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DEBREBRHAN UNIVERSITY
COLLAGE OF SOCIAL SCINCE AND HUMANITIES
DEPARTMENT OF MORAL AND CIVICS EDUCATION.
MORAL AND CIVICS INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
TITLE: CONCEPT OF CIVICS ,ETHICS,AND MORALITY
SECTION MEDICINE
NAME ID NUMBER
EYOB ABEJE HABTEMARIAM DBU1501189
SUBMITTED TO; Dr. TAMRAT CHERU.

SUBMISSION DATE;DECEMBER 15/04

/2015.E.C
DEBREBRIHAN ;ETHIOPIA
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………1
1.etymological definition of civics ………………………………………………………………....1
1.1.Conceptual definition of civics……………………………………………….……..…1
1.2.Goal of civics……………………………………………………………………….…………..1
1.3 .Importance of civics…………………………………………………………..…………...2
2 Etymological definitions of Morality………………………………………………………….….2
2.1 Conceptual definition of Morality……………………………………………….…...2
3.Etymological definitions of ethics…………………………………………………..………..…..2
3..1 Conceptual definition of ethics …………………………………………….…………….…...2
3.2 Type of Ethics................................................................................................3
3.2.1 Normative ethics………………………………………………………………………….….…….3
3.2.1.1 Teleological Ethics ……………………………………………………………….…..4
3.2.1.2 Deontological ethics………………………………………………………………...4
3.2.1.3.Virtue ethics………………………………………………………………………..….4
3.3 Non normative ethics…………………………………………………………………………….…4
3.4.field of ethics………………………………………………………………………….……..…….….4
4. Similarities between Morality and ethics………………………………….…………….….5
5.Difference between Ethics and Morality…………………………………………………...5
6.Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………..…….…5
7. Reference ………………………………………………………………………………….…………….6
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

INTRODUCTION
This assignment paper introduces about both etymological and conceptual definition of
civics, ethics ,and morality. And also compares and contrast ethics with morality.
In the first section answer to the question what is civics? What is ethics? what is morality?
Civics is defined as: a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens. Morality
can be a body of standards or principles derived from a code of conduct from
particular philosophy, religion or culture, or it can derive from a standard that a person
believes should be universal. Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that
"involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and
wrong behavior”. And also contains goal of civics education and importance of civics.in this section
also cover type of ethics such as Normative and non normative ethics. Normative ethics sub divided
into teleological, deontological, and virtue ethics. Apart from this focus about fields of ethics.
In the second section of this pepper included the similarities between and the difference
between ethics and morality.

The last part of this paper include summary about civics, ethics, and morality. And also
included Varity source that helped when working this assignment.

1.Etymological definition of civics

The term civics is derived from the Latin world Civicus/civitas meaning relative to the
English word ,City-state, Citizen who has citizenship rights and duties in civitas.

1.1 Conceptual definition of Civics and Civics education

civic education is an education that studies about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of
a politically organized group of people.
Civics is defined as: : a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens.

It is the study or science of the privileges and obligations of citizens. Civic education is the study of
the theoretical, political and practical aspects of citizenship, as well as its rights and duties. Civics is
one of the prominent branches of the Social Sciences, the academic discipline of Civics involves the
study of the obligations and rights of the various citizens in society. The study also includes the
duties, civil law, civil codes and rights that citizens ought to concern themselves with. Civics is also
concerned with the study of the government with a focus on the role played by citizens.
1.2 The goal of civics education

The goal of civic engagement is to address public concerns and promote the quality of the
community.
. Main goals of civic education
 Human rights education.
 Teaching a culture of peace.
 Education of tolerance.
 Development of intersectoral social partnerships.
 To develop civic skills.
 To become a more engaged citizen.
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

 To become a more responsible citizen.

1.3 Importance of civics

Civics is helps us understand our government and how it works. Civics also helps us understand how
we can participate in our government and make it work better. Civics is important because it helps
us be informed and active citizens.
Civics education is fundamental to the preservation and promotion of democratic values.
 It instills an appreciation for democratic principles such as equality, justice, and the
rule of law, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the democratic institutions that
 govern a society.
 Social cohesion
 conflict resolution

2. Ethymological Definition of morality

Morality (from Latin moralitas 'manner, character, proper behavior') is the differentiation
of intentions, decisions and actions between those that are distinguished as proper (right)
and those that are improper (wrong).

2.1 Conceptual Definition of morality

morality is defined as a set of personal and social values, rules, beliefs, laws, emotions, and
ideologies collectively governing and arbitrating the rightness and wrongness of human
actions.

Morality can be a body of standards or principles derived from a code of conduct from a
particular philosophy, religion or culture, or it can derive from a standard that a person
believes should be universal.

Immorality is the active opposition to morality (i.e. opposition to that which is good or
right), while amorality is variously defined as an unawareness of, indifference toward, or
disbelief in any particular set of moral standards and/or principles.

3.Etymological definition of Ethics

English word ethics is derived from the Ancient Greek word ēthikós meaning "relating to
one's character", which itself comes from the root word êthos meaning "character, moral
nature" This word was transferred into Latin as ethica and then into French as éthique, from
which it was transferred into English.

3.1 Conceptual definition of Ethics

Ethics, or moral philosophy, considers theories about what human beings are capable of
doing, alongside accounts of what they ought to do if they are to live an ethically good life.
Ethics also explores the meaning and the ranking of different ethical values, such as honesty,
autonomy, equality and justice, and it considers ethical quandaries that human beings face
in the course of living their own independent but, also, socially interdependent lives.
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

Ethics, or moral philosophy: considers theories about what human beings are capable of
doing, alongside accounts of what they ought to do if they are to live an ethically good life.
Ethics may share common ground with the law, religious belief, popular opinion,
professional codes and the dictates of authority figures, but it is also broader than all of
these and offers a set of tools and values against which their appropriateness can be
evaluated.

Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that "involves systematizing,

defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior"

Generally ethics is :-
1 The critical examination and evaluation of what is good, evil, right and wrong in human
conduct .
2. A specific set of principles, values and guidelines for a particular group or organization.
3. Ethics is the study of goodness, right action and moral responsibility, it asks what choices
and ends we ought to pursue and what moral principles should govern our pursuits and
choices

3.2 Types of Ethics

There are two type of Ethics are known as Normative and Non-normative ethics.

3.2.1 Normative ethics

Normative Ethics:- Offers theories or accounts of the best way to live. These theories
evaluate actions in a systematic way, i.e., they may focus on outcomes or duties or
motivation as a means of justifying human conduct.

There are three type of Normative Ethics

1.Telological ethics

2.Dentological ethics

3.Vertue ethics.

3.2.1 .1.Teleological Ethics (Consequentialist)

It is referred as “the end justifies the means”. It believes in purpose, ends or goals of an
action, it stress that the consequences of an action determines the morality or immorality of a
given action. Which means an action is judged as right or wrong, moral or immoral
depending on what happens because of it. One may have the best intention or follow the
highest moral principles but if the result, moral act is harmful, or bad it must be judged as
morally or ethically wrong act.

Teleological ethics further classified into Ethical egoism and psychological egoism,
Altruism, and Utilitarianism.
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

3.2.1.2 Deontological Ethics (Non- Consequentialist)

It is referred as “the means justifies the end”. It is coined as “deontics”. This is a theory that
the rightness or wrongness of moral action is determined, at least partly with reference to
formal rules of conduct rather than consequences or result of an action. It is an emphasis on
the intentions, motives, moral principles or performance of duty rather than results, as the
sign of right action/morality and immorality. It is a duty based and according to this theory,
the consequences or results of our action have nothing to do with their rightness or
wrongness.

Deontological ethics includes:-The Divine Command Theory, Rights Theory, Kant’

Categorical Imperative, Ross’s Prima Facie Duties or Moral Guidelines.

3.2.1.3. VIRTUE ETHICS

Virtue ethics‖ is a technical term in contemporary analytical moral philosophy, used to

distinguish a normative ethical theory focused on the virtues, or moral character, from others
such as deontology (or contractarianism) and consequentialis.

3.3.NON-NORMATIVE ETHICS
Non normative ethics more of the time concerning the theoretical meaning and reference of
moral propositions, and how their truth values (if any) can be determined;

3.4.Field of Ethics
There are many field of ethics, but Three major areas of studies are;-

 Meta-ethics, concerning the theoretical meaning and reference of moral

propositions, and how their truth values (if any) can be determined;
 Normative ethics, concerning the practical means of determining a moral course of
action;
 Applied ethics, concerning what a person is obligated (or permitted) to do in as
pecific situation or a particular domain of action.

4. Similarity between ethics and Morality

Ethics is the science of morality and helps us to determine right from wrong and morality is
concerned with what is good or bad. Making these distinctions we can see how something
can be right without being good and/or wrong without being bad.
Ethics and morality share several similarities, as they both deal with principles and standards
that guide human behavior and decision making

 Both ethics and morality are normative in nature this means they provide guide lines
for how individuals should be have
 Both ethics and morality are influenced by personal values, cultural norms and
 Both ethics and morality deal with questions of right and wrong, good and
bad, and what constitutes appropriate conduct.
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

 Ethics and morality often involve personal principles and values that
individuals hold dear. They can shape a person's character and influence their
judgments in various situations.

5. Difference between morality and Ethics

ethics Morality
Ethics is philosophical study of the code, morality is refers to the code of conduct
standards or norm of human conduct and it one follows while ethics is the study of
is more theoretical and general one. moral conduct or the study of the code
that one follows.
Ethics establish the standards, norms, or Morality is the conformity of human
codes to be followed by human beings are behavior to the established code of
the Study of morality, moral principles, and conduct .If an action
moral decision making conform to the established code, it is called
moral ,if not immoral.

ethics Is the development of reasonable morality refers to the effort to guide one’s
standards and conduct by reason while giving equal
procedures for ethical decision-making? weight to the interests of each individual
who will be affected by one’s conduct

6. Summary
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C

civic education is an education that studies about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of
a politically organized group of people. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the
rightness and wrongness of human actions. In this regard, Ethics is the study of morality.
Whereas morality is defined as a set of personal and social values, rules, beliefs, laws,
emotions, and ideologies collectively governing and arbitrating the rightness and wrongness
of human actions. The major goal of civics and ethics is producing good citizens, citizens who
obey the law; respect the authority; contribute to society; love their country; believe in
doing what is right; stand up for the right of others; tries to serve the interest of others
before oneself. It is also aimed at creating a generation who has the capability to shoulder
family and national responsibility.
Both morality and ethics loosely have to do with distinguishing the difference between “good and
bad” or “right and wrong.” Many people think of morality as something that's personal and
normative, whereas ethics is the standards of “good and bad” distinguished by a certain community
or social setting.
Civics involves the study of citizenship and the rights and duties of individuals within a
community. It provides the framework for understanding the structures and functions of
government, as well as the responsibilities of citizens in participating in civic life. A well-
informed and actively engaged citizenry is essential for the health of a democratic society .

Ethics is the philosophical study of moral values and principles that guide human behavior. It
explores the concepts of right and wrong, good and bad, and seeks to establish a moral
framework for decision-making. Ethical considerations are crucial in personal, professional,
and societal contexts, influencing how individuals interact with one another and make
choices that impact the greater community.
Morality is concerned with the principles of right conduct and the distinction between good
and evil. It often encompasses cultural and religious values, shaping the moral compass of
individuals and societies. Morality provides a foundation for ethical standards and can
influence laws, customs, and social norms.

generally, civics, ethics, and morality play integral roles in shaping the fabric of societies. A
strong civic foundation ensures active and informed participation in governance, while
ethical considerations guide individuals in making moral choices in their personal and
professional lives.

7. REFERENCE
MORALS AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION (MCED 1011)Teaching Module
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics definition
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-similarities-between-ethics-and-moral
https://www.verywellmind.com/morality-vs-ethics-what-s-the-difference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morality

Deigh, Johan (2010). An Introduction to Ethics. Published in the United States of America by
Cambridge University Press, New York, First published in print format 2010
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C
Civics individual assignments 2016 E.C