
3. Act so that your will is what makes universal law. (Principle of Autonomy)
Sub-topic 3.2. Different Kinds of Rights
The principle of rights theory is the notion that in order for a society to be efficacious,
“government must approach the making and enforcement of laws with the right intentions in respect
to the end goals of the society that it governs. Members of society agree to give up some freedoms
for the protection enjoyed by organized society, but governments cannot infringe upon the rights
that citizens have been promised.” (De Guzman, 2018)
Rights based ethics is a broad moral theory in which Kant’s principle of right theory is
included. The concepts of rights based ethics is that “there are some rights, both positive and
negative, that all humans have based only on the fact that they are human. These rights can be
natural or conventional. That is, natural rights are those that are moral value while conventional are
those created/crafted by humans and reflects society’s values. (De Guzman, 2018)
Legal Rights
Legal rights refer to all the rights that you have (as stated in any existing law) as a citizen of
the Philippines, or any particular country.
Moral Rights
Moral rights refer to those rights attributed to all moral entities (Gallinero, 2018). These rights
are independent and precisely existed before any legal rights.
Human Rights
“They are best thought of as being both moral and legal rights. The legitimacy claims of
human rights are connected to their status as moral rights. Nonetheless, the practical efficacy of
human rights is essentially dependent upon their developing into legal rights” (De Guzman, 2018).
Required Reading: To learn more about Kant and the Rights Theory, please read “Kant
and Rights Theorists” by Mariano.
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LEARNING ACTIVITY 3
Self-Assessment and Reflection:
For self-assessment and reflection on Kantian Ethics and Rights Theory, consider the following
questions:
• As a loving son or daughter to your parents/guardians, how do you relate with them
according to the principle of respect for person?
• Based on what you have learned, assess what possible actions that Dr. Barelle should do:
Dave’s health is on the decline. Despite surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and
hormonal treatments, his prostate cancer has metastasized to his bones. When he’s
been in and out of the hospital for four months or visiting clinic for lab tests and
treatments, he’s often accompanied by his wife Jessica and one or both of his two
children, Christine and Alex. Dave’s family has remained optimistic, confident, and
encouraging; they fully expected him to pursue aggressive treatment. Dave’s
physicians, however, now want to transition his care and incorporate hospice and
palliative approaches to managing his illness.
The palliative care physician, Dr. Barelle, sits down alone with Dave to discuss his
end-of-life wishes. Dave insists on pursuing aggressive acute care for his prostate
cancer, but he also seems exhausted. As Dr. Barelle continues to describe what
aggressive acute care would entail over the next months and begins to probe deeper
into Dave’s goals of care, Dave slowly confesses that he worries about aggressive
treatment, states that it isn’t what he wants, and also says, “I’m not the hero type.”
He goes on to express that he particularly values his independence and that he fears
pain, suffering, impending loss of functioning, and loss of his autonomy. He finally
admits that aggressive acute care seems to him to be excessive and futile at this
point but that he doesn’t want to let his family down by not “fighting.” He fears that his
family thinks of hospice and palliative care as capitulating and “giving up.”
Dr. Barelle has suspected that Dave’s wishes were diverging from his family’s, and
she wonders how to acknowledge this and how to advocate on Dave’s behalf in ways
that won’t be divisive. What should she do? Should she downplay the potential of
aggressive care to better persuade the family to respect the patient’s wishes? (Sedig,
2016)
LEARNING CONTENTS (Utilitarianism)
Topic 4: Utilitarianism
Sub-topic 4.1. Origins and Nature of Theory
Utilitarianism as defined under Topic 1 of this module is a theory that bases morality on the
consequences of actions. It is derived from the Latin term “utilis” which means useful, hence, what
is useful is good and that morality is determined by the consequence of your actions. Jeremy
Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who are both British philosophers, are the main proponents of
utilitarianism.
Jeremy Bentham
The classical version of utilitarianism as formulated by Bentham can be summed up into 3
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points (Gallinero, 2018):
1. The basis for an act to be treated as morally right or wrong is in its consequence they
produced. It is known as consequentialism. The consequence is judged as right or wrong
only when there is the presence of happiness. Happiness is the determining factor and basis
for the morality of an act in utilitarian point of view. The end or telos of every act is to
produce happiness.
2. What matters in every act that we do would be the amount of pleasure/happiness produced.
The greatest happiness produced should be chosen over other choices.
3. Thus, it follows that human beings are inclined more to achieving happiness and as much as
possible avoid what is painful. Bentham emphasizes the quantity of happiness and pleasure
in every consequence of an action.
John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill “made the doctrine the subject of his philosophical treatise (Utilitarianism)
published in 1863. Like Bentham, he advocates ‘the greatest happiness principle’ which states that
it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong”. (De
Guzman, 2018)
“Mill differs fundamentally from Bentham on two central aspects. First, Mill rejects the purely
quantitative treatment of the principle of utility; second, he introduces the so-called ‘secondary
principles’ which set the tone for a contemporary variant form of the theory called rule utilitarianism”.
Mill is considered as qualitative hedonist. (De Guzman, 2018)
Required Video: To learn more about Utilitarianism, please watch “What is
Utilitarianism?” by PHILO-notes in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Y1zVGv9h0.
Sub-topic 4.2. Business’s Fascination and Utilitarianism
When it comes to decision making related to business and the corporate world, three views
are being looked into, namely: economic, legal, and ethics. One of the ethical theories used in the
business and corporate world is the utilitarianism of Bentham (Gallinero, 2018).
The role of utilitarianism in the moral decision making in business is on the extent of pleasure
and pain to the people. “If the benefit is lesser than the amount spent, then it is not worth it, therefore,
it is pain” (Gallinero, 2018).
LEARNING ACTIVITY 4
Homework: Creative Essay
Based on what you have learned under utilitarianism, make a short essay on “My view of Duterte’s
Administration if I were a Utilitarian”. Submit your essay, with 200-300 words, through MS Teams.
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LEARNING CONTENTS (Justice and Fairness: Promoting the Common Good)
Topic 5: Justice as Fairness: Promoting the Common Good
John Rawls and the Theory of Justice
He is one of the important political philosopher during the 20 th century. His main work is A
Theory of Justice published in 1971. This work has addressed some of the social issues especially
in the name of justice between the state and the citizens and among the citizens. He received his
academic training at Princeton University, and later part of his career he became a philosophy
professor at Harvard University. (Gallinero, 2018)
“Rawls’ proposes justice as fairness as an ethical framework. This framework focuses on
how justice should be distributed that would yield fairness for those who have more and those who
have less. The term fairness refers not to equality but equity” (Gallinero, 2018).
The two principles of justice and fairness are as follows:
1. “Each person is to have equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic
liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others”.
2. “Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both a)
reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage, and b) attached to positions and
offices open to all”.
Sub-topic 5.1. The nature of the theory
A common view about a just society is that every member treats each other in a just way.
We want to treat others justly and we want others to treat us exactly the same way too. Rawls has
in mind about an ideal and just society where there is justice. Justice is the first virtue of a social
institution. Justice as fairness to society and its members, and among each members. (Gallinero,
2018)
Sub-topic 5.2. Distributive justice
This means “everyone in the society has to share both the burden and the benefit of
whatever the society offers. What is the content of benefit and burden? This can be answered
depending on the following kinds of society – egalitarian, capitalist and socialist” (Gallinero, 2018).
Sub-topic 5.3. The Principles of Taxation and Inclusive Growth
Principles of Taxation
As stated in the 1987 Constitution, Article X - Section V, the government has the power to
create sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees and charges. The government cannot support its
existence and perform its duties such as projects for the betterment of the land and its people
without this power of taxation.
The basis of taxation is necessity and reciprocal duties. Taxation is a necessity because the
Government cannot exist and function without means to pay its expenditures, and reciprocal duties
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of protection and support between the government and its citizens (Dy, 2016).
Inclusive Growth
Taxation pursues the principle of inclusive growth. Inclusive growth refers to “economic
growth where the benefits of growth are more evenly shared between individuals across the income
and wealth distribution” (oecd.org). Taxation should not be interpreted as a burden or a forceful
power of the government but should be seen as important in economic development and growth.
Generally, taxation primarily provides a fundamental source of income for running the government
and providing public services such as public protection, land improvement, monetary and nonmonetary programs. Likewise, “taxation promotes equity and used to address social and economic
concerns” (oecd.org).
Required Reading: To learn more about the lesson, please read “Taxation” by Manuel Dy.
LEARNING ACTIVITY 5
Self-Reflection:
Read the “Taxation” by Manuel Dy. Consider the following study questions for your reflection:
• “Who should carry the burden of taxation?
• Who should benefit from taxes?”
Sharing:
Prepare for sharing. For face-to-face session, you will be randomly assigned into groups to answer
the questions. If the sharing is done asynchronously, I will randomly select 3-5 “lucky” students
among you to share about their reflections regarding the above questions in our MS Teams or
Messenger group chat. Good luck!
Quiz:
Review the previous lessons (Sub-topic 2.2 to Topic 5) and prepare for a quiz. The schedule and
mode of the quiz will be posted in your MS Teams or Messenger Group Chat. Good luck!
SUMMARY
•
The study of ethics or morality today is generally divided into three main areas, namely: 1)
meta-ethics, 2) normative ethics, and 3) applied ethics.
•
For Aristotle, a virtuous act is the “golden mean” between two extremes – by which these
extremes are considered as undesirable actions or commonly termed as vices.
•
For Aristotle, happiness or “eudaimonia” is the summum bonum or the supreme good.
Happiness as the supreme good is ultimately interpreted as our telos.
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•
There are four primary types of law according to St. Thomas Aquinas. These are Eternal
Law, Natural Law, Human Law and Divine Law.
•
Aquinas agreed with Aristotle that as human reason dictates (natural law), happiness or
eudaimonia is our natural telos. In order to achieve true happiness, humans must follow
certain natural laws.
•
According to Aquinas, moral virtues are divided into four basic kinds, namely: prudence,
justice, fortitude and temperance.
•
For Kant, only the good will is absolutely good. A good will is good, not because of its effect,
but is good in itself. A good will is good because it is done out of duty.
•
Kant’s Formulations of the Categorical Imperative are based on the Principle of Universality,
Principle of Humanity as End-in-Itself and Principle of Autonomy.
•
Utilitarianism is a theory that bases morality on the consequences of actions. It is derived
from the Latin term “utilis” which means useful, hence, what is useful is good and that
morality is determined by the consequence of your actions.
•
The role of utilitarianism in the moral decision making in business is on the extent of
pleasure and pain to the people. “If the benefit is lesser than the amount spent, then it is
worth it, therefore, it is pain”
•
The two principles of justice and fairness are: 1) Each person is to have equal right to the
most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties
for others, and 2) Social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both
a. reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage, and b. attached to positions and
offices open to all.
•
Distributive Justice means “everyone in the society has to share both the burden and the
benefit of whatever the society offers”.
•
The basis of taxation is necessity and reciprocal duties. There can be no government
without the monetary aspects for its operations. This responsibility springs from the concept
of rights and duties.
REFERENCES
De Guzman, J. M., et.al. 2018. Ethics: Principles of Ethical Behavior in Modern Society. Malabon
City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Dy, M. 2016. Lecture Notes: Taxation Lecture During CHED-GET Ethics. Ateneo De Manila
University.
Gallinero, W.B., et.al. 2018. Ethics. Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Klement, Kevin. “The Three Main Branches of the Philosophical Study of
Ethics”. https://www.people.umass.edu/klement/160
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FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev. 0 10-July-2020
Study Guide in GE 8 - Ethics
Module No. 4
Mariano, M. N. 2016. Lecture During CHED-GET Ethics: Kant and Rights Theorists. Ateneo De
Manila University.
PHILO-notes: Learn Philosophy Online. https://philonotes.com/index.php/2020/03/31/aristotlesvirtue-ethics/
PHILO-notes: PHILO-notes Whiteboard Edition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01Y1zVGv9h0
Sedig, Laura. What’s the Role of Autonomy in Patient-and Family Centered Care when Patients and
Family Members Don’t Agree? January 2016.https://journalofethics.amaassn.org/article/
whats-role-autonomy patient-and-family-centered-care-when-patients-and-family-membersdont-agree/2016-01
Stumpf, S.E. 2005. Socrates to Sartre and Beyond: A History of Philosophy. New York: Mcgraw-Hill
Education.
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