GEN 006: ETHICS
Teachers’ Guide Lesson # 5
Lesson 5: Moral Accountability
Learning Targets:
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
1. Define moral accountability and identify the modifiers of human acts, such as ignorance, passions,
fear, violence, and habit, and their influence on moral responsibility.
2. Identify the modifiers of human acts in various scenarios, considering how these factors shape moral
judgment and behavior.
Content Notes
Moral Accountability
It refers to the ethical obligation individuals have to accept responsibility for their actions,
choices, and their consequences within the framework of moral principles and standards. It
encompasses the idea that individuals are morally responsible for the outcomes of their behaviors and
decisions, whether those outcomes are positive or negative. It involves acknowledging one's role in
determining the moral rightness or wrongness of an action and accepting the consequences that result
from those actions. It implies an awareness of the impact of one's behavior on oneself and others, as
well as a commitment to upholding moral principles and values in decision-making processes.
THE MODIFIERS OF THE HUMAN ACT
The modifiers of the human act, also known as factors influencing moral responsibility, are
various circumstances or conditions that can affect the moral evaluation of an action. These modifiers
include ignorance, passions, fear, violence, and habit. Here's a brief explanation of each:
1. Ignorance- refers to a lack of knowledge or awareness regarding the moral implications of an
action. It can be either invincible (unintentional and beyond one's control) or vincible (resulting
from negligence or willful ignorance).
2. Passions- are strong emotions or desires that can influence decision-making and behavior. When
individuals act under the sway of passions such as anger, lust, or envy, they may be less rational
and more prone to making morally questionable choices.
3. Fear- can compel individuals to act in ways that they might not otherwise choose, as they seek
to avoid perceived threats or harm. Fear can influence moral decision-making by either
motivating individuals to act in accordance with moral principles or causing them to prioritize
self-preservation over ethical considerations.
4. Violence- refers to the use of force or coercion to achieve an end. When individuals are
subjected to violence or threats of violence, their ability to make free and morally responsible
choices may be compromised, leading to actions that they would not otherwise endorse.
5. Habit- refers to ingrained patterns of behavior that have become automatic or reflexive over
time. Habits can shape moral decision-making by predisposing individuals to act in certain ways
without deliberate reflection on the moral consequences of their actions.
GEN 006: ETHICS
Teachers’ Guide Lesson # 5
Sample Scenario and Tracing Backgrounds
