5.
Reviewer and Test on Moral Development, Cultural Relativism, and
Filipino Values
Reviewer
Moral Development (Kohlberg)
Moral character refers to the stable moral qualities that define an individual. It shapes
decision-making and guides ethical behavior.
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
1. Pre-conventional Level:
- Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment – Actions are determined by avoiding punishment.
- Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose – Behavior focuses on rewards or personal needs.
2. Conventional Level:
- Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl – Actions aim to gain social approval.
- Stage 4: Law and Order – Decisions uphold laws and societal rules.
3. Post-conventional Level:
- Stage 5: Social Contract – Rules are seen as flexible tools for societal improvement.
- Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles – Decisions are guided by abstract, universal
principles.
Cultural Relativism and Filipino Values
Cultural relativism asserts that morality is relative to cultural context, promoting
understanding and tolerance.
Filipino cultural values include Pakikisama (good relations), Hiya (sense of shame), Utang
na Loob (gratitude), and Hospitality.
Test
Part I: Multiple Choice (2 points each)
● 1. Which stage in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is based on avoiding
punishment?
a. Social Contract Orientation
b. Punishment/Obedience Orientation
c. Law and Order
d. Instrumental Purpose Orientation
Answer: b
● 2. What is the main claim of cultural relativism?
a. Morality is universal and applies to all societies.
b. Every society’s moral code is equally valid within its context.
c. Ethical principles are absolute and unchanging.
d. Cultures must conform to a global moral standard.
Answer: b
● 3. Which Filipino cultural value emphasizes maintaining good public relations?
a. Hiya
b. Pakikisama
c. Utang na Loob
d. Hospitality
Answer: b
● 4. What is the highest stage in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?
a. Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation
b. Universal Ethical Principle Orientation
c. Social Contract Orientation
d. Law and Order
Answer: b
● 5. A Filipino avoids conflict and conforms to group opinion to maintain harmony. This is
an example of:
a. Hiya
b. Utang na Loob
c. Pakikisama
d. Filipino Hospitality
Answer: c
Part II: True or False (1 point each)
● 6. Cultural relativism asserts that some moral codes are universally superior to others.
(Answer: False)
● 7. Kohlberg’s theory primarily focuses on how individuals decide what is morally right
or wrong. (Answer: True)
● 8. Hospitality in Filipino culture can sometimes lead to exploitation by others. (Answer:
True)
● 9. Cultural relativism promotes judgment of other cultures based on one’s own moral
standards. (Answer: False)
● 10. Universal ethical principles in Kohlberg’s theory are self-chosen and apply to all
societies. (Answer: True)
Part III: Matching (2 points each)
● 11. A sense of shame or embarrassment that encourages individuals to avoid disgrace.
(Answer: Hiya)
● 12. Returning favors as a sign of gratitude and reciprocity. (Answer: Utang na Loob)
● 13. Maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict by conforming to group expectations.
(Answer: Pakikisama)
● 14. Being warm and accommodating toward guests. (Answer: Hospitality)
Part IV: Short Answer (5 points each)
15. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino value Utang na Loob.
Answer: Strengths – Promotes reciprocity and harmony; Weaknesses – May pressure
individuals into unethical actions.
16. Explain the difference between the Conventional and Post-conventional levels in
Kohlberg’s theory.
Answer: Conventional focuses on societal norms, Post-conventional is guided by universal
principles.
17. Provide an example of cultural relativism in practice and discuss its advantages and
disadvantages.
Answer: Example – Respecting traditional rituals; Advantages – Encourages tolerance;
Disadvantages – May justify harmful practices.
Part V: Essay (10 points each)
18. Analyze how Hiya as a Filipino cultural value can influence moral decision-making.
Provide specific examples.
19. Discuss why understanding cultural relativism is essential in a globalized world. Relate
this to Filipino values.
