Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology

Lingsat, San Fernando city, La Union

BSMT/ETHICS
MODULE 2 – ETHICS AND CULTURE
Lesson I – Culture and our moral behavior
Topics:
● What is culture?
● Cultures that influence the person’s moral behavior
● Culture characteristics
● Providers of moral behavior in a culture
Time frame:

I - INTRODUCTION
Lesson 1 of module 2 is about culture and moral behavior. Have you ever visited a place you find so strange
because of the actions or practices of the people you found out .In this lesson , we will discuss about culture
and its characteristics, the cultures that influence the person’s moral behavior and the providers of moral
behavior in a culture. At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:
a. Articulate what culture means
b. Attribute facets of personal behavior to culture
c. Recognize differences in moral behavior of different cultures
d. Describe the characteristic of culture
II – INSTRUCTIONS (same instructions stated in module 1)
III – LESSON PROPER
a. Introduction of the lesson
Culture reflects the moral values and ethical norms governing how people should behave and interact
with others. Different cultures have different moral codes. In Lesson 1 let us find out how different
cultures influence moral behavior , recognize different cultures and how would you react with and
describe the characteristics of culture.
b. Instructions: (same instructions stated in module 1)
c. Discussion:
● What is culture?

⮚ The word "culture" derives from the Latin word “cultus” which means care – a care and attention
provided to a human person as he grows into a mature person

⮚ Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language,
religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

⮚ Culture is dynamic medium through which societies create a collective way of life reflected in such
things as beliefs, values, music, literary, arts, dance, science, religion, rituals, technology and others. It
is a social heritage of a society which is transmitted from one generation to another through language.
● What are those cultures that influence the person’s moral behavior?
1. Material culture that refers to the concrete and tangible things that man creates and uses. This
include dwelling units, tools, weapons, clothing, books, machines, artifacts, relics, fossils, etc.
2. Non-material culture which refers to things or intangible objects which the person uses, follows,
professes, or strives to conform. It includes knowledge, laws, lifestyles, teachings, ideas, customs,
moral behavior, mores values, language, sanctions, etc.
● Functions of Culture
Here are some of the functions of culture which are significant in understanding our moral behavior:
1. Culture provides identity to the people in the society. This is what separates communal groups
from each other. They are known by their distinct traditions and beliefs that they hold dear.
2. Culture mirrors the laws of the land. Laws in one society is born out of the norms which are the
socially acceptable behavioral patterns in the community. These norms are held with supreme
importance, and so the people make sure that they are systematized and followed by all.
3. Culture unifies people in ways that only those who belong in that society understands. It is
always what the communal group invokes in matters of decision, practices and traditions.
4. Culture influences our concept of morality. Culture provides the rules of the games in the society
through our cultural norms. It is very much perspective of what is morally right or wrong, what is
respectful or not, affecting our patterns of behavior.
● CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS
1. It is learned through the interaction among members of the culture.
2. It provides for appropriate and acceptable behavior in the form of values, beliefs and norms. It also
identifies desirable behavior for the members.
3. It provides means of organizing and classifying the environment in distinctive ways. It also
structures daily life.
4. It gives meaning and reality to one’s existence.
5. It is transmitted and passed on from generation to generation giving consistency and tradition to
the group.
6. Its common code is language that is used in rituals, education, institutions, politics, religion and
myths for example.

● PROVIDERS OF MORAL BEHAVIOR IN A CULTURE

1. The Family
⮚ The family, being the smallest unit of society, plays a very important role in the development of
personality and values formation of children. It regulates the sexual behavior of every member
of the family. These are norms and rules governing sexual relations. Children are taught to
follow and observe the family’s norms, values, beliefs, and behavior that are appropriate to
members of society. It also maintains order and harmony.
2. The School
⮚ The school help preserve, perpetuate, modify and integrate the conditions of human life by
promoting teachings and learnings. Through education, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values
are acquired, shared and transmitted to other members of society. The school does not only
teach the basic skills. It also changes and modifies negative attitude and values in the individual
so that he would become a happy, integrated, well -disciplined and morally right member of
society.
3. The Church
⮚ The church also plays a very significant role in the lives of the members. The church promotes
interaction among its members in order to foster unity and group solidarity. Through preaching,
listening, and watching church activities, the individual is able to understand the meaning of his
existence. It also helps the individual acquire self- confidence, moral and identity that would
influence his goals, values and convictions.
4. The Government
⮚ The government exists for the benefit of the people. It promotes economic and social – cultural
well-being of the people. It administers justice, fairness, promotes progress and development,
security and protection. It also defines and punishes individuals for crimes committed. It also
supports cultural transformation for the people to attain quality of life.
5. The Workplace
⮚ In the contemporary world, high technology and computerization have important roles in the
conduct employees and workers in the workplace. Advanced highly technical
 d. Summary:
From the discussion of our topic on culture and moral behavior we can say that culture encompasses
everything in our lives, from the food we eat, the music we listen, the game we play, the clothes we wear, the
occasions we celebrate, our beliefs and our moral character and others .Culture is very significant in the
development of the individual particularly in moral development. The practices or values he/she had acquired
from his family or in the society could be a basis on how the individual behave or react in a particular situation.
We can also say that culture is not innate rather it is learned and shared to anyone in the society where he
belongs, meaning that culture can be pass from one generation to the other.

e. Evaluation/Assessment
1. How does culture define moral behavior?
2. How do you think your community influences your behavior?
3. Why is culture a very powerful force that influence the lives and moral behavior of the members of
society?
4. Tell about your culture and the traditions of your family. Use the format below to answer
Language my family and I speak
1.___________________

2. ___________________

3. ____________________

Clothes worn in my culture

1. _______________

2. ________________

3. _________________

Holidays celebrated in my culture

1. _____________________

2. _____________________

3. _____________________
 My favorite tradition/s and why?
1. ________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________.

2. ________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________

My favorite food Beliefs

1._________________________
_______________
2. ____________________________ _______
3. __________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________ _______________
_______
_______________
_______
_______________
_______

f. References
1. Roman D. Leaño , Ethics for College students ;Mindshapers Co. Inc. Manila 2018
2. Reynaldo A. Padilla ;Ethics ,Books ATBP. Publishing Corp.2019
3. Erland de Vera Palean, Ethics Exploring moral Philosophy, Books ATBP.Publishing Corp. 2019

Lesson 2 – Dynamics of Culture

Topics:
● What is cultural relativism?
● Difference of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism
● Strengths and Weaknesses of cultural relativism
● Claims of cultural relativism
● The Cultural Differences Arguments
Time frame:

I – INTRODUCTION
The cross-cultural relationship is the idea that people from different cultures can have different moral
codes. One way of knowing which ethical views works in certain context is by understanding the cultures of
different people. In lesson 2 is all about the dynamics of culture and we will focus our discussion on cultural
relativism a theory of the nature of morality. At the end of the lesson the students are expected to:
a. Define cultural relativism
b. Differentiate cultural relativism and ethnocentrism
c. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of cultural relativism
d. Recognize the claims of cultural relativists
e. Understand the cultural differences arguments
II – INSTRUCTIONS (same instructions stated in module 1)
III – LESSON PROPER
a. Introduction of the lesson
Cultural relativism is the idea that a person’s beliefs, values and practices should be understood based
on that person’s own culture. In this lesson let us find out what would be the impressions of an
individual to different cultures of the society where he/she lives in.
b. Instructions: (Follow the same instructions stated in module 1)
Cultural Relativism
⮚ Is the idea that a person beliefs, values, practices should be understood based on the
person’s own culture rather than be judged against the criteria, of another culture. In other
words cultural relativism is not judging a culture to our own standards of what is right or wrong,
strange or normal, instead, we should try to understand cultural practices, values and beliefs of
other groups in its own cultural context. In other words, what is practiced and valued as good in
one place may not be good in another place.
⮚ Cultural relativism is the view that moral beliefs and practices vary with and depend on the
human needs and social conditions of particular cultures.
Ethnocentrism – is the practice of talking one’s own people, society and culture to be the
vantage point from which all else is viewed and judge.
-Ethnocentric individuals are prone to misreading context, therefore, misjudging individuals
from other cultures
Xenocentrism – a belief that one’s own cultural features are downgrade in comparison to those
-Xenocentric individuals value commodities, style, culture or even ideas from another
country or culture other than their own.

● Difference of Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism

CULTURAL RELATIVISM ETHNOCENTRISM

Cultural relativism is the notion that a culture Ethnocentrism is judging others cultures based on
should be understood on its own terms, not the preconceptions originating in the standards
using standards of another culture. and customs of one’s own culture.
Involves looking at another culture by its own Involves looking at another culture from the
perspective instead of one’s own culture. perspective of one’s own culture.
A person who believes in cultural relativism An ethnocentric individual will believe that his
understands that one culture is not better than culture is better, correct or normal.
another.

● Strengths and weaknesses of Cultural Relativism

Strengths of Cultural relativism

1. It is a system which promotes cooperation.
For the most part, humanity is strong because of the differences we all have. Every individual
has a different perspective that is based on his upbringing, experiences, and personal thoughts. By
embracing the many differences we have, the cooperation creates the potential for a stronger
society.
2. It creates a society where equality is possible.
In any society people rise by climbing on top of other people. It is a socially acceptable way of
creating discrimination. Cultural relativism allows the individual to define their moral code without
defining the moral code of others.
3. People can pursue a genuine interest
In this modern society, people are funneled toward certain career options because of their
circumstances. If you can’t afford to go to college, then you pursue a technical-vocational career, if
you can’t afford to buy a house then you can rent. In cultural relativism, you get to pursue your
own interests without restriction.
4. Respect is encouraged in a system of cultural relativism
People come from different cultures. They have different ideas. They pursue different definition
of success. Because such a system promotes the individual’s definition, a society can evolve
because there is a natural level of respect built into the process. Each person is naturally given the
 right to pursue life through his own specific perspective and then learn from his experience in a
way that works best for him.

5. Cultural Relativism creates a society without judgement

People are so trained to judge other’s in today’s world that they don’t even give it a second
thought. Looking at someone and saying”glad that isn’t me” is a judgement. Under the theory of
cultural relativism judgement goes away. The only person that judges you is yourself. People who
might disagree with you are able to set its own codes and standards for their own codes. Instead of
worrying about others, you only worry about yourself.
6. Moral relativism can be excluded from cultural relativism
Each culture can be treated as an individual under the theory of cultural relativism. This means
that moral codes of a culture can be defined and an expectation implemented so that people
follow it. Although other cultures may not set up such a restriction, and others might say such a
restriction is not a true form of cultural relativism, people in such a system can do what makes the
most sense for them. You are focusing on the customs of a culture, not the morality that is imposed
upon those customs.
7. We can create personal moral codes based on societal standards with ease.
To determine if a decision would be “right” or “wrong”, cultural relativism allows individuals to
consult with the standards of their society or culture. It is a simple test to determine the course
that a person should take in such a circumstance.
8. It stops cultural conditioning.
People tend to adapt their attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs to the people they are with on
regular basis. This cultural conditioning and it prevents people from having an individualistic
perspective. Cultural relativism stops this.

Weaknesses of Cultural Relativism

1. It creates a system that is fueled by personal bias.
Every society has a certain natural bias to it because of how humanity operates. People tend to
prefer to be with others who have similar thoughts and feelings, so they can segregate themselves
into neighborhoods, communities, and social groups that share specific perspective. People follow
their own code at the expense of others.

2. It would create chaos

People who can follow their own moral code because there is no “wrong” or “right” would be
allowed to pursue any life they preferred under the theory of cultural relativism.
3. It is an idea that is based on the perfection of humanity
Many people strive to do good every day. Most want to see everyone have the chance to pursue
happiness in some way. That is why the idea of cultural relativism often seems to be inviting. The
only problem is that people are not perfect. We can be forgetful. We can lie. Without a group
moral code in place to govern decisions, anything could happen when we experience these
moments of imperfection.
4. It could promote a lack of diversity
Cultural relativism promotes an individualistic point of view, although it seems to promote
diversity, it actually removes it from a society. Cultural relativism would allow slavery to return
again, same sex marriage, pornography. The only standards that are in place are those which are
set by the individual involved, which means everyone is pursuing his own position of strength. We
cannot create diversity when the emphasis of a society is individualistic gain that can come at the
expense of others.
5. It draws people away from one another
Although cultural relativism can promote people coming together to share their strengths, it can
also encourage people to draw apart from one.
6. It could limit humanity’s progress
We often think of the concept of cultural relativism as progression, but it is not necessarily that
way. When you remove the ability to judge one standard from another, then the comparative
process of placing a current society or culture against a past one is removed as well. No definition
of success can be implemented because each is successful in its own way
7. Cultural relativism can turn perceptions into truths
 It is a dark night and it is warm outside. A Filipino Muslim teenager is walking an alley wearing a
hoodie and the hood is up. His hands are jammed into his pockets and there is a bulge in one of
them. In this scenario some people may automatically assume that the teen is up to “no good”. The
bulge might be a weapon under that assumption. In the world of cultural relativism, that bias
becomes a truth that can be acted upon. The decision to act becomes a righteous one because of
the individual truth that the culture allowed through the bias it perpetrates.
● Claims of Cultural Relativism
1. Different cultures have different moral codes.
2. The moral code of a society determines what is right within that society; that is if the moral code of
a society says that a certain action is right, at least within that society.
3. There is no objective standard that can be used to judge one society’s code as better than another.
4. The moral code of our own society has no special status; it is merely one among many.
5. There is no “universal truth” in ethics, that is there are no moral truths that hold for all peoples at
all times.
6. It is mere arrogance for us to try to judge the conduct of other peoples. We should adopt an
attitude of tolerance toward the practices of other cultures.

● The Cultural Differences Argument

Cultural Relativism is a theory about the nature of morality. Cultural relativist often employs a certain
forms of arguments. The strategy used by cultural relativist is to argue from facts about the differences
between cultural outlooks to a conclusion about the status of morality. Thus we are invited to accept
this reasoning.
1. The Greeks believed it was wrong to eat the dead, whereas the Callatians believed it was right to
eat the dead.
2. Therefore, eating the dead is neither objectively right nor objectively wrong. It is merely a matter of
opinion that varies from culture to culture.
Or:
1. The Eskimos see nothing wrong with infanticide, whereas Americans believed infanticide is
immoral.
2. Therefore, infanticide is neither objectively right nor objectively wrong. It is merely a matter of
opinion that varies from culture to culture.
Clearly these arguments are variations of one fundamental idea. They are both special cases of a
more general argument, which says:
1. Different cultures have different moral codes.
2. Therefore, there is no objective “truth” in morality. Right and wrong are only matters of
opinion, and opinion vary from culture to culture.

d. Summary
From the lesson, we can say that cultural relativism is the ability to understand culture on its own terms
and not to make judgement using the standards of one’s own culture. The goal of this is to promote
understanding of cultural practices that are not typically part of one’s culture. No one has the right to question
the culture of different people living in a society where he lives instead he/she should respect them. It is
improper to teach them what to do and what not to do on the basis of one’s belief. On the other we should be
aware of our moral standards for us not to become an ethnocentric or xenocentric.

e.Evaluation/Assessment
Answer the following questions briefly but substantially
1. Cultural bucket list. List four countries which are included in your bucket list. Research on the following
cultural practices and contrast how in the Philippines these are exercised . Complete the table below.
Country Greetings Table manners Marriage Dating Burial
Philippines
 2. List down three examples of cultural relativism which are bad in our society but good in other
society/country.
3. Why are Filipinos more of xenocentrics than ethnocentrics?
f. References
1. Roman D. Leaño , Ethics for College students ;Mindshapers Co. Inc. Manila 2018
2. Reynaldo A. Padilla ;Ethics ,Books ATBP. Publishing Corp.2019
3. Erland de Vera Palean, Ethics Exploring moral Philosophy, Books ATBP.Publishing Corp. 2019
4. Rachel, James “What is Morality,4th ed. New York:McGraw-Hill College,2004
5. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTjerQDIsM8

Lesson 3 – The Filipino Way

Topics:
● The Filipino Customs and traditions
● Characteristics of Filipino Culture
● Filipino Family Values
● Social Values of the Filipinos
● Weaknesses of the Filipino Character
Time frame:
I – INTRODUCTION
Lesson 3 is about the Filipino culture and this lesson focuses on the Filipino customs and traditions, the
characteristics of Filipino culture, what are the Filipino family values, their social values as well as the
weaknesses of the Filipino character. At the end of the lesson the students are expected to:

a. Appreciate Filipino Customs and traditions

b. Identify the characteristics of Filipino Culture
c. Recognize the Filipino Family values
d. Identify social values of the Filipinos
e. Evaluate the weaknesses of the Filipino character

II – INSTRUCTIONS (same instructions stated in module 1)

III – Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries. The Filipinos are one of the most
hospitable people you may find anywhere. They treat visitors with utmost respect, they give their best to
entertain them. This trait can be seen every time foreigners will spend their vacation here in our country.
Filipino hospitality is a trait you can’t take away from them and it is not only practice in the Philippines but
anywhere they go.
● The Filipino Customs and traditions
1. Having close family ties
It is one of the outstanding cultural values that Filipino have. The family takes care of each other
and is taught to be loyal to family and elders by simply obeying their authorities. This is one of the
unique characteristics of Filipinos. As Filipinos, we are blessed to have been brought up with strong
family ties.
2. The Bayanihan
It is the spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. A famous example of
this is the neighbors carrying a hut or house to a new location. People now a days use it to describe
an outpouring of community spirit – as people give their all to the common good, without
expecting recognition or personal gain.
3. Courtship
We Filipinos are very romantic when it comes to heart affairs. Serenading or harana in Tagalog is
one of the most popular forms of courtship to show that a man is very serious with his intentions to
a woman.

4. Religion
The Philippines is one of two predominantly Roman Catholic nations in Asia Pacific. Their habit of
going to church and often praying reflects that Filipinos have a deep faith and belief when it comes
 to religion. Filipinos believe that having a strong devotion may lead to a better life and their
guidance to face everyday life.

5. Superstition
In the Philippines superstitious beliefs have grown throughout the country. These beliefs have
come from the different sayings and beliefs of our ancestors that aim to prevent danger from
happening or to make a person refrain from doing something in particular.
6. Marriage and Wedding Customs
In the country, marriage is a sacred union of man and woman after a period of courtship and
engagement. It is a sacrament between two people who love each other. For many Filipinos, the
eternal quality of dedication to God pervades a truly sacred marriage.
7. Death
Death in the Philippines is one of the most important occasions in the family life. For many
Filipinos, a death of a relative is an opportunity strengthen ties in the family. To pat respect and
honor the relationship to the deceased, long lost relatives, friends and even relatives working
abroad are united.
8. Society
The Philippines is a combined society, it is divided between Christians, Muslims, and other
religious-ethno-linguistic groups, between urban and rural people between upland and low land
people and between the rich and the poor. Although different in numerous ways, the Filipinos are
very hospitable and give appropriate respect to everybody regardless of race, culture and belief.
9. Christmas in the Philippines
It is considered as one of the biggest holidays in the archipelago starts early as September until
Epiphany or there are some they celebrate until the feast of Nazarene or the Feast of Santo Niño de
Cebu on the third Sunday of January.
10. Fiestas
Every town and city in the Philippines has a fiesta of its own; whatever time of the year it is,
There sure to be a fiesta going on somewhere. Fiestas in the Philippines are held to celebrate a
patron saint. It is part and parcel of Filipino culture through good times and bad times, it must go
on because this a way to celebrate their blessings, commemorate their past and observed solemn
religious rituals.

11. Living with parents

Filipinos highly value the presence of family more than anything. Adult children living with their
parents are another Filipino traditional that make them exceptional.
● Characteristics of Filipino Culture
1. The Filipino People are very resilient – In times of calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos always
manage to rise above the challenge.
2. Filipinos take pride in their families – In the Philippines, it is family first. So whether you are part of
the immediate family or you belong to the third or fourth generation you are treated as a family
member.
3. Filipinos are very religious – Filipinos who are Catholics have brazen images of crosses and other
religious paraphernalia. They go to church every Sunday, or sometimes even twice or three times a
week.
4. Filipinos are very respectful – From the moment they are born into this world, they are already
taught how to be respectful by teaching them how to say “po” and “opo” to elders. Another way of
showing respect is “pagmamano” where they raise the backs of the hands of their elders to their
foreheads as a sign of respect.
5. Filipinos help one another – Filipinos help one another without expecting anything in return. This is
sometimes called “community spirit”.
6. Filipinos value traditions and culture – For Filipinos, traditions in their home and in their family are
important. They usually set a specific day for a certain celebration like festivals, reunions, birthday
parties, wedding anniversaries, death anniversary of a love one. Every gathering is dedicated to
keeping up with each other over sumptuous food.
7. Filipinos love art and architecture – They love to design creatively, and have a passion for anything
different and unique.
 8. The Filipinos are hospitable people – Foreign visitors in the country are treated with utmost
respect. This trait is usually seen during fiestas or holidays were many Filipinos are giving their best
to entertain their visitors well.

● FILIPINO VALUES
Positive Filipino Values
1. Bayanihan system
2. Damayan system
3. Familism or close Family relation
4. Fun-loving trait
5. Hospitality
6. Compassionate
7. Regionalism
8. Friendly
9. Flexible
10. Religious
11. Respect to elders
12. Remedyo attitude
13. Matiyaga
14. Utang na loob

Negative Filipino Values

1. Bahala na attitude
2. Colonial complex or blue- seal mentality
3. Crab mentality
4. Euphomism
5. Filipino time
6. Gaya-gaya attitude
7. Jackpot mentality
8. Kapalaran values
9. Mañana habit
10. Ningas – cogon
11. Oversensitive
12. Lack of sportsmanship
13. Pakikisama
14. Tsamba lang attitude

c. Summary
From the lesson we can say that Filipino culture is unique compared to other Asian countries, Filipinos
are known to be hospitable that’s why a lot of foreigners love to spend their vacation here especially
during fiestas, and holidays and they are treated with utmost respect. Filipinos always have an open
door to welcome their visitors no matter what’s their status in life. Filipinos are known to be as family
oriented meaning they have a very close family ties, they are respectful that even young people knows
how to respect their elders by kissing their hands known as “Mano po” or by saying “po” and
“opo”.They value their customs and traditions so much .Filipinos are fun loving individuals who have a
passion for festivals, indeed a lot of festivals such as the “Sinulog Festival” in Cebu, The“Panagbenga
Festival” in Baguio city and other festivals. A lot of tourist enjoy watching these festivals that makes it
more fun in the Philippines. Wherever you go, Filipino culture is evident and has largely been
appreciated in many parts of the world.

e. Evaluation: Answer the following questions

1. Can we transform the negative values to positive one? Explain your answer
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2. Give one Filipino cultural practice that should never be tolerated and explain why?
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3. Cite 2 ritual practices in your society and explain its significance.

a.______________________________________________________________________________________________
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b. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

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