Lesson 1: Introduction to Ethics

Topic: The definition and branches of Philosophy

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. State the basic definition of philosophy;

2. Determine the elements of a philosophical search;
3. Explain each of the main branches of philosophy; and,
4. Expound the meaning of Ethics considering its formal and material objects.

LEARNING CONTENT

Introduction:

This introductory lesson focuses on the basic definition of philosophy as starting point of the
whole course. It moves further into enumerating the main branches of philosophy which includes Ethics, the
main topic of this course. It ends by distinguishing ethics from the other disciplines or field of study.

Lesson Proper:

A. Basic Definition of Philosophy

The Greek scholar, Pythagoras (c. 580-497 B.C.), coined the term
philosophy and came up with the term into two Greek words “philein
meaning love or friendship and sophia meaning wisdom” (Babor, E., 2001).
The literal definition of philosophy is therefore, “love of wisdom” (Zulueta,
2010). According to Babor, love is an urge, or a drive of the will towards a
particular object. As a drive, love always seeks unity with its object, and it
desires to possess its object. And wisdom means the good exercise or
application of knowledge (Babor, E., 2001). Hence, loving and seeking
wisdom require the individual to be intimately passionate, responsible of
his/her reflections or actions, and must enjoy what he/she does.

Philosophy is also understood in the context of the Cagayanos’ term siribayat. This Itawit indigenous
vernacular term signifies love of wisdom. The term siribâyat is a fusion of two words “sirib,” which means
wisdom, and “ayat,” love. Etymologically, sirib means an active peering through reality. And “ayat” adds a
personal note to the passion to go beyond what one has already previously seen or understood (Siribâyat,
2013). Hence, to be wise or siriban means to be keen towards reality, that is, allowing the “panono” (the Itawit
term for “reflection) to extend its capacity to unveil and rediscover the true meaning of a reality. In the struggle
to rediscover the true meaning of an experience, the lover of wisdom should be responsible to understand
reality practically in a significant way, not just theoretically.

Philosophy is a search for meaning and truth.

The kind of search related to philosophy is more intense than that of the ordinary kind of search. This seeking,
looking, and finding wisdom and truth is a passionate search where we surrender ourselves into it. That’s why

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searching for meaning is a personal act. But what distinguishes a philosophical search from an ordinary
search is through the emphasis of the three elements:

a. The object of the search is of real value to the subject. In philosophy, broadly speaking, “object” refers to a
thing, “subject” refers to the person philosophizing (Cruz, C.,2004). Meaning, the object of our experience or
investigation must be within our interest and concern like a student taking a course that he is passionate about.

b. It “consumes” the whole person- his attention, concentration, interest, effort (Cruz, C.,2004). Meaning, a
person becomes part of the object of investigation, thus, leading oneself into submission towards the goal. To
quote Cruz, he said that “A philosopher can hardly afford distractions as he goes on his ‘search’.” He observes,
reads, reflects, writes on what to him is the most important aspect in his life (Cruz, C.,2004).

c. It is continued without let-up until (a) the answer is found or (b) the answer is not yet found, but the
conviction is reached that for the moment at least this is the best possible although still imperfect answer
(Cruz, C., 2004). Meaning, a person must not give up into something he seeks for and must not surrender until
the problem is solved. It is like the common notion of saying: Try and try until you succeed. A human person
is considered to be a homo viator (traveler). As a traveler, along the way, despair, frustrations and problems
are always expected. But philosophy tells us that one must be challenged of it and must never surrender
himself in searching for meaning.

The attainment of truth cannot be the goal of philosophy and “the search for truth, not the possession of it, is
the true aim of philosophy” (John-Terry, C., 1994). What really matters for philosophical search is not to focus
oneself towards the result or end, but rather on the process of searching. The journey, not the destination, is
what matters.

Philosophy is also defined as the science that by natural light of reason studies the first causes or
highest principles of all things (Ramos, C.C., 2010).

Philosophy, as science, is an organized body of knowledge that involves a systematic investigation of a

reality through the natural capacity of man to think (light of reason). The endeavor of understanding the prima
causa of everything is not purely experimental nor it has a divine intervention, but rather it is purely an
experience of the self to the life-world.

B. Main Branches of Philosophy

1. What is Metaphysics?

According to Timbreza, metaphysics “is the study of Anything that we can think about that has an active
being in its general aspect.” (Timbreza, F., 2005). participation in the ESSENCE of beings is the concern
The term “being” refers to the realities that we see of metaphysics. It has sub-topics like teleology,
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and don’t see. To make simple to understand, it is the ontology, theodicy, psychology and cosmology
study of realities in life.It deals with human reality and
system of human thought that seeks to explain the
fundamental concepts of man (Cruz, C.,2004)

2. What is Epistemology?

Epistemology (from the Greek word episteme This branch of philosophy deals with all the aspects
“knowledge”) is a philosophical theory that deals with concerning the nature of knowledge. Epistemology
the truth-value of human knowledge. It asks the has sub-divisions like agnosticism, skepticism, a
question: “is it possible to know? Can man ever know posteriori and a priori.
anything? Is it possible to attain certain knowledge?
Where does knowledge come from? (Timbreza, F.,
2005).

The branch of philosophy that investigates the nature,

sources, limitations, and validity of knowledge
(Ramos, C.C., 2010).

It concerns the nature and scope of knowledge. It

asks the question “what does it mean to know (the
truth), and what is the nature of truth? What sort of
things can be known? Is there knowledge beyond the
reach of science and what are the limits of self-
knowledge? (Articulo, A., 2008)

3. What is Logic?
This branch of philosophy focuses on developing the
Logic is the study of the methods and principles used mind to be critical and logical. Logic is divided into
to distinguish correct reasoning from incorrect sub-topics namely: Induction, Deduction, Syllogism,
reasoning (Copi and Cohen, I. & C., 1998). and Dialectic.
Logic is the study of the methods and principles used
to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning. Logic
does not only help us adequately to interpret facts and
other people’s perceptions or views, it also develops
in us the habit of clear and critical thinking (Timbreza,
F., 2005).

4. What is Ethics?

Ethics is a practical and normative science, based on Ethics is also called moral philosophy which tries to
reason, which studies human acts and provides understand the goodness and badness of a human
norms for their goodness or badness (Timbreza, F., act. Ethics is divided into three general subject areas
2005).. namely: metaethics, normative ethics and applied
ethics.
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the
nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions
(Ramos, C.C., 2010).
Metaethics investigates where our ethical principles
It studies on the morality (goodness or badness) of come from, and what they mean. It focuses on the
human actions (Conduct) (Cruz, C.,2004). issues of universal truths, the will of God, the role of
reason in ethical judgments, and the meaning of
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Ethics takes up the meanings of our moral concepts- ethical terms themselves.
such as right action, obligation and justice- and
formulates principles to guide moral decisions, Normative ethics is concerned with the criteria of
whether in private or public life (Articulo, A., 2008). what is morally right and wrong. It includes the
formulation of moral rules that have direct implications
for what human actions, institutions, and ways of life
should be like.

Applied ethics refers to the practical application of

moral considerations. It is ethics with respect to real-
world actions and their moral considerations in the
areas of private and public life, the professions,
health, technology, law, and leadership.

C. Definition of Ethics

Etymological meaning

The term ethics is derived from the Greek word ethikos which itself is derived
from the Greek word ethos, meaning custom or character. In philosophy,
ethical behavior is that which is “good.” The field of ethics or moral
philosophy involves developing, defending, and recommending concepts of
right and wrong behavior. These concepts do not change as one’s desires
and motivations change. They are not relative to the situation. They are
immutable. (Mintz, S., 2010)

Functional Definition

Ethics is a practical and normative science, based on reason, which studies human acts and provides norms
for their goodness or badness (Timbreza, F., 2005). Ethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the nature
of moral virtue and evaluates human actions (Ramos, C.C., 2010). It studies on the morality (goodness or
badness) of human actions (Conduct) (Cruz, C.,2004). Ethics takes up the meanings of our moral concepts-
such as right action, obligation and justice- and formulates principles to guide moral decisions, whether in
private or public life (Articulo, A., 2008).

Ethics as the ‘general inquiry into what is good’ poses some questions concerning what sort of actions can
bind humans. What constitutes ‘good’ or what is an unacceptable action in a given situation is tantamount in
saying that the subject matter of Ethics is essential. Teaching Ethics in College Education as a New General
Education Core Course under the New Curriculum explores some of the important theories on the constitution
of what is an ethical action, acceptable and binding in all societies which call for impartiality in decision making
(CMO 20 S 2013).

In a general sense, ethics (or moral philosophy) addresses fundamental questions such as: How should I live
my life? That question leads to others such as: What sort of person should I strive to be? What values are
important? What standards or principles should I live by? There are various ways to define “ethics.” The
simplest may be is to say that ethics deals with “right” and “wrong.” However, it is difficult to judge what may
be right or wrong in a particular situation without some frame of reference (Mintz, S., 2010).

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The Material Object of Ethics (What does Ethics study?)
- The Human Act/Action

What are other things that we can moralize or we can judge if they are good or bad?
- Custom, cultures, traditions, and other practices of a certain community or society.

The Formal Object of Ethics (What does Ethics want to see in Human Acts?)
- The goodness or badness of the human act.

The material object or the subject matter of Ethics poses some questions in relation to answering moral
judgment, like ‘What is our criteria or standard of morality'?, 'What can account actions as ‘good’ and ‘right’ or
‘good’ as ‘pleasurable’ or ‘pleasurable’ as ‘good actions’?, 'Who has the right to determine what is moral or
ethical'?, 'With regard the applicability of an action, when can we consider it as good or moral?, and the like.

So, if Ethics is a branch of Philosophy, how did it find out the norms which it uses to judge if the action
of a certain person is good or bad? It is based purely on thinking, reflecting, and reasoning on the different
moral standards to be used.

Society’s morality calls for a standard which serves as a ‘guiding principle’ of all actions which answers
the question of what is ‘good’ and ‘right’ or ‘bad’ and ‘unacceptable’. Actions are good or acceptable when they
satisfy the standards or ethical codes of a society while they are unacceptable when they fail to follow its
principles. We call these principles, codes or standards as moral standards.

Standards of Behavior
Ethics must be based on accepted standards of behavior. For example, in virtually all societies and cultures it
is wrong to kill someone or steal property from someone else. These standards have developed over time and
come from a variety of sources including:
(A) The influence of religious writing and interpretations.
(B) The influence of philosophical thought.
(C) The influence of community (societal) values. (Mintz, S., 2010)

Norms, Values, and the Law

Ethics deals with well-based standards of how people ought to act. Ethics does not describe the way people
do act. It deals with the way people should act. Ethical people always strive to make the right decision in all
circumstances. They do not rationalize their actions based on their own perceived self-interests. Ethical
decision-making entails following certain well-established norms of behavior. The best way to understand
ethics may be to differentiate it from other concepts. (Mintz, S., 2010)
Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. Values are concerned
with how a person will behave in certain situations whereas ethics is concerned with how a moral person
should behave. A person who values prestige, power, and wealth are likely to act out of self-interest whereas
a person who values honesty, integrity and trust will typically act in the best interests of others. It does not
follow that acting in the best interests of others precludes acting in one’s own self-interest. Indeed, the Golden
Rule prescribes that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. (Mintz, S., 2010)

*** END of LESSON 1***

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REFERENCES

Textbooks

1. Articulo, Archimedes C. (2008), The Experience of Philosophy: General Introduction to Philosophy. Manila:
Rex Bookstore.
2. Babor, Eddie R. (2001), Logic: The Philosophical Discipline of Correct thinking. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing, Inc.
3. Copi, Irving. (1998), Introduction to Logic. 10th Ed. Singapore: Prentice Hall.
4. Cruz, Corazon. (2004), Philosophy of Man: 3rd Edition. Manila: National Bookstore.
5. John-Terry, Chris. (1994), For the Love of Wisdom: An Explanation of the Meaning and Purpose of
Philosophy. New York: Alba House.
6. Ramos, Christine Carmela R. (2010), Introduction to Philosophy, Second Edition. Manila: Rex Bookstore.
7. Timbreza, Florentino T. (2005), Quest for Meaning: Philosophy Made Easy for Filipinos. Philippines: New
Day Publishers.
8. Zulueta, Francisco M. (2010), Introduction to Philosophy. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store.

Journal Reference:
Siribayat: A Journal in Philosophy (2013). Volume 2, No.1 & 2. Tuguegarao City: Golden Press.

Other Reference:
CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 20 series of 2013: “General Education Curriculum: Holistic
Understandings, Intellectual and Civic Competencies.”

Online Reference
Mintz, Steven (2010). Ethics Sage: What is Ethics. Retrieved on August 13, 2020 from
https://www.ethicssage.com2010/12/what-is-ethics.html
Oxford Bibliographies (2017). Applied ethics. Retrieved on August 19, 2020 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apllied_ethics
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (2020). Normative Ethics. Retrieved on August 19, 2020 from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/normative-ethics
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (1995). Ethics. Retrieved on August 19, 2020 from
https://iep.utm.edu/ethics/#H3

Learning Materials
1. Worksheets (teacher-made)
2. LMS learning materials (teacher-made)

Pictures:

1. Byrne-Haber, S. (2019). Ethical design and accessibility. Retrieved August 12, 2020 from
https://uxdesign.cc/ethical-design-and-accessibility-a287c930a8ab.
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2. Sirswal, D.R. (2014). Main Branches of Philosophy. Retrieved August 12, 2020 from
https://philgcg11chd.wordpress.com/category/main-branches-of-philosophy/
3. Somji, R.(2020. What Philosophy does to Philosophers. Retrieved August 12, 2020 from
https://lydianz.com/what-philosophy-does-to-philosophers/

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