3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Theory of Value and Virtue
“The Qualities of Intrinsic Value and
Instrumental Value”
Teaching objectives:





Understand the definition of intrinsic value --- the value that an
object has in itself
Understand the definition of instrumental value --- methods or
means that produce or lead to other objectives
Explore the good qualities that are admired by humanity --loyalty, filial piety, honesty, fairness, etc.
Explore the characteristics that are detested by humanity --lying, cheating, selfishness, revenge, etc.
Understand the nature of a quality can be changed
Suggested teaching period: 5 lessons
1
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Teacher shall first prepare:
 Knowledge Content of the Subject (3): Good qualities admired by humanity and
characteristics detested by humanity
 Knowledge Content of the Subject (4): Characteristics of Values and Virtues --The Only Constant Is Change
 Worksheet (1): Instrumental Value and Intrinsic Value
 Worksheet (2): Mencius: The Four Beginnings
 Worksheet (3): Preserving Hong Kong’s Core Values Declaration
 Worksheet (4): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
 Worksheet (5): Faith, Hope and Love
 Worksheet (6): Seven Deadly Sins




Worksheet (7): The Three Poisons
Worksheet (8): Story -- Issues of Widowhood and Women’s Remarriage
Worksheet (9): Story -- The celibacy of monks in Chinese Buddhism
Worksheet (10): Story – Paul’s Requirements on Women Virtue as stated in 1
Timothy, Chapter 2
Teaching process:
1. Ask students to give the definitions of “Intrinsic Value” and “Instrumental Value”,
and complete the Worksheet (1): Instrumental Value and Intrinsic Value
2.
The teacher should first explain Knowledge Content of the Subject (3) and (4),
and stress the fact that both the good and the bad characteristics can be
changed by the external environment.
3.
Divide the students into groups of 4 or 5, and give each group one of the
following six worksheets:
˙ Worksheet (2): Mencius: The Four Beginnings
˙ Worksheet (3): Preserving Hong Kong’s Core Values Declaration
˙ Worksheet (4): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
˙ Worksheet (5): Faith, Hope and Love
˙ Worksheet (6): Seven Deadly Sins
˙ Worksheet (7): The Three Poisons
Ask the students to discuss the worksheets in their groups, and then ask each
group to select a representative to report their answers.
4.
Once students have given their opinions, the teacher may explain and give out
2
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
answers.
5.
Divide the students into groups of 4 or 5, and give each group one of the
following stories:
 Worksheet (8): Story -- Issues of Widowhood and Women’s Remarriage
 Worksheet (9): Story -- The celibacy of monks in Chinese Buddhism
 Worksheet (10): Story -- Paul’s Requirements on Women Virtue as stated in 1
Timothy, Chapter 2
Ask the students to discuss the story and complete the worksheet in their groups,
and then ask each group to select a representative to report their answers.
6.
Once students have given their opinions, the teacher may explain and give out
answers.
3
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Knowledge Content of the Subject (3):
Good qualities admired by humanity and characteristics detested by
humanity
Intrinsic and Instrumental Value
Virtue Ethics stresses the importance of virtue/value. Value can be divided into
two types, “Intrinsic Value” and “Instrumental Value”.
What is “Intrinsic Value”? A certain action is virtuous, since it has in itself the
characteristics of virtue. For instance, while “humanity”, “righteousness”, “truth”,
“goodness” and “beauty” may all be understood differently by people of different
cultures, religions or ages, the vast majority of people would still acknowledge that
they are virtues.
What is “Instrumental Value”? The importance of some values lies in the fact that
we can obtain some higher or more important value through them. For example,
through sacrifice, struggle and diligent study, we can achieve a happy life.
Good values admired by humanity
Views on what exactly virtue and value are have changed throughout human
history, and vary between different periods, places and cultures. Such virtues/values
may be either intrinsic values or instrumental values. The ancient Greeks believed
that “truth”, “goodness” and “beauty” were the most important virtues, while traditional
Chinese culture regarded “humanity”, “righteousness”, “proper conduct” and “wisdom”
as the most important virtues. During the European Enlightenment of the 16th and
17th centuries, “freedom”, “equality” and “universal love” were regarded as being most
important. In Hong Kong, “prosperity and stability” and “peaceful coexistence” are
perhaps regarded as objectives that many people would pursue.
However, people from different times, places and cultures all have different
interpretations of corresponding concepts. For example, China and the West may
have different views of the word “human rights”. Chinese people often explain “human
rights” as the right to food and shelter of the country’s 1.3 billion people, while Western
people often stress that “human rights” are the civil rights of citizens to participate in
politics.
Characteristics detested by humanity
Views on what exactly virtue and value are have changed throughout human
history, and vary between different periods, places and cultures. In the same way,
4
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
people from different periods, places and cultures. In the same way, people from
different periods, places and cultures also have different views of what characteristics
should be detested. For example, ancient Chinese people believed that “There are
three sins against filial piety; of these, having no descendant is the greatest”; in other
words, the ancients regarded not having children as the most detested characteristic
for a woman. However, views today are different, and a woman who is fully able to
have children will often use a variety of contraceptive methods to avoid getting
pregnant.
5
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Knowledge Content of the Subject (4):
Characteristics of Values and Virtues --The Only Constant Is Change
Changes in Values and Virtues
Values can be classified as either intrinsic values or instrumental values, but
values and virtues change significantly in different cultures, fields, religions, times and
places, and eras, as well as in people’s way of life. The meaning of “change” is
included in people’s values:
1.
Change from “intrinsic value” to “instrumental value”
2.
3.
Change from “instrumental value” to “intrinsic value”
Change from “value admired by humanity” to “neutral”, or even
characteristics “detested by humanity”
Change from characteristics “detested by humanity” to “neutral”, or even
“value admired by humanity”
Widely varying definitions of a particular value/virtue/characteristic
4.
5.
Example 1: Change from “intrinsic
value” to “instrumental value”
Example 2: Change from “instrumental value”
to “intrinsic value”
Traditional Chinese moral values
emphasise “benevolence”,
“righteousness”, “proper conduct” and
“wisdom”, or “courtesy”,
“righteousness”, “integrity” and “sense
of shame”. “Proper conduct”, which
could be group as “proper conduct” or
“courtesy”, is regarded as a core
value, and inherently includes an
Over the last few hundred years, the rise
in political awareness and the increase in
participation in society has resulted in a
continual strengthening of people’s desire for
“democracy”.
unexpressed moral value.
18th and 19th centuries, people began to
admire democracy and view it as a tool for
achieving “equality” and “universal love”, and
for improving people’s lives.
In modern society, we still
acknowledge that “proper conduct”
has moral value but its value always
lies in embodying the spirit of
“respecting others” by treating them
with courtesy. If we treat others
After “democratic” values were
championed by the French Revolution and the
American Declaration of Independence in the
In recent decades, particularly since the
emergence of the phenomenon of
globalisation, western nations and media have
6
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
politely, not only will others treat us
regarded “democracy” as an intrinsic value,
well, but we will also demonstrate our
cultivated nature through our courtesy,
making us a courteous city and
improving our image on the world
stage.
which is important in and of itself, and have
promoted it everywhere as an objective to be
jointly pursued by all of humanity.
Consequently, modern people
have gradually begun to transform
courtesy from an intrinsic value into an
instrumental value – it is no longer the
essence of the value itself to be
pursued, but rather a “means” to a
particular end.
Example 3: Change from “value admired by humanity” to “neutral”, or even characteristics
“detested by humanity”
In ancient China, women’s performance of the “Three Obediences and Four Virtues”
was greatly valued. The “Three Obediences” meant a woman’s “obedience to her father
before marriage, to her husband after marriage, and to her sons if her husband died”;
while the “Four Virtues” meant a woman’s “fidelity, propriety in speech, physical charm
and skill in needle work”, within which “Gentle Obedience” was regarded as the greatest
virtue of a woman. Whether a woman was virtuous was judged according to these
standards.
In modern society, the “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” and “gentle obedience”
are to some extent not only no longer regarded as virtues to be admired, but are even
regarded by a proportion of educated people as characteristics to be detested. The Three
Obediences and Four Virtues and Gentle Obedience are regarded as serious crimes
against the human dignity of women, and some feminists believe that these
characteristics are obstacles to the full human development of women and key reasons for
their unequal treatment.
7
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Example 4: Change from to characteristics “detested by humanity” to “neutral”, or even
“value admired by humanity”
Presumptuousness means to exceed one’s status, or to do a job that should not be
done by someone of one’s level or generation. Class divisions were very clear in ancient
times, and “presumptuousness” was regarded as dissatisfaction with one’s proper status,
indicating rebellious and criminal intentions, evidenced for example by a common person
wearing clothes embroidered with dragon patterns.
In modern society, changes in class occur rapidly and people value efficiency and
effectiveness, and so the value of “presumptuousness” has gradually decreased, and the
media even praises stories of “whistle blowing” and “challenging authority”. For example,
the concepts of “civil disobedience”, “protest marches” and “demonstrations” have been
widely reported and even praised by the media in recent years. In ancient times, however,
such actions would certainly have been viewed as damaging the social order. Although
society has not reached a point where “rebellion is not a crime and revolt is justified”,
“presuming” to go beyond one’s “status” is perhaps no longer regarded as a detested
characteristic.
Example 5: Widely varying definitions of a particular value/virtue/characteristic
The concept of “filial piety” has been regarded as a virtue and an important value
(either as an intrinsic or instrumental value) in China from ancient times to the present day.
However, the concept has been defined differently in different times and different regions.
In ancient China, the Classic of Filial Piety defined filial piety as repayment of the
upbringing given by one’s parents and affirmation of parents’ authority, and consequently
obeying parents’ instructions and orders, and acting according to their wishes. In modern
society, definitions of filial piety are largely limited to the former – repaying parents for
bringing us up and taking care of us.
If we take “loyalty” as another example, we can see that Japanese and Chinese
people have different interpretations of to whom or to what one should be loyal. Japanese
corporations have operated a system of lifelong employment, and employees are loyal to
their employers. When the Japanese economy began to decline in the 1990s and many
companies found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy, Japanese employees frequently
worked overtime on a voluntary basis to help their companies reduce costs, and in some
cases even asked their wives and children to come to the office to help out; this was
regarded by Japanese people as a demonstration of “loyalty to the business”.
8
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Contrastingly, when Chinese people found their employer facing bankruptcy, they would
often take the company’s remaining property, such as stationary and general items, home
for personal use, in order to compensate them for the possible losses incurred by the
family if they lost their jobs; this was regarded as a demonstration of “loyalty to the family”.
9
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (1): Instrumental Value and Intrinsic Value
In most people’s views, the following four actions are all expressions of filial piety
or responsibility, but do you consider them to be instrumental values or intrinsic values?
Put a “” at the appropriate boxes and explain your reasons.
Instrumental
Value
Filial
piety
Mr Li was a rich man with two sons. He
lived to 100 years old and died, leaving
his possessions to his sons. The
eldest son hoped he would receive the
majority of the possessions, and was
therefore very obedient and loyal to his
father, putting his father’s wishes first
in everything he did. Every evening he
ate dinner with his father, he spent
each holiday taking his father on trips,
and managing to organise
celebrations for his father’s birthday.
His behaviour was impeccable, and all
his friends and family praised him for
his loyalty to his father. Do you think
his “filial piety” should be classified as
an instrumental value or an intrinsic
value?
10
Intrinsic
Value
Reason
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Mr Chan is a salesman who drives a
Mercedes. He was taught from being a
child that you should respect and obey
your parents. He always had to work
overtime on festivals such as Chinese
New Year and Christmas, and was
therefore unable to spend such days
with his parents, but he still insisted on
eating at home with his parents every
evening and spending time with his
family. His parents thought that he was
a very good and loyal son. Do you
think that his “filial piety” should be
classified as an instrumental value or
an intrinsic value?
Respons
ibility
Mr Cheung’s work motto was “carry
the burdens of the person who pays
you”. Every time his boss gave him a
job to do, he would always throw
himself selflessly into the work and
complete it on time, no matter how
difficult the task. His colleagues and
superiors all regarded him as a loyal
employee. Do you think his sense of
“responsibility” to his superiors should
be classified as an instrumental value
or an intrinsic value?
Mr Chiu liked to be praised by his
boss. He would invariably strive to
complete any job he was given ahead
of time and above target. His superiors
and colleagues often praised him as a
responsible employee. Do you think
his sense of “responsibility” should be
classified as an instrumental value or
an intrinsic value?
11
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (2): Mencius --- The Four Beginnings
Mencius said: “Everyone has a sense of compassion. The ancient kings practiced
policies that were compassionate and considerate to the common people because
they were compassionate and considerate towards others. If we are compassionate to
others and practice policies that are compassionate to the common people, then we
can achieve order throughout the world. Everyone has compassion for others, just as
they cannot help but feel sympathy if they suddenly catch sight of a child that has
fallen into a well. This is not because they want to make use of their relationship with
the child’s parents, nor because they want to be praised by other people and build a
good reputation for themselves, nor do they only feel compassion because they
cannot stand the child’s cries.”
It is evident from this that without a sense of sympathy, shame, modesty and
morality, we are not truly human. Sympathy is the basis of humanity, shame is the
basis of righteousness, modesty is the basis of proper conduct, and morality is the
basis of wisdom.
People have these four senses, just as they have four limbs. If someone has
these senses but does not exercise them, they are abandoning themselves. Anyone
who possesses these four senses will develop and strengthen them.”
1. What do you think is meant by “humanity”, “righteousness”, “proper conduct” and
“wisdom”? Why do people admire these qualities? Are they intrinsic values or
instrumental values? Please give three types.
Definition
Example: Caring for others, being
Humanity kind to other people.
Reason it is admired
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
“Humanity” has value in itself,
and if we are kind to others,
they will be kind to us.
Intrinsic value
12
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
13
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Definition
Example:
Humanity
Caring for others,
being kind to other
people.
Morality, reasons or
Righteousness actions that are fair
and appropriate
Reason it is admired
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
“Humanity” has value
in itself, and if we are
kind to others, they will
be kind to us.
Intrinsic value
“Righteousness” has
value in itself, and if
we are fair, impartial,
Intrinsic value
honest and
appropriate, we will
naturally earn the
respect of others
Proper
conduct
Doing things in a
decent way, obeying
the rules
“Proper conduct” in
itself has value, and
society will only
become stable and
prosperous if we obey
Intrinsic value
the rules when we do
things.
Wisdom
The ability to consider
and analyse situations,
make reasonable
judgments and seek
out truth
“Wisdom” has value in
itself, and if one has
wisdom, one can
make sound decisions
and act in an upright
manner.
14
Intrinsic value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (3): Preserving Hong Kong’s Core Values Declaration
Preserving Hong Kong’s Core Values Declaration
Our core values: Hong Kong's advantages; Building blocks for modernity
Hong Kong had accumulated a long history of fighting for a better system. The
incessant efforts made by the Hong Kong people have produced a unique local
culture that is underpinned by some core values most treasured by them and in line
with the global modern civilisation. These core values include: liberty, democracy,
human rights, rule of law, fairness, social justice, peace and compassion,
integrity and transparency, plurality, respect for individuals, and upholding
professionalism. More and more Hong Kong people are convinced that in their
pursuit of a higher quality of life, we must also adhere to the core values essential
to sustainable development: broad-based community participation in public affairs,
inter-generational equity, and economic development with a human focus,
environmental protection and reconciliation with nature.
Losing our core values is losing “Hong Kong”
We believe that Hong Kong is more than an economic city. It is where over six
million people search for a greater meaning in life and build a better home to live in.
By losing its core values, Hong Kong will become a city without soul and her people
will then lose 'Hong Kong'. We, therefore, cannot afford to keep silent. Defending
these core values is not just for the sake of preserving Hong Kong's way of life, it
serves to continue the cultural mission of modernising the Chinese nation as a
whole.
We are deeply distressed, but not in despair. We sign this Declaration in order
to give support to each other and convey a key message to everyone and various
organisations in Hong Kong: Let us stand firm on our core values. Let us work
together, across different sectors and parties, to build our future together.
Let us live out Hong Kong's core values in the social, political, cultural and
other aspects of our daily life. Let us act now so that tomorrow our children can
take pride in what we are defending today!
http://www.hkcorevalues.net
15
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
1.
Which fourteen Hong Kong’s core values are mentioned in the
“Preserving Hong Kong’s Core Values Declaration”? List them.
________
________
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
________ ________ ________ ________ _______
________
2. What do you think these fourteen core values mean? Why do people admire
them? Are they intrinsic values or instrumental values? Write the answers for five of
them.
Definition
Example:
Democracy
Reason it is admired
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
The people have the
right to elect and
dismiss rulers to
Democracy embodies
the principal of equality
for all, as every single
Instrumental value
govern their own
country
person has the right to
elect their government.
16
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Liberty Democracy Human rights
Rule of law
Fairness
Social
justice
Peace
Compassion
Integrity
Transparency
Plurality
Tolerance
Respect for individuals
Upholding professionalism
Definition
Example:
Reason it is admired
The people have the
right to elect and
Democracy embodies
the principal of equality
dismiss rulers to
govern their own
country
for all, as every single
person has the right to
elect their government.
Laws are society’s
highest rules, and no
person or organisation
can override the law.
Only when every single
person must act
according to a single set
of principles can order
be maintained within
society.
Transparency
Society and political
policies are open and
accountable to citizens
Only when government
is transparent and
people feel like they are
a part of the government,
will citizens have a
sense of belonging and
approval toward the
government and society.
Plurality
Different races,
ethnicities, religions or
Society can only
progress and develop in
social groups
independently
participating in and
developing their own
traditional culture or
interests within the
framework of a shared
civilisation or society.
a pluralistic environment.
Democracy
Rule of Law
17
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental
value
Instrumental
value or intrinsic
value
Instrumental
value or intrinsic
value
Instrumental
value or intrinsic
value
Instrumental
value or intrinsic
value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Upholding
Upholding impartiality,
People’s talents can only
professionalism
making decisions
based on one’s own
specialised
professional
knowledge.
be fully realised in a
society which respects
expertise and
emphasises specialised
knowledge.
18
Instrumental
value or intrinsic
value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (4): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights” Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of
all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the
world; Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts
which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human
beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been
proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people; Whereas it is essential, if man
is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and
oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law; whereas it is essential
to promote the development of friendly relations between nations; whereas the peoples of
the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in
the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and
have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom;
whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the
United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and
fundamental freedoms; Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is
of the greatest importance for the full realisation of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all
peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping
this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote
respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and
international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both
among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories
under their jurisdiction.
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
1. What good qualities that people admire are mentioned in the “Universal Declaration of
Human Rights” above. List them.
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
19
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
2.
What do you think the meanings of the good qualities that people admire which
are mentioned in the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” are? Why do people
admire them? Should they be classified as intrinsic or instrumental values? Write the
answers for five of them.
Definition
Example:
Dignity
Every single person is a
free and self-determining
independent entity, and
has a manifest existence
Reason it is admired
Valuing the uniqueness of
every person, stressing the
fact that everyone is equal
and yet unique and
and meaningful life.
valuable, understanding
Everyone has the right to how to respect others.
maintain their dignity.
20
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
Instrumental value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Dignity Equality
Rights
Liberty Justice
Respect
Rule of law
Friendly relations
Definition
Example:
Dignity
Every single person is a
free and self-determining
independent entity, and
has a manifest existence
and meaningful life.
Peace
Freedom from fear
Reason it is admired
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
Valuing the uniqueness of
every person, stressing the
fact that everyone is equal
and yet unique and
valuable, understanding
Instrumental value
Everyone has the right to how to respect others.
maintain their dignity.
Valuing the opinions and
Respect
Rights
Peace
Equality
feelings of others,
viewing the other person
as a trustworthy partner.
The ability to possess
the things which are
proper, reasonable,
legitimate and moral,
and should inherently
belong to one.
Respect
is
an
essential
element for people to get
along
Rights ensure that
interests
are
out
not
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
unreasonably harmed.
A state of affairs where
there is no violence.
Society can only develop in
a secure and stable fashion
when there is peace.
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
Treating the same things
in the same way, and
different things in
different ways.
Our talents can only be fully
realised in a society where
there is equality.
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
21
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (5): Faith, Hope and Love
Faith, Hope and Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease……
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13
What do you think “faith”, “hope” and “love” mean? Why do people admire them? Should
they be classified as intrinsic or instrumental values? Write the answers for five of them.
Definition
Reason it is admired
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
Example:
Faith
Because of faith, our
Having faith in God,
hearts can be at peace,
believing He will bless you
and we feel safe and
and lead you to the right
able to face life filled
path
with hope.
22
Instrumental value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Definition
Example:
Faith
Hope
Because of faith, our
Having faith in God,
hearts can be at peace,
believing He will bless you
and we feel safe and
and lead you to the right
able to face life filled
path
with hope.
To have a positive view of
life and life’s opportunities
Love
Reason it is admired
If people have “hope”,
their hearts will often be
filled with happiness.
Intrinsic value or
Instrumental value
Instrumental value
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
Only in an environment
filled with love, will
people be able to
To act intentionally. To
experience a variety of
promote overall well-being
positive emotions, such
as trust, concern, and
so on.
23
Instrumental or
intrinsic value
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (6): Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins are seven serious types of sinful behaviour that
humans are guilty of according to Catholicism. Since the 14th century, the Seven
Deadly Sins have been a common creative theme for European artists, and are
universally recognised by the people of later times. The 4th century Greek monk
Evagrius Ponticus first chose eight patterns of evil thought which were most
harmful to the soul. These were: gluttony, lust, greed, sadness, acedia, anger,
vainglory, and pride. Evagrius Ponticus believed that people at the time were
self-centred, and extremely proud and lazy.
In the 6th century, Pope Gregory I cut this list of eight sins down to seven by
combining “vainglory” and “pride”, merging “acedia” and “sadness”, and adding
“envy”. He placed them in an order based on the degree to which they are opposed
to love. This order is: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony and lust. Later
theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas, however, had different views regarding
this order.
The 13th century Dominican priest St. Thomas Aquinas listed manifestations
of each type of sin. Catholic doctrines also offer analyses by St. John Cassian and
Pope Gregory I, which discuss serious sins commonly encountered by believers,
such as the premise that the greed of thieves stems from desire.
Catholicism also proposes seven virtues which are opposed to the seven sins.
Sins
Virtues
Lust
Purity
Gluttony
Self-restraint
Greed
Vigilance
Sloth
Integrity
Wrath
Composure
Envy
Giving
Pride
Humbleness
24
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
What do you think each of the Seven Deadly Sins means? Why do people
detest them? Write the answers for five of them.
Definition
Reason they are detested
Example:
Envy
To hate being surpassed by
others
25
Envy destroys trust between
people and allows enmity to
occur more easily in society,
halting progress
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Definition
Reason they are detested
Example:
Envy
Lust
Pride
Sloth
Wrath
To hate being surpassed by
others
Illegitimate lust, also refers to
excessively strong sexual desire.
To wish that others pay attention
to or excessively like oneself,
feeling superior to others
because one possesses
something.
Not yet doing something one
should have done.
Envy destroys trust between
people and allows enmity to
occur more easily in society,
halting progress
The worst of the sins, lust is the
most likely to lead to other
negative emotions.
Such arrogance makes people
look down on others, and
prevents them from respecting
other people.
Laziness causes people to fail
to fulfil their responsibilities,
preventing society from
progressing.
Inappropriate (evil) feelings that
stem from hatred, such as the
Wrath can damage the
desire for revenge or to contradict
relationships between people,
others; the desire to punish
leading society into a state of
others outside the scope of the
conflict.
rights granted by law can also be
classified as wrath.
26
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (7): The Three Poisons
The Three Poisons – Greed, Anger and Foolishness
Buddhism refers to greed (desire), anger (hatred) and foolishness (ignorance)
as the Three Poisons, as these three types of annoyance can cause every living
thing on earth to fail to develop “good roots”, leading living things to experience
suffering from which they cannot extricate themselves. They are the root causes of
various types of evil in people’s bodies, speech and minds and the most important
of the root sufferings of humanity, and are therefore known collectively as the
“Three Poisons”.
What do you think is meant by each of the “Three Poisons”? Why are they
detested by humanity? Give the answers for them.
Definition
Reason it is detested
Not satisfied with the current situation,
endlessly desiring to possess more
Greed makes people selfish, so that they
think only of themselves in everything they
Example:
Greed
do, and it also reduces trust between
people.
27
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Definition
Reason it is detested
Example:
Greed
Not satisfied with the current
situation, endlessly desiring to
possess more
Anger
Inappropriate (evil) feelings that
Greed makes people selfish, so
that they think only of
themselves in everything they
do, and it also reduces trust
between people.
stem from hatred, such as the
desire for revenge or to contradict
others; the desire to punish others
Anger can damage the
relationships between people,
leading society into a state of
outside the scope of the rights
granted by law can also be
classified as anger
conflict.
Without wisdom people are
unable to distinguish between
right and wrong, correct and
Foolishness
Lacking in wisdom
mistaken, and will always do
things wrongly.
28
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (8): Story --Issues of Widowhood and Women’s Remarriage
Mainstream marriage practice in China
following the Song dynasty --- Women keeping widowhood
During the Yuan dynasty, the teachings of the Song dynasty Confucianist Zhu
Xi became the standard texts for the imperial exam system, while in the Ming and
Qing dynasties, his theories went on to become the way of thinking officially
promoted by the government. One of Zhu Xi’s key principles was “preserving
heavenly principles and eliminating human desire”. However, he did not mean that
we should eliminate all desires, as this is impossible; instead Zhu Xi was asking us
to get rid of all the material and private desires in human nature. The distinction
between “heavenly principles” and “human desire” lies in whether a desire sustains
the instinct to live.
Consequently, “preserving heavenly principles and eliminating human desire”
by no means requires us to live an ascetic life without sensual pleasure. In other
words, Zhu Xi does not believe that the desires for food, drink and sex are
inherently evil. In his view, a desire to eat which stems from the need to sustain the
life of the individual is “heavenly principle”, while a desire to eat which stems from a
greedy enjoyment of delicious foods is “human desire”. Similarly, sexual desire
which stems from the need to maintain the life of the family and produce the next
generation is “heavenly principle”, while sexual desire stemming from the pursuit of
sexual pleasure is “human desire”, and should be eliminated. Zhu Xi’s sexual ethics
exhibit extremely ascetic tendencies, as he denies that sex has any inherent value,
viewing it only as a means of procreation.
The concept of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues for women already
existed in China at this time. They included “obeying the husband after marriage”,
and this meant that a woman had to be loyal and faithful to her husband, keeping
her chastity and not remarrying after he died, even to the point of sacrificing her life
for him. However, in the early Song period, ideas regarding sex remained quite
relaxed, and the concept of women preserving their chastity did not become the
mainstream. For example, the mother of the famous Song politician Fan Zhongyan
remarried, while the great politician Wang Anshi chose a new husband for his son’s
wife to remarry after his son became mentally ill. However, by the late Song,
Neo-Confucianism gradually became a mainstream way of thinking in society, and
the ruling classes heavily promoted ideas of female chastity, such as “hunger is a
29
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
small matter, while losing one’s chastity is a disaster”.
Contemporary Neo-Confucians believed that a widow who remarried was
losing her chastity, and men who chose widows as their spouses were also losing
their chastity. The Neo-Confucian scholar Cheng Yi believed that: “…whoever
chooses a spouse, should they choose someone who has lost their chastity, they,
too lose their chastity”. Somebody asked Cheng Yi: “If a widow is poor, suffering
and has nobody to depend on, may she not remarry?”, and Cheng Yi replied
“Absolutely not. Some people use cold or hunger as excuses because they are
afraid of freezing or staving to death, but it is important to know that hunger is a
small matter, while losing one’s chastity is a disaster”. Such ideas were greatly
admired by many later empresses and princesses. Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming
emperor, even issued edicts praising chaste women and regulations stating that
“for all widows among the common people, those whose husband died before they
were thirty and kept their chastity without remarrying until after they reached fifty,
shall be rewarded with a memorial archway and their family exempted from state
labour service”. From that time on, the promotion of material rewards for chaste
women by the court led to the chastity of women being viewed as honourable in
society, and as a way to distinguish oneself from others.
Requirements on women to preserve their chastity increased steadily through
the mid-to-late Ming period in China.
Table comparing the number of widows not remarrying in different eras
Period
Zhou Qin &
Northern
Sui
Five
Song Yuan
Han
&
&
Dynasties
Southern Tang
Dynasties
Number
6
23
29
32
2
152
359
Percentage 0.02
0.07
0.08
0.09
0.01
0.41
0.96
30
Ming
27141
72.91
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
The concept of women not remarrying after the death of their husband stems
from “chastity”. Do you think that the idea of “chastity” has changed between
ancient times and the modern era?
Ancient China
Definition
Is chastity a virtue, a
neutral value or a
characteristic that people
detest?
Reason
Is chastity an intrinsic
value or an instrumental
value?
Have people’s attitudes to
“chastity” changed with
the times? Why?
31
Modern society
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Definition
Ancient China
Modern society
A wife must be loyal and
faithful to her husband,
preserving her chastity
and not remarrying after
he dies, even sacrificing
her life for him.
Husband and wife must
each be loyal and faithful to
their partner, and must not
have extramarital affairs;
this now applies to both
husband and wife.
Virtue
Virtue
Is chastity a virtue, a
neutral value or a
characteristic that people
detest?
Reason
A wife must “obey her
husband after she is
married”, and the wife is
the property of the
husband; consequently
she should not do
things that her husband
dislikes.
Is chastity an intrinsic
value or an instrumental
value?
Intrinsic value
Have people’s attitudes to
They have changed.
“chastity” changed with
the times? Why?
Women’s status was
very low in ancient
times, and all matters
and interests were
centred on those of the
man/husband.
32
Husband and wife should
each love the other and not
do things that the other
hates; in the marriage
vows, both husband and
wife promise not to be
unfaithful to the other.
Intrinsic value or
instrumental value
They have changed.
Modern society values
equality of the sexes, and
both men and women
should follow the same
standards.
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (9):
Story --- The celibacy of monks in Chinese Buddhism
The conflict between the celibacy of Buddhist monks and the
Chinese cultural value that “There are three sins against filial
piety; of these, having no progeny is the greatest”
As a religion which first took root in India, Buddhism exhibits strong Indian
cultural characteristics in many areas, including its moral values and lifestyle. In the
early years of Buddhism’s transmission to China, some of its religious customs very
obviously differed from mainstream Chinese values. For example, contemporary
Chinese rulers criticised Buddhist monks’ clothing because it improperly displayed
their chests and arms. At that time, Buddhist monks and hermits had completed
Master Mou’s Treatise Dispelling Doubts (Mouzi Lihuolun), which reflects upon
common misunderstandings of Buddhism in contemporary Chinese society and
attempts to dispel their doubts.
The chapter of the Confucian Classic of Filial Piety entitled the “Scope and
Meaning of the Treatise” states: “Our bodies, down to the last hair and piece of
skin, come to us from our parents, and we may not dare to injure or wound them.
This is the beginning of filial piety. When one has established one’s character
through the practice of the proper way, such as to make one’s name famous in later
ages and thereby bring honour to our parents, this is the end of filial piety. It begins
with the service of one’s parents, proceeds to the service of the ruler, and is
completed by the establishment of character”. Thus, children should not violate the
wishes of their parents, family elders or ancestors by their actions. This shows that
the Chinese cultural concept xiao, commonly translated as “filial piety”, is in fact not
limited to reverence for one’s parents; reverence for one’s parents is only the
beginning of the way of “filial piety”. Since the time of Confucius and Mencius,
China has promoted the idea that “there are three sins against filial piety; of these,
having no progeny is the greatest”. Of the numerous misunderstandings and areas
of confusion regarding Buddhism, one area that was heavily criticised by the
contemporary Chinese gentry was the Buddhist concept of monastic life, which
required monks and nuns to leave home and live a life of celibacy in a monastery or
nunnery.
Mencius’ Li Lou I describes the “three sins against filial piety”, which are:
1.
Deceiving one’s parents with flattery and causing them to ignore
righteousness;
33
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
2.
Not entering public service and pursuing a career when one’s parents
are elderly and living in poverty;
3. Not marrying and having no children to continue to worship one’s
ancestors.
Mencius said: “There are three sins against filial piety; of these, having no
progeny is the greatest. Because of this, Shun married without informing his
parents, in case he should have no progeny. A gentleman would judge that it
would have been the same if he had informed them.”
Master Mou’s Treatise Dispelling Doubts
A Chinese person asked:
"The luckiest person is he who has children to continue the ancestral rites, and
the most unfilial behaviour is to not have posterity. Monks remain celibate all
their lives, and this is a violation of the way of filial piety.
Mouzi replied:
A pure soul and the state of non-activity are the deep wonders of monastic
life… The Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties all had good social practices, and the
people thoroughly read the works of the Sages. They read the Classic of Poetry,
the Classic of History, the Classic of Rites, the Book of Changes and the Classic of
Music and the Spring and Autumn Annals. They studied rites and laws, revered
virtue and morality, and they lived harmoniously with their neighbours in the villages
and streets. This is something that those of middling moral standards pursue.
Those of high moral standards aim to conquer their desires, and pursue values of a
higher level.
In ancient times, Shu Qi and Bo Yi starved to death on Shouyang
Mountain. The sage Confucius praised their great virtue and considered them to
have sought virtue and attained it. Yet I have never heard of anyone criticising them
for being unfilial because they “had no progeny”. Monks replace the common man’s
enjoyment of worldly pleasures by returning to the pure and simple life that the
ancients praised, thereby substituting for the joys of life with a wife and children,
and thus the monk’s life of celibacy is truly wonderful.
34
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
1. The concept of opposition to monks and nuns leaving home to live a
monastic life comes from the Chinese concept of the “filial way”. Do you
think that people’s concepts of this “filial way” have changed between
ancient times and the modern era?
Ancient China
Modern Society
Definition
Is the “filial way” a
virtue, a neutral value or
a characteristic that
people detest?
Reason
Is the “filial way” an
intrinsic value or an
instrumental value?
Have people’s attitudes
to the “filial way”
changed with the times?
Why?
35
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Ancient China
Definition
Children must respect their
parents and show gratitude for
their parents’ kindness in
raising them. Children should
not violate the wishes of their
parents, family elders or
ancestors by their action, and
should put them first in all
matters. There are three ways
Modern Society
Children must respect
their parents and show
gratitude for their
parents’ kindness in
raising them.
of being unfilial, and the most
serious is to have no posterity.
Is the “filial way” a
virtue, a neutral value
or a characteristic
that people detest?
Reason
Is the “filial way” an
intrinsic value or an
instrumental value?
Virtue
Children are brought into the
world by their parents, and so
they are the property of their
Parents are kind to
children in raising them,
parents. In front of their parents, and children should
children do not qualify equally
repay this kindness.
qualify as people.
Intrinsic value
They have changed. In ancient
times, the basic unit of society
was the family, and so
Have people’s
attitudes to the “filial
way” changed with
the times? Why?
Virtue
everything was determined by
the family, which was centred
on the interests and standards
of parents. Consequently,
children had to act in
accordance with their parents’
standards.
Intrinsic value
With the rise of
individualism in modern
times, society places
comparatively more
emphasis on individual
factors such as values,
freedoms and equality.
Consequently, besides
the need to respect their
parents, children are not
governed by too many
other standards.
36
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Worksheet (10): Story --Paul’s Requirements on Women Virtue
as stated in 1 Timothy, Chapter 2
Source I: Paul’s requirements on the virtue of women
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without
wrath and doubting. In the same way, women also adorn themselves in decent
clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or
expensive clothing; but (which become women professing godliness) with good
works.
Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I do not permit a
woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For
Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being
deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through child-bearing,
if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.
Bible 1 Timothy Chapter 2
Source II: The “Three Obediences” first appeared in the Confucian classics of
the Zhou and Han, Rites and Ceremonies, Mourning Dress and Zi Xia. The Three
Obediences states that a woman, as a daughter, wife or mother, should obey men.
The subjugation of women goes back further, and in fact the Chinese character for
woman comes from the Shang dynasty oracle bone image of a woman kneeling
down and prostrating herself. The Book of Changes includes a sign and passage
which advocates that women practice lifelong obedience and fidelity to their
husbands, and women were later required to sacrifice their lives for their husbands
or remain chaste in widowhood,
How did a woman “obey her father”?
An unmarried girl still living in her father’s house was required to be filial to her
parents and obey her father’s wishes.
How did a woman “obey her husband”?
A married woman had to be constantly faithful to her husband, keep her
chastity, not remarry if he died before her, and even sacrifice her life for him.
How did a woman “obey her sons”?
Women not only had to remain chaste and not remarry, but also had to endure
every hardship necessary to raise her sons, and respectfully obey her sons as the
37
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
leaders of the family, such that the sons decided all important matters.
2. Whether in China or other countries, there have always been additional
moral standards imposed on women, and these often placed particular
emphasis on the need for women to be “obedient”. Do you think that people’s
concept of “obedience” with regard to women has changed between ancient
and modern times?
Ancient China
Modern Society
Definition
Is obedience a virtue, a
neutral value or a
characteristic that people
detest?
Reason
Is obedience an intrinsic
value or an instrumental
value?
Have people’s attitudes to
“obedience” with regard to
women changed with the
times? Why?
38
3.2 Normative Ethics --- Virtue and Value Theory --- Values and Qualities
Suggested Answers
Ancient China
Definition
Is obedience a virtue, a
neutral value or a
characteristic that people
Trust those with authority,
act according to their
wishes, and resolutely
support their decisions.
Virtue
detest?
Reason
Society will only be stable
when everyone, from
aristocrats and officials to
ordinary people, must
obey those with authority.
Modern Society
Trust those with
authority, act according
to their wishes, and
resolutely support their
decisions.
Neutral value or detested
characteristic
Obedience
demonstrates lack of
initiative, ambition and
selfhood.
Is obedience an intrinsic
value or an instrumental
value?
Have people’s attitudes to
“obedience” with regard to
women changed with the
times? Why?
Intrinsic value
/
In ancient times, social
classes were clearly
differentiated and it was
considered important that
the upper classes were
respected and the lower
classes were obedient;
Modern society values
independence,
innovation,
self-determination and
progressiveness.
“Obedience” obviously
runs counter to these
women had lower social
status than men, and so
women had to be
obedient.
values, and thus
“obedience” is no longer
praised by people, if not
actually viewed as a
detested characteristic.
39