MPW 1153 Moral Studies

Week 1: Introduction to Morality

Objectives

To understand definition of Morality To know the value of Moral studies

Quote

A leader defines reality. Max de Pree

Group Activity

1.

The Great General Election 2011 Instructions

Form >1 political parties based on ideologies of your own choice The elected political parties must then propose changes (or no changes and argue why they are necessary) to the Yoshua Code of Conduct for Moral Studies Class

2.

Groups of people

At least 2 Political Parties

Leader Committee

The Media Haters The Public (non-partisan and nonparticipatory) you are free to study during this period

Time

You have 5 minutes to get into the groups of your choice and to choose respective leaders (where necessary) The Political Parties have 10 minutes to discuss in their groups to outline their campaign strategy for redefining the Codes The Media have 2 minutes (x3) to present the views of the Political Parties Haters get 3 minutes to speak before the Public makes their vote Election takes place by vote. The Public will vote for which party and which ideal they prefer

The Yoshua Code of Conduct for Moral Studies Class

You shall not miss more than 80% of your classes You shall not talk loudly in class to disrupt the teaching You shall not snore loudly in class, although sleeping may be inevitable You shall participate in all discussions and activities You shall not be more than 15 minutes late for class

You shall not show disrespect to your fellow classmates in the class You shall ask questions if the need arises to clarify doubts You shall be in decent attire when attending class You shall try to get the most out of the time spent You shall try to laugh if ever the lecturer tries to crack lame jokes

Some possible lessons

The ones in power define what is right/wrong, good/evil If you are persuasive/gain influence, you can redefine reality for others (who may not have any opinions) The Media play an important role in informing society

What are ethics? How are they formed in our society? Who sets the standards?

Some Vocabulary and definitions

Ethics/Morals Normative statements

Deontic judgment Aretaic judgements

Value Moral conflict

1.1 Ethics, Values and Morals

Definition of Morals and Ethics Moral vs. Immoral vs. amoral

1.2 Normative and Descriptive Statements

What are normative ethics? Normative statements

abt deeds = Judgments of moral obligation (Deontic judgment) abt people = Judgments of moral value (Aretaic judgments)

The public should not buy and sell shares with the intention of gambling.
A smart investor will not gamble in the buying and selling of shares.

What is value (nilai)?

1.3 Basic Concept of Value

Material/Moral value Examples of value

Rich/poor, value/quality of life

Functions as a yardstick for decision-making during a moral conflict Many forms

Scenario A

300,000 dead

Scenario B

50-70 million dead

1.4 Types of Moral Values Compared

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic values

The ends-justify-the-means vs. Inherent goodness Personal vs. Public Opinion Differs & can change over time vs. Constant at all times and in all places

Subjective vs. Objective values

Relative vs. Absolute values

Application

Moral Studies is the study of what is understood to be Right and Wrong, Good and Evil. Morals and ethics are codes of conduct and practice set by those in influential positions in society The concept of value is used to resolve Moral Conflicts