TOPIC 1: Moral and Non Moral Problems TOPIC 2: Moral Dilemma

Introduction to Moral and Non Moral Problems What is a Moral Dilemma?

 Every day, people face problems—some simple,  A moral dilemma occurs when a person faces a
some complex. conflict between two moral principles or must
 Some problems require moral judgment (right or choose between two goods or the lesser of two
wrong), while others are simply factual. evils.
 Moral problems involve ethical decision-making,  Moral dilemmas are difficult because only one
such as: option can be chosen, and both may have ethical
o Whether to report a cheating classmate. consequences.
o Whether to spread rumors online.  Example: A poor mother must choose between
o Whether to tell the truth or lie. letting her child go hungry or stealing food.

Distinguishing Moral and Non Moral Problems Three Levels of Moral Dilemma

 Moral problems arise when an action affects 1. Personal Dilemma – Affects only the individual.
human well-being or ethical standards. o Example: A student must decide whether
 Non-moral problems involve facts or preferences to confess to cheating or remain silent.
but do not require moral judgment. 2. Organizational Dilemma – Involves institutions,
businesses, or organizations.
Types of Non Moral Valuations o Example: A company must choose
between laying off employees or reducing
salaries.
1. Aesthetic Valuation – Based on personal taste
3. Structural Dilemma – Impacts a large-scale
(e.g., food, music, art).
system, such as a government or social structure.
2. Technical Valuation – Based on skills or
o Example: Deciding whether to grant
correctness of execution (e.g., baking a cake
correctly). autonomy to a region, which may bring
3. Etiquette – Socially accepted behaviors but not peace but risk separation.
necessarily moral (e.g., greeting teachers, knocking
before entering). Acts with Double Effects

Acts of Man vs. Human Acts  Some actions result in both a good effect and a
bad effect (e.g., giving painkillers to a terminally ill
 Acts of Man: Involuntary or instinctive acts (e.g., patient may relieve pain but shorten life).
breathing, heart beating).  Moral responsibility depends on intentions:
 Human Acts: Actions done with reason and free o If the good effect is intended, and the bad
will (e.g., helping someone, making someone effect is unintended, moral responsibility
suffer). is diminished.
o If the bad effect is intended, moral
responsibility is aggravated.
Moral Valuation: When Does an Act Become a Moral
Problem?
Importance of Moral Decision Making
 An act becomes a moral problem when it violates
ethical or societal standards.  Moral dilemmas test ethical reasoning and
 Examples: decision-making skills.
o Discriminating against HIV-infected  Making informed and fair choices requires careful
individuals. consideration of consequences.
o Disrespecting the elderly.  Learning to analyze dilemmas helps individuals
o Cheating or stealing. become better decision-makers in complex
situations.
Moral Standards
TOPIC 3: Moral Assumptions

 Moral standards help define right and wrong

What are Moral Assumptions?
actions. Examples:
o "We should not use people."
o "Every life is sacred  Moral assumptions are necessary elements of
morality that determine whether an act is moral
or immoral.
 Without these assumptions, no moral judgment 2. Impartiality – Giving equal consideration
can be made. to the interests of everyone affected by
 The two key moral assumptions are: an action.
1. Reason – The ability to think and  Moral decisions should not be biased or self-
understand the consequences of an serving.
action.
2. Freedom – The ability to act by free will The Role of Reason in Morality
without coercion.
 Moral decisions should be based on facts and
The Role of Reason in Moral Responsibility logic, not just personal emotions or benefits.
 A good moral agent carefully examines the
 Reason is essential because it allows individuals to: consequences of their actions before deciding.
o Assess the rightness or wrongness of an
action. The Role of Impartiality in Morality
o Understand consequences before acting.
o Make rational moral decisions based on  Impartiality means treating all individuals fairly,
ethical principles. without personal biases.
 People who lack reason (e.g., young children,  A conscientious moral agent considers the well-
mentally ill individuals) cannot be held morally being of everyone involved, not just themselves.
responsible for their actions.  Example: In dividing an inheritance, the eldest
sibling should not take the best share but consider
The Role of Freedom in Moral Responsibility fairness for all siblings.

 A person must act voluntarily for an action to have Characteristics of a Conscientious Moral Agent
moral significance.
 Actions that are forced or coerced (e.g., being  Thinks objectively – Does not make selfish
threatened to do something) do not carry moral decisions.
responsibility.  Listens to reason – Open to changing beliefs when
 Example: A person forced into marriage is not presented with better arguments.
morally responsible for later leaving the  Considers all affected parties – Ensures fairness in
relationship. decision-making.
 Accepts moral principles after thorough analysis –
The Concept of Moral Responsibility Does not blindly follow traditions or emotions.

 A person is fully morally responsible if: Challenges of Practicing Impartiality

o They act with reason (understanding the
consequences).  Giving up personal advantages can be difficult, as
o They act with freedom (without being people are used to prioritizing their own interests.
forced).  It often requires radical changes in one’s beliefs,
 A person is not morally responsible if: lifestyle, and actions.
o They are not aware of their actions (e.g.,  Only rational and selfless individuals can
a child). consistently act with reason and impartiality.
o They are forced to act against their will.
Summary
Summary
 Being moral means making fair and well-reasoned
 Moral assumptions help determine whether an decisions.
action is ethical, unethical, or amoral.  A good moral agent evaluates facts, avoids bias,
 Before accusing someone of wrongdoing, it is and acts in the best interest of all.
important to evaluate whether they had reason
and freedom in their actions. TOPIC 5: Standards of Moral Valuation Based on the Self

TOPIC 4: Reason and Impartiality in Morality Moral Standards and the Self

What is the Minimum Requirement of Morality?  Traditional moral standards come from external
sources (culture, laws, religion).
 According to James Rachels (2003), morality  Some moral standards, however, come from
requires: internal or subjective sources.
1. Reason – Making decisions based on
logical thinking and valid arguments.
 Modern generations, especially millennials, tend Summary
to rely more on personal opinions and emotions
when making moral decisions.  While personal moral judgment is important,
morality should not be purely self-centered.
Three Theories of Morality Based on the Self  A balanced moral perspective includes both self-
A. Subjectivism awareness and consideration for others.
 Developing empathy and seeing things from other
 The idea that individuals determine their own people's perspectives leads to better moral
moral values. decisions.
 Statements that reflect subjectivism:
o "No one can tell me what is right and
wrong."
o "It is good if I say it is good."
 Criticism of Subjectivism:
o It ignores the wisdom of others and
previous experiences.
o People often realize their own mistakes
after making bad decisions.

B. Psychological Egoism

 The theory that all human actions are motivated

by self-interest, even if they seem altruistic.
 Example: Helping others may seem selfless, but a
psychological egoist argues that it is done for
personal satisfaction or recognition.
 Key Idea: Every action is ultimately done for
personal fulfillment, whether we are aware of it or
not.

C. Ethical Egoism

 A moral theory (not just a description of behavior)

that states people should act in their own self-
interest.
 Key Difference from Psychological Egoism:
o Psychological egoism describes how
people behave.
o Ethical egoism prescribes how people
should behave (self-interest should be the
priority).
 Problem with Ethical Egoism:
o It ignores the needs of others and
justifies selfishness.

The Danger of Self Centered Moral Standards

 When morality is based only on the self, people

may fail to consider the perspectives and well-
being of others.
 Philosopher Martin Heidegger introduces the
concept of the "we-world", meaning:
o We do not exist alone.
o We must coexist and cooperate with
others.
 Empathy is essential in moral reasoning—it helps
us understand and consider others' experiences.