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ETH12

This document discusses human values. It begins by defining values as principles or standards that guide individual and group behavior. It then outlines 5 types of values: 1) biological values related to survival and reproduction, 2) psychological/social values concerning well-being, 3) intellectual values around knowledge/truth, and 4) moral values of right/wrong. The document delves into each value type, providing examples and discussing their significance in shaping decisions and fostering social cohesion. It emphasizes that values, especially moral values, are crucial to building just, equitable societies.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
91 views17 pages

ETH12

This document discusses human values. It begins by defining values as principles or standards that guide individual and group behavior. It then outlines 5 types of values: 1) biological values related to survival and reproduction, 2) psychological/social values concerning well-being, 3) intellectual values around knowledge/truth, and 4) moral values of right/wrong. The document delves into each value type, providing examples and discussing their significance in shaping decisions and fostering social cohesion. It emphasizes that values, especially moral values, are crucial to building just, equitable societies.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

WEEK 13 HUMAN VALUES

Human Values
a. Meaning of values
b. Kinds of values
c. Hierarchy of values
d. Characteristics of moral values
e. Social dimensions of values

Learning objectives
1. Define the concept of values, outlining their significance in shaping individual behavior and
decision-making processes.
2. Classify values into different categories, exploring the various kinds of values that influence
personal and societal perspectives.
3. Examine the hierarchy of values, understanding the prioritization and interrelation of values in
guiding ethical choices.
4. Identify and analyze the characteristics inherent in moral values, recognizing their role in
fostering ethical conduct and personal integrity.
5. Explore the social dimensions of values, investigating how cultural, societal, and interpersonal
factors contribute to the formation and evolution of value systems.

DISCUSSION

a. MEANING OF VALUES
Values are principles or standards of behavior that are important to an individual or group.
They are the foundation of our moral compass and guide our decisions and actions. Values can be
personal, cultural, or universal.
b. SIGNIFICANCE OF VALUES
Values play a profound and multifaceted role in shaping our lives, influencing our
decisions, guiding our actions, and defining our interactions with the world around us. Their
significance extends beyond personal spheres, permeating the fabric of society, fostering
harmonious coexistence, and contributing to a more just and equitable world.

Personal Significance
Values serve as the cornerstone of our personal identity, shaping our moral compass and
guiding our choices. They instill a sense of purpose, motivating us to pursue endeavors that align
with our fundamental beliefs. When our actions are congruent with our values, we experience a
sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Conversely, when our actions deviate from our values, we
encounter internal conflict and a sense of dissonance.
Decision-Making and Integrity
Values provide a framework for navigating life's complexities, enabling us to make
informed judgments and prioritize our actions. They serve as a moral compass, guiding us towards
decisions that align with our principles and beliefs. By adhering to our values, we foster integrity,
ensuring that our actions are consistent with our convictions.
Character Development and Resilience
Values lay the foundation for strong character, shaping our ability to cope with challenges
and setbacks. They instill resilience, enabling us to bounce back from adversity and persevere in
the face of obstacles. By aligning our actions with our values, we cultivate a sense of self-respect
and integrity, empowering us to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
Social Cohesion and Harmony
Values play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and promoting harmonious
interactions within communities and societies. When individuals share common values, they create
a foundation for mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. This shared moral fabric
promotes social harmony, reducing conflict and fostering a sense of belonging.
Building a Just and Equitable Society
Values serve as a moral compass for upholding justice and equity within society. They
guide our actions towards promoting fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all
individuals. By valuing empathy, compassion, and respect for diversity, we contribute to building
a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
c. KINDS OF VALUES
There are many different kinds of values, but they can be broadly divided into two categories:
• Intrinsic values are those that are valuable in and of themselves, regardless of their
consequences. For example, honesty and integrity are intrinsic values because they are
considered to be good in themselves, even if they sometimes lead to negative
consequences.
• Instrumental values are those that are valued because they help us to achieve our goals or
to lead a good life. For example, education and hard work are instrumental values because
they can help us to get a good job and to live a comfortable life.

1. Biological Values
Biological values are those that are related to the preservation and well-being of life. They
are often based on the principles of evolution and natural selection. Some examples of biological
values include:
• Self-preservation – The desire to stay alive and healthy.
• Reproduction – The passing on of genes to the next generation.
• Adaptation – The ability to change or adjust to new environments.
• Survival of the fittest – The idea that those individuals who are best adapted to their
environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Ethical Implications:
• Bioethics – The study of ethical issues in the field of biology, such as genetic
engineering, cloning, and stem cell research.
• Animal welfare – The protection of animals from harm and suffering.
• Environmental protection – The conservation of natural resources and the preservation of
the environment.
Applications:
• Medical ethics – Guiding doctors in their treatment of patients.
• Scientific research – Ensuring that research is conducted ethically and responsibly.
• Environmental policy – Developing policies that protect the environment.
Examples:
• A doctor who refuses to perform an abortion, even if the woman's life is in danger.
• A scientist who refuses to conduct research that could harm animals.
• A government that bans the use of pesticides that are harmful to the environment.
2. Psychological and Social Values
Psychological and social values are those that are related to the well-being and functioning
of individuals and groups of people. They are often based on the principles of psychology and
sociology. Some examples of psychological and social values include:
• Happiness – The state of being happy and satisfied with life.
• Love – The feeling of deep affection and care for another person.
• Friendship – A close and supportive relationship with another person.
• Community – A sense of belonging to a group of people.
Ethical Implications:
• Psychology – The study of human behavior and mental processes.
• Sociology – The study of human social relationships and institutions.
• Social justice – The fair and equitable treatment of all people.
• Cultural sensitivity – The ability to appreciate and respect different cultures.
Applications:
• Mental health care – Providing treatment for people with mental illnesses.
• Social work – Helping people to cope with difficult life situations.
• Community development – Working to improve the lives of people in low-income
communities.
Examples:
• A social worker who advocates for the rights of children in foster care.
• A community organizer who works to improve the safety of a neighborhood.
• A psychologist who helps people to overcome their fears.
3. Intellectual Values
Intellectual values are those that are related to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
They are often based on the principles of critical thinking and intellectual honesty. Some examples
of intellectual values include:
• Truth – The pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
• Reason – The use of logic and critical thinking to evaluate information.
• Open-mindedness – The willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives.
• Humility – The recognition that one's knowledge is limited.
Ethical Implications:
• Academic integrity – The ethical standards that govern research and teaching in academia.
• The free exchange of ideas – The right to express one's own opinions and beliefs without
fear of censorship.
• The responsibility to be informed – The obligation to be aware of current events and issues.
• The importance of questioning authority – The right to challenge and question the status
quo.
Applications:
• Education – Teaching students to think critically and to be independent learners.
• Media literacy – Helping people to understand the biases and agendas of different media
sources.
• Civic engagement – Encouraging people to participate in the political process.
Examples:
• A scientist who publishes her research in a peer-reviewed journal.
• A journalist who reports on important news events in an objective and unbiased way.
• A citizen who votes in elections and engages in political discussions.
4. Moral Values
Moral values are those that are concerned with right and wrong behavior. They are often
based on the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion. Some examples of moral values
include:
• Honesty – The quality of being truthful and sincere.
• Integrity – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
• Justice – The fairness of dealing with people in accordance with what they deserve.
• Compassion – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
• Respect – Treating others with consideration and courtesy.
• Responsibility – Taking ownership of one’s actions and being accountable for their
consequences.
• Equality – Treating all people as equal, regardless of their background or beliefs.
• Tolerance – Accepting and respecting differences in people.
• Forgiving – Letting go of anger and resentment towards others.
Moral values are essential for a healthy and functioning society. They provide the
foundation for a just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By living
by moral values, we can create a better world for all.
Ethical Implications:
• Moral dilemmas – Situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer.
• Social justice movements – Efforts to address issues of inequality and discrimination.
• The development of ethical codes of conduct – Guidelines that help individuals and
organizations make ethical decisions.
• The role of religion and philosophy in moral reasoning – The ways in which different belief
systems influence people's moral values.
• The role of education in fostering moral development – The importance of teaching
children about right and wrong behavior.
Applications:
• Personal decision-making – Guiding individuals in making choices that align with their
moral beliefs.
• Business practices – Ensuring that businesses operate in a way that is ethical and
responsible.
• Government policy – Developing policies that reflect moral values and promote the
common good.
• International relations – Addressing moral issues in the global community.
• Peacebuilding efforts – Promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions.
Examples:
• A person who refuses to lie to the police, even if it means going to jail.
• A business owner who refuses to pollute the environment, even if it means making less
money.
• A government that protects the rights of its citizens, even if it means standing up to other
countries.
• An international organization that promotes human rights, even in the face of political
pressure.
• A peacemaker who works to resolve a conflict between two warring factions.
d. HIERARCHY OF VALUES
Most people have a hierarchy of values, which means that they rank them in order of
importance. This hierarchy helps us to make decisions when we have to choose between two or
more things that are important to us. For example, someone who values honesty very highly might
be willing to sacrifice their job if it meant that they would have to lie to their boss.

e. CHARACTERISTICS OF MORAL VALUES


Moral values are a special subset of values that are concerned with right and wrong. They
are the principles that guide our judgments about what is good and bad, just and unjust. Moral
values are often expressed in the form of rules or codes of conduct.
Here are some of the characteristics of moral values:
• They are universal. Moral values are considered to be valid for all people, regardless of
their culture or background.
• They are objective. Moral values are not based on personal opinion or preference. They are
based on reason and logic.
• They are prescriptive. Moral values tell us what we ought to do, rather than what we simply
want to do.
• They are binding. Moral values are considered to be binding on all people, regardless of
whether they choose to follow them or not.

e. SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF VALUES


1. Social Dimensions of Biological Values
Biological values, such as self-preservation, reproduction, adaptation, and survival of the fittest,
have profound social implications. They shape human behavior, influence social norms, and
contribute to the evolution of social structures.
• Self-preservation is a fundamental biological value that drives individuals to seek safety
and protection from harm. This value manifests in social behaviors such as cooperation,
resource sharing, and conflict avoidance.
• Reproduction is another essential biological value that promotes the continuation of life
and the transmission of genes. It influences social norms around marriage, family
formation, and child-rearing.
• Adaptation is a critical biological value that enables individuals to adjust to changing
environments. It contributes to the development of social institutions, cultural practices,
and technological innovations.
• Survival of the fittest, while often misinterpreted as a justification for social inequality, can
be understood as a reflection of the competitive nature of biological systems. It highlights
the importance of cooperation, resource management, and innovation for group survival.
2. Social Dimensions of Psychological and Social Values
Psychological and social values, such as happiness, love, friendship, and community, have a
significant impact on individual and societal well-being. They influence social interactions, shape
cultural norms, and contribute to a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
• Happiness is a psychological value associated with positive emotions, contentment, and
life satisfaction. It promotes prosocial behaviors, strengthens social bonds, and contributes
to a flourishing society.
• Love is a deep emotional connection characterized by affection, care, and intimacy. It forms
the foundation of families, fosters close relationships, and contributes to a sense of
belonging and support.
• Friendship is a social bond characterized by mutual affection, trust, and support. It provides
companionship, reduces stress, and promotes social cohesion.
• Community is a sense of belonging to a group of people who share common values,
interests, or experiences. It fosters cooperation, promotes social harmony, and contributes
to collective well-being.
3. Social Dimensions of Intellectual Values
Intellectual values, such as truth, reason, open-mindedness, and humility, have a crucial role in
promoting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and shaping social discourse. They contribute to
informed decision-making, the pursuit of knowledge, and the advancement of society.
• Truth is the pursuit of accurate and verifiable information. It promotes transparency,
encourages intellectual honesty, and fosters a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
• Reason is the use of logic and critical thinking to evaluate information and form judgments.
It promotes informed opinions, encourages rational debate, and helps to identify biases and
fallacies.
• Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives. It fosters
tolerance, encourages intellectual curiosity, and promotes diversity of thought.
• Humility is the recognition of one's limitations in knowledge and understanding. It
encourages open-mindedness, promotes intellectual collaboration, and fosters a growth
mindset.
4. Social Dimensions of Moral Values
Moral values, such as honesty, integrity, justice, compassion, respect, responsibility, equality,
tolerance, and forgiveness, form the foundation of ethical behavior and social order. They guide
individual actions, shape societal norms, and enable peaceful coexistence.
• Honesty is the quality of being truthful and sincere. It promotes trust, encourages
transparency, and fosters a culture of integrity.
• Integrity is the adherence to strong moral principles and ethical standards. It promotes
consistency in behavior, builds trust, and enhances one's reputation.
• Justice is the fair and equitable treatment of all people. It promotes social harmony, protects
individual rights, and ensures equal opportunities.
• Compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It fosters
empathy, encourages kindness, and promotes a society of care and support.
• Respect is treating others with consideration and courtesy. It promotes dignity, encourages
tolerance, and fosters a sense of mutual understanding.
• Responsibility is taking ownership of one's actions and being accountable for their
consequences. It promotes reliability, encourages accountability, and contributes to a just
and equitable society.
• Equality is treating all people as equal, regardless of their background or beliefs. It
promotes fairness, reduces discrimination, and fosters an inclusive society.
• Tolerance is accepting and respecting differences in people. It encourages open-
mindedness, promotes diversity, and fosters a peaceful coexistence.
• Forgiveness is letting go of anger and resentment towards others. It promotes healing,
encourages reconciliation, and contributes to a more peaceful society.

f. CHOSING VALUES
Choosing values is a crucial aspect of personal growth and development. It involves identifying
the principles and beliefs that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions with the world around
us. Values serve as a moral compass, steering us towards a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Importance of Choosing Values
• Clarity and Direction: Valuing provides clarity and direction in life's journey. It helps us
make decisions aligned with our principles, fostering a sense of purpose and consistency.
• Personal Growth: Choosing values is a dynamic process that encourages self-reflection and
personal growth. As we navigate life's experiences, we refine our understanding of what
matters most, shaping our character and identity.
• Meaningful Relationships: Values play a significant role in building and maintaining
meaningful relationships. When we share common values with others, we establish a
foundation of trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Values guide our ethical decision-making, helping us navigate
complex situations with integrity and accountability. They provide a framework for making
choices that align with our moral compass.
Approaching the Process of Choosing Values
1. Self-Reflection: Take time for introspection to identify the qualities, principles, and beliefs
that resonate deeply with you. Reflect on experiences, relationships, and moments that have
shaped your perspectives.
2. Seek Inspiration: Draw inspiration from individuals, historical figures, or literary works
that embody the values you aspire to uphold. Consider their actions, decisions, and the
impact they had on the world.
3. Engage in Dialogue: Discuss your values with trusted friends, family members, or mentors.
Their insights and perspectives can help you gain a deeper understanding of your values
and how they manifest in your life.
4. Observe Your Actions: Pay attention to your behavior and the choices you make. Your
actions often reflect your underlying values, providing valuable clues about what truly
matters to you.
5. Embrace Continuous Evolution: As you grow and evolve, your values may shift and refine.
Be open to reassessing your values as you encounter new experiences and perspectives.
Choosing values is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, growth, and ethical living. By
embracing the process of identifying, articulating, and embodying our values, we can cultivate a
life of integrity, purpose, and meaningful connections.

g. MORAL HABITS
Moral habits are ingrained patterns of behavior that align with our moral values. They are
the actions and mindsets that reflect our commitment to doing what is right. Moral habits are
essential for living an ethical and fulfilling life.
Characteristics of Moral Habits
• Consistent Behavior: Moral habits are characterized by consistent and repeated actions that
align with our moral values. They are not isolated acts but rather a way of life.
• Automatic Responses: Moral habits become automatic responses that we engage in without
much conscious thought. They become part of our instinctive reactions to situations.
• Inner Motivation: Moral habits are driven by an internal motivation to do what is right,
regardless of external rewards or consequences. They are based on a deep-seated
commitment to our values.
• Impact on Character: Moral habits shape our character and identity. They reflect what we
truly value and contribute to our overall moral compass.
Examples of Moral Habits
• Honesty: Telling the truth, avoiding deception, and being upfront about one's thoughts and
actions.
• Integrity: Upholding high standards of behavior, acting in accordance with one's principles,
and being consistent in one's actions.
• Justice: Treating everyone fairly, considering all perspectives, and advocating for fairness
and equality.
• Compassion: Understanding and empathizing with others, showing kindness and support,
and seeking to alleviate suffering.
• Respect: Valuing the dignity and worth of others, treating them with courtesy and
consideration, and respecting their differences.
• Responsibility: Taking ownership of one's actions and decisions, being accountable for
one's choices, and fulfilling one's obligations.
Developing Moral Habits
Developing moral habits is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and practice. Here are
some key steps to cultivate moral habits:
1. Identify Your Core Values: Reflect on what matters most to you and what you believe is
right and wrong. Identify the moral principles that guide your actions and decisions.
2. Set Goals and Intentions: Set specific and measurable goals for developing desired moral
habits. Make conscious intentions to act in accordance with your values.
3. Break Down Goals into Habits: Break down larger goals into smaller, actionable habits.
This makes the process more manageable and achievable.
4. Practice Regularly: Engage in consistent practice of desired moral habits. Start small and
gradually increase the frequency and duration of practice.
5. Seek Support and Encouragement: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who
share your values and encourage your moral growth. Seek guidance from mentors or role
models.
6. Reflect and Evaluate: Regularly reflect on your progress and identify areas for
improvement. Adjust your approach as needed.
7. Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities to strengthen your moral habits.
Learn from setbacks and use them to refine your approach.
8. Be Patient and Persistent: Developing moral habits takes time and effort. Be patient with
yourself and persist in your efforts.
Moral habits are the cornerstone of a virtuous and ethical life. By consistently practicing moral
behaviors, we cultivate a strong moral compass that guides our actions and decisions. This, in turn,
contributes to a more just, compassionate, and harmonious world.

h. MORAL VIRTUES
Prudence is the moral virtue that guides our actions and decisions based on careful thought,
consideration, and wisdom. It is the ability to make sound judgments, weigh options, and choose
the course of action that is most likely to lead to positive outcomes.
Characteristics of Prudence:
• Wise Decision-Making: Prudence involves making thoughtful and well-reasoned
decisions, considering all relevant factors and potential consequences.
• Good Judgment: Prudence is about exercising good judgment, recognizing potential risks
and opportunities, and making choices that align with one's values and goals.
• Thorough Planning: Prudence involves careful planning, anticipating potential obstacles
and challenges, and developing strategies to overcome them.
• Adaptability: Prudence entails adaptability, being able to adjust plans and actions in
response to changing circumstances and unforeseen events.
• Self-Control: Prudence is closely linked to self-control, as it requires the ability to resist
impulses and make decisions based on long-term goals rather than immediate desires.
Examples of Prudence:
• A prudent person carefully considers the risks and benefits of a new investment before
making a decision.
• A prudent driver chooses a safe driving route and exercises caution when navigating
difficult weather conditions.
• A prudent student prepares for exams well in advance, balancing study time with other
commitments.
Justice is the moral virtue that guides our interactions with others and promotes fairness, equality,
and equity. It is about treating everyone with respect, upholding their rights, and ensuring that
everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.
Characteristics of Justice:
• Fairness: Justice demands fairness in all our interactions, ensuring that everyone is treated
with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Equality: Justice promotes equality, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities and that
no one is disadvantaged based on their social status, gender, race, or other factors.
• Compassion: Justice is intertwined with compassion, as it requires empathy for others and
a desire to alleviate their suffering and promote their well-being.
• Accountability: Justice entails accountability, ensuring that individuals and institutions are
held responsible for their actions and that they face appropriate consequences for misdeeds.
Examples of Justice:
• A just person advocates for equal pay for equal work and speaks out against discrimination.
• A just society ensures that everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and other
essential services.
• A just legal system provides fair trials, protects the rights of the accused, and upholds the
rule of law.
Fortitude
Fortitude is the moral virtue that enables us to face challenges with courage, perseverance, and
resilience. It is about overcoming fears, setbacks, and adversity to achieve our goals and fulfill our
responsibilities.
Characteristics of Fortitude:
• Courage: Fortitude requires courage, the willingness to face challenges and adversity
without giving up or succumbing to fear.
• Perseverance: Fortitude demands perseverance, the ability to persist in the face of obstacles
and setbacks, maintaining determination and resolve.
• Resilience: Fortitude is closely linked to resilience, the ability to bounce back from
difficulties and adapt to change.
• Optimism: Fortitude often involves optimism, the belief in one's ability to overcome
challenges and achieve success.
Examples of Fortitude:
• A person with fortitude perseveres through a difficult illness or personal loss.
• A community with fortitude rebuilds after a natural disaster, demonstrating resilience and
determination.
• An athlete with fortitude overcomes injuries and setbacks to achieve their sporting goals.
Temperance is the moral virtue that promotes self-control, moderation, and balance in our
thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is about not giving in to excessive desires or impulses, but rather
exercising restraint and moderation.
Characteristics of Temperance:
• Moderation: Temperance emphasizes moderation, avoiding extremes and seeking balance
in our behaviors and consumption.
• Self-control: Temperance requires self-control, the ability to resist urges, manage emotions,
and make choices that align with our values and goals.
• Discipline: Temperance fosters discipline, encouraging us to develop habits and routines
that promote self-regulation and well-being.
• Balance: Temperance promotes balance, encouraging us to find a healthy equilibrium
between our desires and our responsibilities.
Examples of Temperance:
• A person with temperance exercises moderation in their diet and avoids excessive
indulgence.
• A student with temperance manages their time effectively and avoids procrastination.
• **A person with t

Importance of the Four Moral Virtues


The four moral virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance are essential for living a
fulfilling and ethical life. They provide a framework for making good decisions, interacting with
others in a just and compassionate manner, overcoming challenges, and maintaining self-control.
By cultivating these virtues, we can become better individuals and contribute to a more just,
compassionate, and harmonious world.
Relationships between the Four Virtues
The four moral virtues are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Prudence helps us make wise
decisions that align with justice, fortitude strengthens our resolve to act justly, temperance helps
us resist temptations that would lead us to act unjustly, and justice provides a context for the
exercise of fortitude and temperance.
Integrating the Four Virtues into Daily Life
The four moral virtues can be integrated into daily life in many ways. Here are some examples:
• Prudence: Reflect on the potential consequences of your actions before you make
decisions. Consider all relevant factors and weigh your options carefully.
• Justice: Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or
circumstances. Uphold the rights of others and strive for equality and fairness.
• Fortitude: Face challenges and setbacks with courage and determination. Persist in the face
of adversity and never give up on your goals.
• Temperance: Exercise self-control in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Avoid extremes
and seek balance in your behaviors and consumption.
Challenges and Opportunities
Cultivating the four moral virtues is not always easy. There will be times when we face
temptations, setbacks, and challenges. However, by recognizing the importance of these virtues
and actively working to develop them, we can overcome these challenges and lead more fulfilling
and meaningful lives.

i. INTELLECTUAL VIRTUES
Understanding
Understanding is the intellectual virtue that enables us to grasp the meaning of things, to
comprehend complex ideas, and to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information. It is the
foundation of learning, as it allows us to make sense of the world around us and to develop a deeper
appreciation for its intricacies.
Characteristics of Understanding:
• Curiosity: Understanding is driven by curiosity, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to
explore new ideas and perspectives.
• Open-mindedness: Understanding requires open-mindedness, a willingness to consider
different viewpoints and to challenge our own assumptions.
• Critical Thinking: Understanding is fostered by critical thinking, the ability to analyze
information, identify biases, and evaluate the strength of arguments.
• Humility: Understanding is cultivated by humility, the recognition of one's limitations in
knowledge and the willingness to learn from others.
Examples of Understanding:
• A scientist who unravels the mysteries of the universe through careful observation and
experimentation.
• An artist who captures the essence of human emotion and experience through their creative
expression.
• A philosopher who delves into the depths of human existence, exploring questions of
morality, meaning, and purpose.
• A teacher who guides their students on a journey of learning, igniting their curiosity and
fostering their understanding of the world.
Science
Science is the intellectual virtue that enables us to systematically study the natural world,
to uncover its underlying principles, and to explain phenomena through testable hypotheses and
theories. It is a process of inquiry, discovery, and refinement, constantly evolving as new evidence
emerges and knowledge expands.
Characteristics of Science:
• Observation: Science begins with observation, carefully gathering data about the natural
world.
• Hypothesis: Science involves formulating hypotheses, tentative explanations for observed
phenomena.
• Experimentation: Science relies on experimentation, testing hypotheses through controlled
and repeatable procedures.
• Theory: Science culminates in theories, comprehensive explanations that integrate and
unify diverse observations and experimental results.
Examples of Science:
• A physicist who unravels the mysteries of the subatomic world through experiments with
particle accelerators and other sophisticated instruments.
• A biologist who discovers new species and ecosystems, expanding our understanding of
the diversity of life on Earth.
• A chemist who synthesizes new molecules with potential applications in medicine,
technology, and other fields.
• An astronomer who peers into the depths of the cosmos, revealing the origin, evolution,
and fate of the universe.
Art
Art is the intellectual virtue that enables us to express our creativity, to evoke emotions,
and to communicate our experiences and perspectives through various forms of creative
expression, including painting, sculpture, music, literature, and other mediums.
Characteristics of Art:
• Imagination: Art is fueled by imagination, the ability to envision and create new worlds
and perspectives.
• Creativity: Art involves creativity, the ability to combine ideas in novel and unexpected
ways to produce something original and meaningful.
• Sensitivity: Art requires sensitivity, the ability to perceive and respond to the nuances of
human experience and the world around us.
• Expression: Art is a form of expression, allowing us to convey our emotions, thoughts, and
experiences to others in a way that transcends language and logic.
Examples of Art:
• A painter who captures the beauty and essence of nature through their brushstrokes.
• A sculptor who molds and transforms raw materials into compelling works of art that
provoke thought and emotion.
• A musician who composes melodies that resonate with the human spirit, evoking joy,
sadness, and a range of other emotions.
• A writer who crafts stories that transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives,
and enrich our understanding of the human condition.
Wisdom
Wisdom is the intellectual virtue that enables us to apply our understanding, knowledge,
and experience to make sound judgments, navigate complex situations, and live meaningful lives.
It is the culmination of a lifetime of learning, reflection, and personal growth.

SOURCES
Agapay, Ramon B. Ethics and Filipino: A Manual on Morals for Students and Educators. Manila:
Glen, Paul J. Ethics, London: Herder Book Company, 1965.
Google and Youtube
Old notes/handouts Ethics

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