Unit Five-Ethics and Civic Dispositions
UNIT FIVE
ETHICS, MORALITY AND CIVIC DISPOSITIONS
INTRODUCTION
Dear student welcome to chapter five. This chapter deals with the concept of ethics and civic
dispositions. In this chapter you will be briefly introduced with the ideas of ethics and morality, and their
practical importance for maintaining responsible citizenship. The basic idea of morality and ethics is
related to the concept of good and bad in a given society. In this chapter you will be briefly see the
different theories of ethics and you will be introduced the morality based on such theories. The
chapter consists of six sections. The first section deals with definitions of basic ethical terms and
the origin and development of ethics. Second section is about moral values and the conformity of
individual s behavior to them. The third section is about the general classification of ethics. The
fourth section is about ethics and morality in the context of profession. The fifth section is about
ethics and morality in the context of corruption and final section is about civic virtues and civic
dispositions.
Objectives of the chapter:
At the end of this chapter you will able to:
 Define ethics and morality
 Distinguish basic ethical terms
 Differentiate the classification of ethics especially, normative and non-normative ethics.
 Practice professional ethics
 Describe civic virtues and civic dispositions.
Section 1 Definitions
What do ethics mean? Have you ever heard ethics and morality in your society?
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Ethics: - the word ethics come from Greek word ‘ethos’ meaning cultural custom or habit. The
term ethics often used to refer to the set of philosophical standards of right and wrong actions
established by particular society.
Ethics is often defined as the branch of philosophy that studies what constitutes good and bad
human conduct, including related actions and values.
Ethics is the study of what is good or bad, what is right or wrong, what is acceptable and what is
immoral or morally sound in human activities and deeds in the interactions of humans.
Ethics is discipline that concerned with human actions from the moral point of view. It is the
study of morality, defining it as rightness, honesty of behavior or action.
Definitions of morality: - morality is the human conduct/behavior itself it is about whether an
action conforms to some standards or not. Morality refers to code of conduct itself or the
conformity of human behavior to the established code of conduct. The specific principles and
standards that guides the action of individuals is the concern of morality and the study and
analysis of these principles and the actions is the concern of the field of study of ethics.
Key ethical terms you have know

Morals: - refers to the conduct or rule of conduct by which people live, while ethics
refers to the study of moral conduct or of the code that one follows; moral problems are
specific while ethical problems are more general and theoretical.

Non moral: describes issues that lie outside the sphere of moral concern; animals, plants,
and inanimate objects are essentially nonmoral.

Amoral: - no moral conscience; indifferent to morality; applies only to human beings; no
moral education; not knowing the difference between right and wrong.

Immoral: - uninfluenced by moral principle; injustice. That which is bad or wrong;
unethical.
Activity 1
1) What is the difference between ethics and morality?
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2) Define the following terms
Norms
Values
Mores
Folkways
1.1 origin and development of ethics
When and where ethics was emerged first?
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Serious ethical thought was begun in ancient Greece with Socrates in the 5th century B.C.
Socrates in his dialogues to his student Plato initiated the question of ethics. When there was
dialogue and argument between Socrates and his student Plato, other students questioned
whether Socrates’ argument was right or wrong. Thus, the question initiated serious ethical
thought in ancient Greece. That is why we say ethics first originated in ancient Greece.
When a society proceeded into the middle age, ethical issues came to be influenced by religious
doctrines. During this era, ethics in the Christian world maintained that the source of all morality
was god, who is the creator and the living essence of the world. Hence norms, outlooks and
moral standards were perceived as god’s commandments. All religions wanted their believers to
strictly follow and respect the standards of the religions as principal sources of social obligation.
In modern period of human’s history ethics has emancipated itself from the medieval religious
associations and dogmas. Modern ethics is shaped to fit and settle problems in modern ways of
societal interaction marked by diversity and other considerations.
Basically it is concerned with analysis of the correlation between social norms and individual
needs and promotion. The question of how the individual is transformed into a social being that
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associates his/her claims and responsibility to the cause of the community has been the subject of
contemporary ethics.
Section 2 Moral values and the conformity of individuals to them
Objectives of this section:
At the end of this section you will able to:
define moral values
define folkways
distinguish the difference between mores and folkways
What are moral values?
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Moral values are the standards that guide us what to do or not to do. These values enable us to
say and do what we should say and do in certain circumstances. Generally our activities are
guided by these values.
The moral values we follow tell us that we should not steal someone’s property or we should not
tell lies. It is also unacceptable to break one’s promises or to hurt other people. We are expected
to respect people, to tell the truth, not to take other’s property.
Like that of the values, norms vary from group to group and from society to society. Norms are
specific to circumstances. For example, while eating with people, in Ethiopia, one should not
cross one’s territory of food to snatch a morsel of bread. However when one eats alone, this
norm is not there. So, we say norm is circumstance specific. This norm could also be governed
between groups of people. For example, the norms that Christians follow while praying is
different from the norms that Muslims follow. Similarly, the norms that young people and old
man similarly, it is a norm for a man to ask the hand of a woman for marriage, not for a woman
to ask the hand of a man she would like to marry.
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However, one thing should be noted that norms, like values, change or improve over the passage
of time and the development of society. The norms and values that do not obstruct the progress
of society and the peace of people tend to survive while those who do hamper progress and
stability tend t disappear. For example, now it is not a norm for a woman to ask the hand of a
man she would like to marry. But as this kind of norm is unfair for development, in the future it
would have less acceptance and, thus through time it would be a norm for a woman to ask for the
hand of a man she would like to marry.
Moral norms could be divided into two: mores and Folkways. Let us see each of them in detail.
Dear student, do you ever heard this words. Mores and folkways?
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2.1 Mores: These are the types of norms which are believed to be very important. These norms
are based on strongly based cultural values. They are universally respected by all societies. Thus,
they have universal nature. For example, marriage or sexual intercourse between nuclear families
(incest taboo) is prohibited in all forms of human society. If a person violates this norm, he will
be condemned or become outcast from that society. He could even be imprisoned or killed
depending up on the situation in which the action was done. Similarly, cannibalism is an entirely
unacceptable deed in all societies. If a member of any society does indulge himself in such an
act, he would be exiled, imprisoned, or killed by the society. Thus, we understand that mores are
norms related to deeply rooted beliefs that have universal nature.
What is the difference between mores and folkways?
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2.2 Folkways: These are the type of norms that we are supposed to show in our day-to-day
activities. For example, we are required to follow certain norms while eating. The way we roll
the bread and chew it should be acceptable by the society. In the same way, the way we dress
should conform to the way people dress. For example if a man wears a woman’s dress, it will be
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unacceptable or if a woman wears very short skirt and shows her thighs, it would be
unacceptable by the community. This, thus, results in rejection.
However, the violation of such norms would not result in imprisonment or being exiled. The
member of a society who violates such folk norms would be laughed at, ridiculed, etc.
Dear student, I expect that you understand what mores and folkways mean and now you
have to try to identify the difference between mores and laws.
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The difference between laws and mores is that laws are codified rules. They are written and are
enforced by institutions like the police; court, etc., whereas mores are unwritten rules that are
enforced by the public and its culture, not by police or court.
Depending upon their nature, laws are of two types: proscriptive and prescriptive. The fist one
tells what is prohibited or what is unacceptable. For example, killing a person is prohibited. In
the same way, robbery is prohibited. The above statement indicates that proscriptive type of law.
The latter type of law is a law which tells people what they should do. For example, the public is
informed to keep traffic laws for safety. It is also informed to pay taxes in time. These and other
laws thus show what people should do. Other than this, we have other regulations that we need to
observe. These are, in most cases, unchangeable rules. For example, a bank manager could be
expected to suit and a tie; a teacher in a school expected to put on his gown while in campus.
Section 3
The classification of ethics
Objectives of this section:
At the end of this section you will able to:
differentiate normative and non normative ethics
define theories of normative ethics
define theories non-normative ethics
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3 Classification of ethics
Ethics can be divided into two fields:
1) Normative ethics
2) Non-normative ethics
3.1 Normative ethics:
Dear learner let us start the classification of ethics by memorizing normative ethics
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Dear learner, we expect that you understood what norm means in section two. The one
classification of ethics is that normative ethics. In this normative ethics our morality depends on
such norms. It involves an attempt to determine precisely what moral standards to follow so that
our actions may be morally right or good. There are two areas of normative ethics: applied and
general. Applied normative ethics is the attempt to explain and justify positions on specific
moral problems, such as sex outside marriage, capital punishment, euthanasia, and reverse
discrimination. This area of normative ethics is termed as applied because the ethicist applies or
uses general ethical principles in an attempt to resolve specific moral problems, for example, in
defending an act of civil disobedience, a person might appeal to principles of justice and
equality. When such general principles are arranged into an ethical theory, the second field of
normative ethics emerges: general normative ethics. General normative ethics is the reasoned
search for principles of human conduct, including a critical study of the major theories about
which things are good, which acts are right, and which acts are blameworthy. It attempts to
determine precisely what moral standards to follow so that our actions may be morally right or
good. For most of us, ethical actions spring from some standards: “ do unto others as you would
have them do unto you”; “act in such a way that you bring about the greatest good for the
greatest number”; “always act in your own best interests.” It Identifies actions that fall either
under the category of right or wrong. It gives us directions or practical guidelines or norms, in
our interactions with others such as” do not lie” “do not harm” “ don’t steal” etc. or regarding
which actions are right and which are wrong. Because of this it is referred as applied ethics.
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We can get two broad theories in normative ethics; they are
 Teleological ethics (consequentialist) theory
 Deontological ethics (non consequentialist) theory
3.1.1 Teleological (consequentialist) ethics
What about consequentailist theory mean?
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Teleological ethics derived from the word teleology, which literally means “the theory of ends or
purposes.” Teleological theories maintain that the morality of an action depends on the non
moral consequences that the action brings about. “The end justifies the means”. An action is
judged right or wrong, moral or immoral acceptable or not acceptable depending on what
happens as a result of it. Two important consequentialist theories are:
 Social hedonism (utilitarianism)
 Egoism (egoistic hedonism)
The term hedonism is defined as an ethical doctrine that pleasure is the highest good and
production of pleasure is the criterion of right action.
A) Social hedonism (utilitarianism)
Dear student does social hedonism (utilitarianism) mean all things that promotes pleasure
is the right thing?
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Social hedonism (utilitarianism) is the ethical doctrine that an action is right if, and only if, it
promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. The best consequence for
everyone. Claims that we should always act so as to promote the greatest balance of pleasure
over pain or it is a doctrine that advocates we ought to act so as to promote greatest happiness for
the greatest number of peoples as opposed to self-concern. There is the emphasis is focused on
quantity over quality in searching the happiness. This brings s into two version of utilitarianism.
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 Jeremy Bentham’s version of quantity over quality (founder of modern utilitarianism)
 John Stuart Mill’s version of quality over quantity
B) Egoism (egoistic hedonism)
Dear learner do you ever heard what egoism mean?
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Some ethicists believe that in deciding the morality of an action, we should consider only the
consequences for ourselves. These ethicists are called egoists. Egoism contends that we should
always act in a way that promotes our own best long term interests. The term ‘egoism’ comes
from the Greek word ego “I” and you can understand that literally refers to self-concern. Egoistic
hedonism can be seen in two aspects.
Cyrenaicism
Epicureanism
1) Cyrenaicism: is one of the egoistic hedonism. It focuses (most interested in the lower
pleasure). The prime concern is to enjoy as much bodily pleasure as immediately as possible.
Sensual pleasure. It says double your pleasure, double your fun, eat, drink, be merry for
tomorrow we may die.
2) Epicureanism: are the opinions that there is no life after death and soul made out of atoms
like everything else, disintegrates and disperses after life. So they advice us to live pleasant life
as possible. Epicureanism was something quite different from Cyrenaics.
 It is not the pleasure of the body but the pleasure of the mind
 Not the accumulation of immediate pleasure so much as a life time of moderate pleasure.
 Health of the body and peace of the mind is the epicurean idea of the life time pleasure.
N.B Altruism: is a principle that proposes we ought, as much as possible to seek for the
good of others.
3.1.2 Deontological ethics (Non-consequentialist theory)
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Dear student try to say something about non-consequentialist theory or deontological
ethics.
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Derived from the word deontology this refers to the theory or study of moral commitment.
Deontological theories maintain that the morality of an action depends on factors other than
consequences. Deontological theories state that consequences or results of your action have
nothing at all to determine whether your actions are right or wrong. It is a theory one that sets up
as the criterion of moral behavior not what might or might not happen or be intended to happen
as a result of one’s action, but rather the intent to perform one’s duty through certain action.
Immanuel Kant is known to be classic example of deontologists in ethical theory. For him
morality is a matter of ought or obligation.
Activity:
1. Define the following terms
Hedonism
Egoism
Utilitarianism
Altruism
2) What is the difference between teleological and deontological ethics?
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3.2 Non- Normative ethics
Dear learner welcome to the second classification of ethics and that is non-normative ethics.
By the way do you know what non-normative ethics mean? Try to define non-normative
ethics.
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Non-normative ethics consists of either a factual investigation of moral behavior or analysis of
the meaning of the terms used in moral discourse and an examination of the moral reasoning by
which moral beliefs can be shown to be true or false. Like normative ethics, non normative ethics
consists of two fields: Scientific or descriptive study, and Meta ethics.
3.2.1 Scientific or Descriptive Study
Dear student, I hope you have understood the different theories of normative ethics and
now we are going to see the different theories of non-normative ethics. These non
normative theories are more of philosophical terms so; it requires your critical reading and
thinking. Try to think of what scientific (descriptive) study mean based on the definition of
non-normative ethics.
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Introduction: - the Scientific or descriptive study of morality involves factual investigation of
moral behavior. It is concerned with how people do in fact behave. This approach is used widely
in the social sciences. For example anthropologists and sociologists investigate and describe
moral attitudes. They report on how moral attitudes and codes differ from society to society,
investigating and describing the values and behaviors of different societies. Thus,
anthropologists tell us that Eskimos used to abandon their elderly on the ice and allow them to
die of starvation and exposure, and that some African tribes kill in fact twins and require that a
man marry his brother’s widow. That society often differs markedly in their values and
conceptions of right and wrong has led many to advance a doctrine called ethical relativism,
In order to understand ethical relativism, one must first be familiar with ethical absolutism.
1) Ethical absolutism is the doctrine that there exists one and only one moral code. Absolutists
maintain that this code applies to everyone, at all times, everywhere. What is a moral duty for an
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American must also be a moral duty for an Asian, African and European. If euthanasia is wrong,
it is wrong for everyone at all times, everywhere. Ethical absolutists do not necessarily claim that
their interpretation of the absolute standard is the true and valid one. But they do insist that there
is true moral code and that this code is the same for all people in the ages.
Dear student does ethical absolutists are correct in your opinion?
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2) Ethical relativism: is the doctrine that denies that there is a single moral standard that is
universally applicable to all people at all times. Relativists deny that there exists only one moral
code, law, principle or standard. They insist that there are many moral codes, which take root in
diverse social soils and environments. As the name implies, ethical relativists insist that any
morality is relative to the time, place, and circumstances in which it occurs. In no way is any
moral code absolute.
Ethical relativism is not the same as cultural relativism. Cultural relativism is a sociological fact.
Research provides the existence of many obviously different and often contradictory moral
codes. Ethical relativists are not merely saying that what is though right in one part of the world
is frequently though wrong in another. Scientific or descriptive ethics has established this fact
that even absolutists accept. Rather, ethical relativists assert that precisely the same action that is
right in one society and one time can be wrong in another. Thus, putting to death any one over
eighty years old can be right in the jungles of New Guinea and wrong in the United States. In
brief, ethical relativists believe that what is thought right is right.
We shall not take the time here to criticize these positions. Whether we agree with absolutism or
relativism, we still must decide what we ought to do individually and collectively. Presumably
this requires some standard on the basis of which to make decisions. So, whether I am an
absolutist or relativist, the question remains, “How ought I to behave and how ought my society
to behave?”
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Dear student are you the supporter of ethical relativism or ethical absolutism? If ethical
relativism why? Please try to forward your idea
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If ethical absolutism why? Try to justify your answer by reason
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3.2.2 Meta Ethics
Dear student this Meta ethics is the new concept to you and I will try to give you some clue
what it means.
Introduction: the second field of non-normative ethics is called Meta ethics. Meta ethics is the
highly technical discipline investigating the meaning of ethical terms, including a critical study
of how ethical statements can be verified.
Meta Ethics is concerned with the meanings of such ethical terms as right, obligation and
responsibility.
Accordingly, Meta ethicists would be more concerned with the meanings of such words as good
or bad than with what we think is good or bad. If you maintained, for instance, than act of
euthanasia was right, the Meta ethicist might ask; just what do you mean by right? Meta ethical
positions often are classified as representative of Naturalism, Non naturalism and Emotivism.
Activity
1) Define the classifications of naturalism
 Autobiographical naturalism
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 Sociological naturalism
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 Theological naturalism
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2) Define the word euthanasia
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3.2.2.1
Naturalism maintains that ethical statements can be translated into non ethical
statements. One naturalistic position, autobiographical naturalism, contends that an
ethical statement simple expresses the approval or disapproval of the speaker. For
example, when you say, “that act of euthanasia was right”. You mean “I approved of
that act of euthanasia.” Another naturalistic position, sociological naturalism, holds
than an ethical statement simple expresses the approval or disapproval of the
majority. Thus, “That act of euthanasia was right” means “the majority approves of
that act of euthanasia. “Still another naturalistic position, theological naturalism
claims that an ethical statement expresses divine approval or disapproval.
Accordingly, “That act of euthanasia was right,” in effect, means,” God (or some
equivalent reference) approves of that act of euthanasia.”
3.2.2.2.
Non-naturalism, in contrast to naturalism, is the position that holds that an ethical
statement defines translation into a non ethical form. No naturalists insist that at least
some ethical words can be defined only in terms of other ethical words.
Thus Non naturalism might argue that the statement “that act of euthanasia was right” can
only be translated into other ethical statements, such as “That act of euthanasia was
proper” or “That act of euthanasia should have been performed,” or “That act of
euthanasia was good.” In other words, words like good, right, and should are so basic in
ethics that there are not other words by means of which to define them.
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Given their position, non –naturalists clearly come close to asserting that ethical statements
cannot be verified, that they cannot be determined true or false. How than does the
Nonnaturalism handle ethical statements? More advises that we reflect on them and determine as
well as we can, whether we believe the statements are true. There are no empirical observations,
no mathematical or logical calculations, which would enable us to discover the truth of ethical
statements.
Dear student what is the difference between naturalism and non-naturalism?
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3.2.2.2 Emotivism (or non cognitivism) can be broadly defined as a metaethics
Position which claims that ethical statements are used to evoke a predetermined
response or to encourage a predetermined behavior.
According to emotivists, ethical statements can be used, indeed are used, to make someone feel
or behave in a certain way. For example, if a teacher says to a student, “cheating is wrong,’ the
teacher may not be expressing a moral position on cheating but rather trying to still in the student
a certain attitude toward cheating. Ethical statements, therefore, among the commands such as
“don’t cheat” or don’t lie” or don’t break promises.” The essential difference between
autobiographical naturalism and emotivism is that the former holds that ethical statements are
subjective and verifiable, while the latter believes that they are subjective but not verifiable.
Activity
Discuss the difference between non-naturalism and emotivism?
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Dear student the following diagram shows the general classification of ethics. Try to discuss
on the classification.
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Ethics
Non normative
ive
Normative
Non Consequentialist
(Deontological)
Consequentialist
(Teleological)
Utilitarianism
Egoism
Act
Scientific
(Descriptive)
Absolutism
Metaethics
Relativism
Rule
Naturalism
Divine Command
Categorical imperative
Non Naturalism
Non
Congnitivism
(Emotivism)
Prima Facie Duties
Section 4 Ethics and morality in the context of profession
Objectives of this section
At the end of this section you will able to:
Define profession
Describe professional ethics
Practice fundamental code of conduct in your profession
What we mean profession? Try to define in your own word
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The term profession refers to the knowledge, skill, and ability, which can be acquired through
formal educational institutions such as universities, colleges and training centers that are filed by
those persons who possess such knowledge and skills in any field of study.
4.1 General distinguished features (characteristics) of a profession
 Prestige: refers to a degree of esteem. As such, in order to be a professional, this is t
incorporate: a body of knowledge that includes general, specialized, and professional
knowledge. A body of skills, which includes needs science its own.
 In order to be a professional, it should stand for the well being and improvement of
human society.
 A profession should be practical. That is, a professional person must change the
knowledge and skills to practical and tangible way of line.
 It should be organized; this is to mean that a profession must be strong, respected,
secured and continuous.
4.2 Professional ethics: refers to ethics that enables professionals to distinguish what is
right from what is wrong using morality as standard of evaluation. Professional ethics
serves as parameter by which action and behavior of a professional can be judged as right
or wrong. Each profession as a profession has its own codes and principles (standards) of
ethics.
4.2 .1 Fundamental codes and principles of professional ethics. Dear student do you
expect that all professions have the same code of ethics or it varies from profession to
profession? Try to give your answer before reading the given note.
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Different professions may have different codes of ethics and rules of conduct with in which their
professional’s actions and behaviors are judged as right or wrong against their profession. But
there are also common codes of ethics and rules of conduct of workers in all professions. Hence,
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these rules, which will be discussed in the following section, are universally applied and must be
applied across all professions. They are:
Punctuality
Honesty and integrity
Proper utilization of instruments of labor.
Loyalty and self efficacy
Working in cooperation with colleagues.
Anti corruption spirit.
Confidentiality
Commitment
Persistent tolerance democratic culture
Respecting the dignity of people.
Impartiality (non-partiality)
Transparency
Responsiveness
A. Punctuality: - refers to the state of being strictly observant of an appointed regular time.
Across all professions, a worker is said to be and should be, punctual not only when he/she
comes to work place on the time but also when he/she meets deadlines and he/she is always
available during working hours.
B. Honest and integrity: honesty basically refers to the art of telling truth. Employers and
institutions expect their workers to be honest, but many workers and instructors (teachers)
are not.
C. Proper utilization of instruments of labor: that is, any worker of a given profession
should use resource be it financial, material etc efficiently and effectively and in a just and
proper manner. A worker in any profession, be it a teacher, or physician, should handle the
instruments, in a way that he/she can use the instruments for longer time. This is particularly
applied by public institutions that deliver service to the public by any worker in a given
profession.
D. Loyalty and self efficacy: “ do not bite the hand that feeds you.” Any worker in a given
profession must stand for not against your relationships with your employer or institution.
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Therefore, always think what you can do to promote the organization or office or university
you work for.
E. Working in cooperation with colleagues. A worker of a given profession should make
sure that he/she has a good relationship with other workers. The main rationale behind these
codes of professional ethics is to create:
 Fertile and good atmosphere conducive for cooperation and better productivity.
 He/she should serve hand in hand with other professional workers in the interest of
effective provision of service.
F. Anti corruption spirit: it is well known that corruption severely hampers development and
it is an impediment for building democracy. One way of fighting corruption is by making
professionals to comply with the laws, rules and regulation of the state. But most
importantly, it is plausible that every professional should enhance or develop the spirit,
(mentality) that is anti or against corruption so that development, equality, democracy and
justice can remarkable be fostered.
G. Confidentiality: a worker of a given profession conspicuously needs to keep some
information that should be kept secret.
H. Commitment: a professional should help his/her client and the whole community to
maintain and satisfy societal (public) demands.
I. Persistent tolerance and democratic culture: any worker or professional have to develop
the ability and willingness to accommodate differences in ideas, outlooks, views etc due to
various behaviors of human beings.
J. Respecting the dignity of people: a professional or worker should respect the dignity of
the persons serving them in accordance with their basic needs, irrespective of their sex,
personal status, and religion or by other supernal factors involved.
K. Impartiality (non-partiality): a professional should be impartial I’e, non-parties are to his
client or all persons that he/she contacts, rather he/she treat all equally in this delivery to his
clement or people without any discrimination.
L. Accountability and responsibility: any worker in a given profession has professional
responsibilities or duties. In an organization where you are engaged, you have to be obedient
for the chain of command, which are presented to you. As you are part of a given
organization you have to be answerable for your actions.
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M. Transparency: it is also imperative for professional to be transparent I’e his/her words
must be open to the public to whom he delivers public service. A confident professional is
who work for the people effectively and efficiently are usually transparent.
N. Responsiveness: refers to the extent that a professional satisfies the needs, preferences, or
values of his clients and or the society. Since he/she has connections and professional
relationship with his clients or public, he/she has to able to reply or respond to the people’s
demand.
Section 5 Ethics and morality in the context of corruption
Dear Student, this section deals with the overall meaning and the basic causes of corruption
in general and of Ethiopia in particular. This understanding enables you to prepare
yourself for combating corruption.
Objectives:
At the end of this section, you will be able to:

Define corruption

Identify the basic causes of corruption and ethical conduct

Appreciate the way to tackle corruption and ethical problems.
5.1 The Meaning of corruption
What is corruption?
The term corruption comes from a special form of the Latin verb to break, rumpere which
implies that something is badly broken. This something might be a moral or ethical code or,
more often, an administrative rule or a law. The person who breaks it derives there from some
recognizable benefit for her/himself, family, tribe, party, or some other relevant group
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Corruption is seen first and fore most, as the utilization of official positions or titles for personal
or private gain, either on an individual or collective basis at the expense of the public good.
Corruption is also defined as egoistic tendency/behavior of human being that enforces to misuse
public power and properties for personal gain. It is also one of the manifestation of the breaking
of the rule of law, it us the advancement of one’s own benefits at the expense of the other.
How corruptions can be manifested? Discuss the manifestations of corruption
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
This corruption can be manifested in different ways some of them are the following:
 Embezzlement
 Nepotism
 Abuse of power
 Bribe
 Theft
 Favoritism
Dear student, try to define the above stated types of corruption as an assignment.
5.2 Causes of Corruption and Ethical Problems
What do you think are the reasons (causes?)
__________________
a) Corruption in Ethiopia
b) Ethical Problems in Ethiopia
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Corruption as an immoral practice can be caused by complex social, economic and political
factors of a given society. The practice can be related to an individual behavior, conditions of
work in institutions, administrative and management strategies. In other words, various factors
contribute to the prevalence of corruption. Some of the major causes are: the breakdown of social
norms administrative disorganization and absence of immediate and serious measures.
Breakdown of Social Norms
What do we mean by breakdown of social norms?
Societies have established norms, traditions or values that are developed over a long period of
time. These ways of living are principles of behaving at an individual and group level. But due to
a number of reasons, social norms and values may become loose. This is a change of cultural
practices negatively.
What causes this change?
The change could be as a result of an introduction of new and foreign culture; i.e., aspects of
civilization and new technology. for example, although, video is a new technology and accepted
by civilized people, it is misused by irresponsible personalities, it can breakdown social norms.
Thus, cultural changes should be critically examined so that some long established desirable
norms and values do not fade away.
Administrative Disorganization
How administrative disorganization contributes for corruption?
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Institutions in which there is an administrative disorganization are highly proned to corruption.
Some of this administrative disorganization are lack of clear objectives, poor administrative
system or organizations, lack of defined rules and procedures, absence of control systems,
absence of accountability, etc.
Lack of effective and efficient leadership worsens administrative disorganization. Lack of
transparent practices, in which objectives, rules or principles of the organization are not well
known by both the service givers and the clients. It also involves clear definition of the
responsibilities and rights of both. In such a system, nothing is hidden and there is little chance
for corruption.
Absence of Immediate and Serious Measures
What immediate and serious measures should be taken to punish the corruptants?
Corrupt behavior is an evil act against the nation, citizens, and government. The act is said
already immoral. Therefore, letting corrupt behavior unpunished is rewarding such behavior to
continue. For this reason, the corrective measure against corrupt behavior should be taken.
In addition to the above the followings are also the causes of corruption:
Absence of efficient and democratic system in administration, people will often engage
themselves in corrupt practices.
The presence of some people in government offices, who do not have the qualification for
the post.
The presence of some people who are too selfish to have no care about national interest.
5.3 The consequences of corruption and Ethical problems.
What are the major consequences of corruption?
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Corruption is harmful to the society. It has destructive effects on the economic, political and
administrative systems of given nation. It affects the economy of a country since both the
financial and material resources are misused by individuals.
 The financial and material resources which could be used for the good of the public are
diverted to personal benefits. As such practices become common norms in a given
society; the economy of the nation would face crises. The financial and resources misuse,
in turn, can lead to social, administrative and political instability and disorder. This is an
obstacle to development, as it affects the life of the individual citizens, and national
economy
5.4 The Way to Fight against Corruption and Ethical Problems.
What are the major ways to fight against corruption? What role do you have in case of
combating corruption?
____________
____________
____________
Fighting against corruption has three aspects: individual, institutional and other meanses.
Individual Role
Citizens can be both causes and victims of corruption. The solution to avoid corruption is also
found in citizens.
Therefore, citizens should be:
- Responsible citizen by respecting the constitution,
- Honest and truthful in her/his daily activities,
- Ready by using every legal means to fight corruption
- Conscious enough in finding all the way of combating corruption.
Institutional Role
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- Strengthening the already established ethics and Anti-corruption commission.
- Enforcing the rule of law as well as different legal regulations
- developing transparency and accountability
Other Meanses
There are also other measures that are advocated for combating unethical practices and
corruption. Among them, civic and Ethical Education and Training are main.
Civic and Ethical education has begun since recently. It is used to make the manner in which
civil servants and civil service organs are expected to do. To do this the government has to
facilitate bases for giving lesson by multiplicity of media, adult education, the business
community, and others.
Training is another measure; it is an urgent need to develop a training policy for the civil service.
This training policy would hopefully commit the government some form of mandatory training
for all of its civil servants.
Section 6 Civic Virtues
Overview
Dear student, by now, you are well aware of that contributing for economic, social and political
development of the country, much is expected from you as a citizen of this country. In this regard, there
are characteristics expected from all of us for the good of ourselves as well as for our nation. The two
most important characteristics required from citizens in a democratic society are civic dispositions and
civic commitments. In this section, you will study the elements of civic dispositions and civic
commitments.
Objectives
At the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Explain the habits and characters of citizens.
- Recognize what commitments are expected from a citizen.
- Rationalize what a good citizen should be
6.1. Civic Dispositions
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What are civic dispositions?
Civic dispositions are habits or characters of citizens that are conducive or helpful to the healthy
functioning and common good of a democratic system. In other words, civic dispositions include
all the behaviors and actions that are good.
It refers to the behaviors that are desirable and acceptable such behaviors or habits are expected
from responsible citizens.
Responsible citizens are expected to manifest such behaviors in the society.
Some of the element of civic dispositions that are required from citizens are the following
1) Civility:
(?) What is civility?
______
Civility is a polite way of acting or behaving towards others. It is the need to respect others. This includes
the respect and politeness you show to those with whom even you may disagree. In this case, thus, you
are expected to respect the rights of those who are in dispute with you.
Civility is an element of civilized behavior; and it is a way of peaceful living and co-existence with
others. This is required from all of us at home, in the school, at work place and anywhere else and at any
time.
2) Self Discipline
What is the importance of Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline means acting and behaving according to some acceptable standards. In all situations, there
are some rules and regulations to be observed. These rules and regulations help to guide our actions.
Thus, we should be able to respect these rules and standards in our day-to-day activities. When we do this
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freely and from our own initiative, our action can be referred as self disciplined. That is, we perform the
acts without external controls or impositions. Thus, self discipline comes from inside us without being
forced or controlled by outside expectations believe and think that the behavior is good.
3) Individual Responsibility
As member of different groups at different levels and as Ethiopian citizens, we all have some duties or
obligations to fulfill. As we would like to demand and enjoy our rights and benefits, we should also be
ready to discharge the responsibilities that are expected from each and every one of us. Fulfilling these
requirements is referred to us individual responsibility. Thus, being a member of a certain group or a
nation always involves some responsibilities or duties.
Have you ever observed the readiness of your friend for public interest? If your answer is
yes, comment on it.
4) Civic-mindedness
Civic mindedness is citizens’ readiness and desire to give concern to public interest. It is a commitment to
give priority to the common good and make sacrifice ourselves to the society and to our nation. As we
think and work for ourselves, we are equally expected to do our best for the good of our societies. This
does not mean that we completely neglect our private interests. However, when our country calls for our
service to the nation, we ought to be able to effectively respond to this call.
Do you want to share your idea to others or listen to others? Examine yourself and discuss
below.
____________________________________
5) Open-mindedness
Open –mindedness refers to our willingness to listen to the ideas, views and arguments of others. It is the
tolerance we should show to carefully examine what others say or suggest. It is also our ability to express
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what we feel and what is in our mind. It requires our genuine and unreserved presentation of what we
believe. This does not mean necessarily to agree with what others say, but we must respect their views.
How do your local people settle conflicts? Write down what you know.
______________________________________________________________
6) Compromise
Compromise is one form of behavior that should be observed in setting conflicts peacefully. It involves
the readiness and willingness to spare something on both sides of the conflict in favor of the peaceful
resolution of the problem and its outcome. That means, whenever we are in conflict with others on a
certain issue, there is a need to give up some of our positions or interests. However compromise never
allows abandoning basic principles and interests. This is in fact required from both parties involved in any
conflict.
It is an essential practice in order to solve difference. It is a civilized way of living in a democracy.
Why compromise is important?
Compromise is necessary in our day-to-day life at home, at school, and in the community. It is a means of
dealing with differences at various levels and situations. Compromise should also be an important method
of dealing with disagreements between two or more countries that may arise due to various causes.
Among others, border disputes between countries can be settled through compromise in the process of
peaceful resolution of problems. However, sometimes it may be difficult to get into compromise when
both or either of the parties in the dispute is unwilling to arrive at a compromise. This can occur either at
the individual or country level. In such situations, the dispute could be aggravated and may result in
violence.
Discuss what does it mean by giving up some interests on both sides to make compromise?
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7) Tolerance
Tolerance is the ability and willingness to accommodate differences in ideas, outlooks, views etc. It is the
heart of peaceful co-existence in diversity. This is true at home, in the community, at a national level, and
in the world at large. Nature and societies by themselves are full of diversities, so is life. Ethiopians are
also diversified in different ways. So, unless we systematically deal with our diversities, our mutual
peaceful co-existence would face a problem.
Discuss, in what ways do you exercise tolerance at home and in your community?
___
____________
8) Honesty
Honesty is the behavior and attitude of not telling and not accepting lies. It is the habit of not cheating or
stealing. It is being truthful. Honesty is being loyal to one’s fellow, one’s responsibility and to one’s
country.
Sometimes it is observed that individuals with public responsibility abuse public properties. This is
dishonesty. All these are not qualities of responsible citizens. Corruption does not only cause misuse and
abuse of resources, but also affects the minds of people. It generates selfish, illegal and unjust practices
that harm society at large.
Thus, as responsible citizens, we all have to fight against dishonesty and corrupt behaviors. These are
harmful to development and progress. Honesty is required of all of us at home, in our community, at work
places and anywhere, at any time in our life.
Why people cheat each other? Jot down what comes to your mind.
9) Compassion:
What is compassion?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Compassion means that citizens develop empathy to other citizens and exhibit concern about their
welfare.
10) Generosity:
What is generosity?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Generosity means to unreservedly spend time, effort and resources for the good of other people. It would
be a sign of civility if a citizen appears generous for the good of the public.
5.2. Civic commitment
(?) Why commitment is important?
Civic commitment is an active participation of citizens for the private as well as the common good in
democracy. It is the expressed devotion of citizens for the importation of the fundamental principles of
democracy. It is also related to the extent in which citizens strive to the implementation of the rights of
citizens.
The degree of civility of a citizen is measured by the extent of his/her commitment to work for the good
of and individuals and society at large. Some of the civic commitments are the following:
1) Paying Fair Taxes
Paying fair tax, as a member of the society, is one of the responsibilities and obligation of good citizen in
addition to other civic dispositions mentioned above.
Why we pay taxes?
__________________
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Paying taxes helps the government to undertake its activities. Therefore, every member of the society
must contribute towards the support of the government. The contribution must, as nearly as possible, be in
proportion to their respective income. In other terms, the more one gets money, the more she/he should
pay in form of taxes.
2) Staying informed:
Why staying informed is important?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
It means updating oneself by reading newspapers, listening to the radio, and watching television. This
would help citizens know what the government is doing and would help them make informed decisions
accordingly. This could also help citizens to bear responsibilities and discharge them effectively. It would
also help citizens to know what they are expected to do.
3) Participating in public government:
Have you ever participated in different aspects in your communities? If so in what aspects? Try to
identify it
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
You have already realized that in a democracy, the political authority resides in the people. That is,
democracy is the self-governance of peoples Thus, it requires and active participation of citizens in their
own affairs. Participation includes being involved in various affairs at different levels and situations. This
can take place at home, in the local regional and national levels. Some of the ways and conditions in
which you may participate include the following:
- attending community meetings
- debating on issues of major concern
- becoming a member of association, organization or clubs
- joining campaigns
- voting in elections
- reading and writing about issues
- Serving in the defense force, and in other institutions.
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4) Developing apathy:
What is apathy?
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
This refers to developing feeling or interest and concern about others problems. A citizen is
expected to be apathetic towards other people who confront some problem. Thus, a citizen is
expected not only to have the feeling and apathy but also to go beyond that to solve the problem.
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Unit summary
 Societies formulate and determine some acceptable ways of behaving based upon their
traditions and cultures.
 In a given society, some individual actions or behaviors are considered right and others are
labeled wrong.
 Morality refers to the principle and standards of right and wrong. Morality is a relative and
culture-specific practice. What is right in one society can be wrong in another and vice versa.
 Ethiopia is a multi-lingual, multiethnic society, with diverse religions, cultures and traditions.
Therefore, there are different moral standards specific to each group. However, as
Ethiopians, all of us have common moral values.
 As an Ethiopian responsible citizen, one is required to behave and act for the private and
common good of the Ethiopian societies.
 The different theoretical aspects of ethics may help you to relate the standards of your society
with those theories.
 The basic code of conducts that professional person should follow are expected from every
professional persons in every work place. They are like punctuality, honesty, integrity,
tolerance, transparency, accountability and others.
 Corruption is an epidemic and more needs to be done to control it. Corruption has emerged
as a serious problem in Ethiopia with significant negative consequences on socio-economic
administrative and political development.
 Controlling corruption needs to be more closely linked to the benefit of good governance.
Good governance encompasses the three dimensions of accountability, openness and
transparency, and predictability and the rule of law.
 Civic virtues are generally the moral goodness of the individuals. These civic virtues are
classified as civic dispositions and civic commitment. Civic dispositions and civic
commitments are expected from individuals in every community, work place in school and
etc.
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Check list
Put an (X) mark under column ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to check yourself
Can you
Yes
No
Define ethics and morality
Define mores and folkways
Describe mores and laws
Classify ethics
Define normative ethics
Define non normative ethics
Discuss about professional ethics
Explain basic causes of corruption
Describe the difference between civic dispositions and civic commitment
Self test questions
Choose the best answer
1) Ethics was first originated in
A. Rome
B. England
C. Greece
D. Germany
2) _____________is an ethical statement simple expresses the approval or disapproval of the
speaker.
A. Sociological naturalism
B. Autobiographical naturalism
C. Theological naturalism
D. All
3) _______________ theories maintain that the morality of an action depends on factors
other than consequences.(non-consequentialist theory)
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A. Teleological ethics
B. Deontological ethics
C. Social hedonism
D. Egoism
4) One of the following is not the cause of corruption
A. Administrative Disorganization
B. presence of Immediate and Serious Measures
C. Absence of efficient and democratic system in administration
D. Breakdown of Social Norms
E. None of the above
5) The violation of folkways are more strict than mores
A. True
B. False
B) Match column “B” with column “A”
Column A
_______1. Compromise
_______2. Civility
_______3. Tolerance
_______4. Honesty
_______5. Self discipline
_______6. Civic mindedness
_______7. Civic disposition
_______8. Civic commitment
Column B
A) The ability and willingness to
accommodate differences
B) Citizens’ readiness and desire to give
concern to public interest.
C) All behaviors’ and actions that are
good
D) Readiness and willingness to spare
something on both sides of the conflict
to resolve problems
E. A polite way of acting or behaving towards others
F. The behavior and attitude of not telling and not
accepting lies.
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G. It is expressed devotion of citizens for the
implementation of the fundamental principles of
democracy.
H. Acting and behaving according to some acceptable
standards.
Fill in the blank with appropriate words
1) ____________ indicates a worker of a given profession conspicuously needs to keep some
information that should be kept secret.
2) ____________ is the position that holds that an ethical statement defines translation into a non
ethical form.
3) _____________is the doctrine that there exists one and only one moral code that code applies
to everyone, at all times, everywhere.
4) ______________ is the ethical doctrine that an action is right if, and only if, it promotes the
greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
5) _____________indicates that no moral conscience; indifferent to morality; applies only to
human beings; no moral education; not knowing the difference between right and wrong.
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