Lesson 1 (A.1.2)
Lesson 1 (A.1.2)
Lesson 1 (A.1.2)
College of Education
AY 2020-2021
1st Semester
Ethics (GEC18)
Lesson 1: A.1.2
1. What do we mean by the term ethics? Is it different from the term morality?
When we tackle about the term ethics and morality they were normally
misunderstood as synonymous in all forms. But if we will study and differentiate the two
further we will realize there are various concepts and ideas that contrast the two. The
term ethics is considered as the field of study. It is the systematic study of morality. It
commonly refers and examines through the use of ethical theories, moral standards or
code of conduct that will be applied to an individual or group of people. When we talk
about morality it commonly refers to as a set of standard an individual or group of people
uses to judge whether an act or situation is good or bad. Through this, they can also
classify whether someone is virtuous or not. Morality can be used either in a descriptive
or normative manner. In its descriptive sense, morality is referred to a certain code of
conduct accepted by an individual or group of people for their behavior. While in a
normative sense, morality on the other hand is concerned with the moral standards.
Through this, they can identify such act as right or wrong. It normally involves the
formulation of moral norms that can serve as a basis of actions, ways of life and
institutions we should follow.
4. Are all moral behavior the same among all cultures? How about per generation?
BICOL UNIVERSITY
College of Education
AY 2020-2021
1st Semester
Ethics (GEC18)
Different societies have different moral codes. The moral code of a society
determines what is right or wrong within that society. There are no moral truths that hold
foe all people at all times. The moral code of our own society has no special status: it is
but one among many. Ethical relativism reminds us that different societies have different
moral beliefs and that our beliefs are deeply influenced by culture. It also encourages us
to explore the reasons underlying beliefs that differ from our own, while challenging us
to examine our reasons for the beliefs and values we hold. We are upholder and
differentiated based on generation. There are greater possibility that even if we are
grouped into a certain society, our opinions and beliefs are different. This may also be
based upon our birth year or we consider our own “era”. Each cohort had experienced
different and diverse scenarios that made the person born on that particular season who
they are today. But above all, we may be different in some aspects but we always bear in
our minds to promote respect and openness of mind.