Revision Topics

1) DEFINITIONS, BASIC CONCEPT OF ETHICS

2) TYPES OF MORAL VALUES

3) POSITIVE VALUES IN OUR SOCIETY 4) SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Learning outcomes
Understand the definitions of ethic, moral, values & law Differentiate morals, religions, customs and laws Able to judge or justify the moral issues.

UNDERSTANDING MORALS
Ethics
Definition

Values
Morality Akhlak Basic Concept Of Ethics Descriptive Statement
3

Laws

Normative Statement

Basic Concept

Moral

Ethics

Akhlak

Morality

Values

ETHICS

Derived from Greek word ethos = custom or usage Ethics is a philosophical thinking on morality, morality ills & moral considerations It covers study on proper conduct, obligation, positive attitudes, good characteristics for a good life

Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary: it is a moral principles that govern or influence a person behavior

According to William Lillie, (1957: 1-2) ethics is a science of the conduct of human beings living in societies which, also judge this conduct to be right or wrong, to be good or bad, or in some similar way.
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ETHICS

moral science and moral principles. - It is responsible determining a person action, whether good or bad. Ethics is also the behavior person's philosophy is seen from visible and spiritual aspect. - e.g. Christian ethics (Ten Commandments), Panca Sila In Buddism

The common definition is that ethics as a guide in human life. For examples, medical ethics means a code applied by medical practitioner to organise and regulate the doctor-patient relationship.

VALUES
1)

Value = price appraisal (evaluation/ comparison of price, rank, quality, status) Quantitative values = evaluate through price or number( i.e.: RM 5 to RM 50 / 60% to 80%) Qualitative values = evaluate through certain characteristics model, color, size (i.e.: glass to diamond) 2) Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary latest edition, defines values as moral or professional standards of behaviour.

For example : Professional value such as knowledge, creativity, innovative, trustworthy, etc.
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Materialism / aesthetic values:

the evaluation of artwork, beauty or price.

Moral values:

Values in Life

values that help determine what is morally right or wrong, e.g. freedom, fairness, equality, etc, well-being.

Personal values / Intrinsic

Some regards the family as their most important values; But some may value success, so less time with family, to achieve their goals
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10

Right or Wrong???

MORALS

Originated from Latin word mores = custom or usage Awareness of proper and improper conduct, what should follow & what should discard Moral - teaching, regulation group and resolution, oral or written about how the person should live and act so that it becomes a good person.

It concerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviour, able to understand the differences between right and wrong, teaching or illustrating right behaviour, practical lesson that a story, an event or an experience teaches.
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moral values : the standards of good and evil, right and wrong, which govern an individuals behaviour and choices. The morals of an individual may derive from society and government, religion and self. For examples: in the case of marriage vs living together behaviour of older infants and young toddlers

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MORALITY
It means principles concerning right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. Morality is a social instrument that guides individuals and groups in their daily lives. It requires individuals and groups to follow it.

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Sometimes the terms ethics and morality are often used interchangeably . However, there is a distinction between them in philosophy.
Ethics- refer to the formal study of those standards and conduct (moral philosophy)

Morality - refers to what we would call moral standards and moral conduct

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AKHLAK
Derived from Arabic word khuluq = well mannered Akhlak refers to conduct and speech based on Islamic teachings = Al Quran and hadith Literally, it means attitude, culture, and wealth.

Technically, it means the condition of soul that will regulate the human beings.
Akhlak is also a study on how to clean up soul from bad morals and to equip the soul with good and respected morals. For example, student has to respect their lecturers

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How you judge this moral issues?

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How you judge this moral issues?

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LAWS

Rules drafted by authorities Ensuring our conduct fits into the system in the society Any misconduct faces punishment Laws usually are very clear statement (i.e. if you bribe an officer you will be fined double the amount of the bribe given and 5 years prison) When you breach the law and proven guilty = then you will be punished

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Value System

Refers to how an individual or a

group of individuals organize their ethical or ideological values. Ex: Western (Individualistic) vs. Eastern (Collectivism)

Western (Individualistic) vs. Eastern (Collectivism)

On the individualist -societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him/herself and his/her immediate family. On the collectivist - societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) which continue protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty.

Types of Moral values

Extrinsic / Instrumental Values
Values/action received

Intrinsic Value

or rejected as instrumental to achieve certain objective. Dependent on other value to achieve certain objective. E.g.: We should be hardworking person (extrinsic value) in order to be success in life (objective)

Not dependent on other values to achieve certain objective. Inner/ intrinsic feeling/qualities of individual E.g.: Love towards our parents. [The value stands alone without any motive or objective]

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Subjective Values
Quality accepted or rejected by someone who gives his views. Accepted or rejected on the basis of an individuals opinion. E.g.: Attack on Iraq by U.S. Britain's View - U.S. should attack Iraq for a long term peace France's View - U.S. should not attack IraqIt may kill a lot of innocent people

Objective Values

Values that free from personal choice Accepted or rejected on the basis of criteria agreed upon by all or a majority of people E.g.: i. War is horrible. ii. Child labour is a cruel practice which must be abolished.

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Relative Values
Value accepted /rejected by regulation or custom in a society . Can change with time E.g: - abortion can be legally practiced in Western country, but not in Malaysia. - family in Malaysia can only be formed through marriage, contrary to the western country.

Absolute Values
Generally accepted and tested or proven to be good/bad Based on individual / society religions and belief constant at all time and in all places. E.g.: - values of justice - killing is considered immoral at any time and any place.

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REFERENCE
Vishalache Balakrishnan (2009). Moral Education for Universities and Colleges. Shah Alam: Arah Publications. Eow Boon Hin, Rohaidah Mashudi, Hawa Rahmat & Puteri Nilofar Ahmed Kamil (2008). Moral Education. Petaling Jaya: Prentice Hall.

Ira M.

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Positive Values in Malaysian Society

Positive Values in Malaysian Society

Introduction: To instil positive values in the society, there need to be Social Justice. Social Justice is possible only if the social order enables every human being to live like a human being. Living like a human being means bringing out the humanity in each one of us.

CHARACT ER BUILDING INTERGRI TY

FORGIVEN ESS

LOYALTY

Character Building

+ values in Malaysian Society

RESPECT
Truthfulness

RESPONSIBI LITY

FAITH

PATIENCE

Character Building

Character Building

CHARACTER is a belief in an absolute system of right and wrong, combined with the will to do what is right regardless of the cost.

Therefore, a person with character will say, Whats the right thing to do? and a person with NO character will say, Whats in it for me?.

normally have respect for a person with character. Character deals with the matters of the heart the inner you, not the outer you. The foundation of a person is the character. When you are an adult, you should proudly be able to sayIm a person of character, I dont do whats wrong.

You

In the past, society defined success in terms of character what a person stood for, what a person believes, and the condition of the heart of the person. Unfortunately, in todays society, the shift is from character to achievement, to performance, to doing. Its no longer what the condition of your heart is, its how well you perform.

Definition
Caring about and working for what is the best for the whole community. A community is a comprehensive group sharing two main characteristics:

1. It is a group within which the individual can carry out most of the activities and have most of the experiences that are important to him/her. 2. The group is bound together by a shared sense of belonging and a feeling of identity.

What Islam said about the Character of Community Spirit?

The believers indeed are brothers; so set things right between your two brothers, and fear God; happily so you will find mercy.
And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out to you), and not be divided.

What Christianity said about the Character of Community Spirit?

Faith in God is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman.

What is forgiveness?

Willing to pardon and not take any revenge on someone who did something bad to you intentionally or unintentionally.
To forgive means to let go of resentments and blame. It means to continue to accept, and even love the individual although you may disagree with his or her behaviour and ideas.

Definition:

To give up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon; to give up all claim to punish or exact penalty for an offense; to show forgiveness

How the worlds religions define forgiveness: Islam

Forgiveness: not getting revenge even when one has the means to get even with ones enemies or with a guilty party. It is to treat those with goodness who do wrong things to you.

Hinduism:

Forgiveness is virtue; forgiveness is sacrifice, forgiving is in the Vedas, forgiveness is the Sruti. Forgiveness is Brahma; forgiveness is truth; forgiveness protects the good merit of the future. Forgiveness is holiness; and by forgiveness is it that the universe is held

How the worlds religions define forgiveness: Buddhism:

In Buddhism forgiveness is not about turning the other cheek or letting someone continue getting away with behaviour that is unkind or cruel. Real forgiveness means letting go of the desire to hit back.

How the worlds religions define forgiveness: Christianity:

Forgiveness is defined as a release from fault or offense; pardon

To have faith in God, to believe, especially without evidence.

Faith is defined as an acceptance of certain religious doctrines as an essential element of life. (dharmapadaBuddhism, vedas-Hinduism)

It is an attitude of devotion that opens a gateway to spiritual practice.

In

the broad scope of the spiritual life, we see faith, not as something you have, but as something you are in a relationship with. involves an awareness of Gods presence in our everyday experiences.

It

 Practising

faith, then, is like developing a relationship. You have to give it time and attention. It requires you to see, hear, feel, and constantly remember your partner GOD. confidence in the relationships practicality, even when you are facing mysteries, doubts, and differences. One need to trust in the faith, even to the point of staking your life on it.

Have

Definition: The state or quality of being patient; the power of suffering with fortitude; uncomplaining endurance of evils or wrongs, as toil, pain, poverty, insult, oppression or calamity.
Restraining

oneself from any adverse reaction when faced with an unpleasant situation. such occasions, one must be able to offer a positive response instead of a negative one.

On

What people say

The

only cure for sorrow is to kill it with patience. - Irish Proverb Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin impatience. Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return. - (W.H. Auden)

Definition: Responsibility starts with the willingness to experience yourself as cause. It involves the commitment to do ones best with what one has to achieve.
It

is an attitude of devotion that opens a gateway to spiritual practice.

Responsible

people act the way they should whether or not anyone is watching. do so because they understand that its right and because they have the courage and self-control to act decently, even when tempted to do otherwise. the worlds religions emphasize the importance of responsibility.

They

All

How the worlds religions define responsibility :

Christianity:

Each man has covenant with the lord and each man holds responsibilities for his own soul and the soul of others. Thus, to love one another is the sole principle of their conduct. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.
(Rom: 12:10)

How the worlds religions define responsibility :

Buddhism:

A person is a lamp unto himself, means that every person is responsible for all his actions and decision. Self, indeed, is the protector of self. Self, indeed, is ones refuge. Control, therefore, your own self as a merchant controls a noble business.
(Dhammapada: 379-80)

How the worlds religions define responsibility :

Islam:

Organizes responsibility by making everyone responsible both for himself and others. Therefore, the shepherd is responsible for his flock, a father for his children and a governor, for his subjects. Each has his or her responsibilities arranged according to their position is society. All are custodians and are responsible for their charges.
(Sahih al-Muslim)

How the worlds religions define responsibility :

Hinduism:

Hinduism indicates that every individual is completely responsible for his actions and the way he leads his life. Single is each being born, single each dies, single each enjoys the rewards of virtue, single each suffers the punishment of sin.
(Laws of Manu: 4.240)

Respect

means showing regard and appreciation

for the worth of self, for others, for all living things, for the environment, for property, and for rules through words and actions.

How to show our Respect??

Follow

the Golden Rules. Be kind. Honor and esteem others. Be considerate and appreciative.

Golden Rules The Dos

Treat

others the way you want to be treated. Respect others dignity, privacy and freedom. Value and honour all people, no matter what they can do for you or to you. Respect the autonomy of others tell them what they should know to make good choices about their own lives. Be tolerant, respectful, and accepting of those who are different from you. Listen to others and try to understand their points of view.

Golden Rules The Donts Dont

Use

or manipulate others. Abuse others. Demean others. Mistreat anyone. Use threats or physical force to get something. Use put-downs, insults, yelling, or ridicule to embarrass or hurt others.

Loyalty

is the state or quality of being faithful to a person, idea or custom. means to be true and

Loyalty

faithful.

Loyalty

comprises of love, faithfulness, sincerity, affection, trust, confidence and honesty. cements the social bonds between people, families, communities and nations.

Loyalty

It

requires us to recognize relationships with others, it must be cultivated and taught as it is something that is rarely instinctive. It involves duty, sense of commitment and community, and it makes us aware of the duties we have toward each other.

Loyalty

is one of the most basic obligations that we have to practise. is something that we commit to in long lasting relationships, whether it is with our family, friends, country or institutions. be loyal means defending our family, friends, country or institutions from harm and vise-versa.

It

To

To

show our sense of loyalty, we act rightly to our family, friends, country and institutions. can bind a relationship close together, can make that particular relationship stronger and keep it from harm.

Loyalty

Integrity

is derived from the Latin word which means wholeness. is to be righteous in words and conduct. It is one of the highest virtues in every religion. is to be honest, righteous, kind, polite and generous.

Integrity

It

Integrity

requires a person to be able to leave or avoid behaviors that go against the commands of God and to pursue behaviors that are in line with Gods teachings. is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and of being unimpaired, wholeness and completeness. is the natural state of the

Integrity

Integrity

soul.

Definition: Submission to an authority. Doing what is asked quickly.

Having

a cheerful attitude about the task and wanting to please the person who is asking.

There are four things to be considered before obeying an order:

Understanding

rules. Listening to obey. Making an ethical decision. Self-talk.

The Importance of Obedience

Will

educate a person to be more responsible towards others. Enables a person to have self-control over their actions. Create a good society whereby the people are in adherence to the law and goodness. Purify oneself in attaining the blessing of God. Lead to the right path.

 Struggling

to preserve ones integrity and to avoid hypocrisy and lying. in simple terms can be defined as trustworthiness; constancy; steadfastness; faithfulness and/or the practice of speaking what is true; freedom from falsehood; veracity.

Truthfulness

 Truthfulness

not only in words and speech, but also in thoughts and actions. It demands us to be true to ourselves and others. who is not truthful to himself or herself often feels insecure and is unable to achieve his or her highest potential.

A person

 And

those who are not truthful to others lose their trust and confidence, and become degraded and diminished in their eyes. in mind: Truthful speech and actions do not occur by chance. They start by intentions and aims that are of our choice. A person must consciously decide to become truthful in thoughts, speech and actions.

Truthfulness

REFERENCE
Vishalache Balakrishnan (2009). Moral Education for Universities and Colleges. Shah Alam: Arah Publications. Eow Boon Hin, Rohaidah Mashudi, Hawa Rahmat & Puteri Nilofar Ahmed Kamil (2008). Moral Education. Petaling Jaya: Prentice Hall.

Ira M.

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