Ethics 1 - Definition of Ethics Natural Law.pptx

Definition of Ethics

1. INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

2. What rules do you find constricting? Why? 2

3. DEFINITION OF ETHICS Ethics is deduced from the Greek word ethos , meaning “customs” or “behaviors” Behavior is more attributed to human behavior and is therefore inherent to human beings The term ethos has an equivalent meaning in Latin word moris , which means “morals” Ethics is not to be understood as specific to the nation but rather as inherent human. 3

4. DEFINITION OF ETHICS Ethics is a mental-set, disposition, or values. Ethics defined as: As a science, it deals with the morality (rightness or wrongness) of the human act. As a discipline, it is meant for the exercise of a human conduct, both ethical and unethical . As a philosophical study, it guides the intellect in discerning concrete human conduct. 4

5. IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS Ethics is important to every society as it plays a critical role in shaping the individual behaviors within a society. Act as a self-governing system to keep human self-interest and the good of society at equilibrium because the eyes of the law are not always available. Society might fall into chaos if we accept that each of us could pick and choose what the right thing to do. 5

6. THE HUMAN ACT Human act is a conscious and free exercise of one’s faculties, therefore, conscious and free. Act of man is an act beyond the control of one’s will. Morality or ethics is more concerned with human acts rather than acts of man. 6

7. The Human Act Constituents of the human act: Knowledge – resides in the intellect and is the mindfulness of what the moral agent is doing. Freedom – quality of the freewill by which one is able to choose between one or more alternatives. Voluntariness – quality of the human act whereby any commission or omission of an act is a result of the knowledge which as agent has of the end. 7

8. Sources/ determinant of morality The Object of the Act - The very substance of the act - “What was performed by the agent?” Motive of the Agent Purpose for which a human agent does the act “What specifically does the agent want?” 8

9. Sources/ determinant of morality The Circumstances What – the intended object of the act Why – personal intention of the agent By what means – tools or procedures used How – modes of doing the act When – the time the act was performed Where – the spatial setting where the act is done Who – the person who does/receive 9

10. Standards/ norm of morality Natural Law and Conscience “An ordinance of reason promulgated by a duly constituted authority for the commo good of the society.” Law is necessary to regulate acts of the freewill. Kinds of Law - Natural Law/ Divine Law/ Human Positive Law 10

11. STANDARDS/ NORM OF MORALITY NATURAL LAW A system of law that purportedly determined by nature, and thus universal. The pattern of behavior of animals, plants, or minerals follow such actions or movements in accordance with the will of the Divine Mind. “Our universe is composed of an infinite variety of beautifully arranged things. Indeed, nature shows a constant order which is the result of a universal plan and of immutable laws.” ( Panizo , 1964) 11

12. STANDARDS/ NORM OF MORALITY CONSCIENCE The practical judgement that determines that an act is good, therefore, to be done, and evil, therefore, to be avoided. Considered as subjective because it is born out of the mental process of man. Man has to follow his conscience: Follow the law Follow one’s culture beliefs follow one’s feelings Follow one’s religious beliefs 12

13. Thank you