Module V: Virtue Ethics: Aristotle Ethics through

thick and thin

05/19/23

FORMS OF VIRTUE ETHICS ETHICS THROUGH THICK AND THIN

Virtue Globalization in History

• It is an excellent trait or character. • Technological advances have opened a lot
• It is a disposition, well embedded in its of opportunities as well as challenges to the
possessor. global world. Centuries later, globalization
• The main goal here is to develop virtues proved to be a force that would dictate the
because they will guide one in making the world’s destiny in the years to come. It has
morally right decisions definitely made our world smaller. It has
managed to pull us closer together, while
Possessing a virtue is a matter of degree. To at the same time has disrupted our simpler
possess such a disposition fully is to possess full or ways of living.
perfect virtue, which is rare, and there are a
number of instances of falling short to this ideal. Globalization
• It is defined as that process of interaction
Practical Wisdom and integration among the people,
• Its concept is related to something that companies, and governments of different
makes its possessor good – a virtuous nations, a process driven by international
person is morally good, excellent or trade and investments and aided by
admirable person who acts and feels as he information technology.
should.
• Global interaction began during the
➢ Virtue ethics cannot be fully appreciated colonization period. However, today’s era of
without talking of Aristotle’s ethics. It was globalization could be described as having
Aristotle who said that we must cultivate its own defining technologies:
virtues because they are the qualities that will computerization, digitization, satellite
help the people to live well. His ethics is communications, fiber optics and the
founded on the premise that man strives for an internet, which reinforce its defining
ultimate goal, he called this living well – perspective of integration.
EUDAIMONIA – generally translated as
happiness, though when applied it refers more Globalization and Its Ethical Challenges
to flourishing of human being. The • It is noteworthy that globalization in general
achievement of Eudaimonia is the end goal of did not only change human lifestyle, but
man and man acts towards this goal. more importantly, our value system.

JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS • As international trade and cultural

exchanges became swifter, ethical and
➢ Justice and fairness, go hand in hand in a way moral norms were modified and reshaped
that justice cannot be considered just if to fit the needs of the time.
fairness was not practiced.
• Since cultural exchange is crucial in the
➢ Fairness is defined as the morally correct concept, we ought to consider the effects of
distribution of resources (social, economic, globalization on cultures of people. As
political) between people. culture reflects the morals and values of
the society, it is only proper to examine how
➢ Providing what is just is one of the values most the global order has aided, influenced,
states strive to have. distressed and damaged moral and
ethical principles of humanity.
Ethics and Universal Values • Globalization furthered the gap between
• Universal Values - are values that a great generations. The moral convictions and
many human beings in the vast majority of ways of dealing with moral dilemmas were
places and situations, at almost all times, faced differently by different generations.
do in fact hold in common, whether
consciously and explicitly or as expressed • The generation gap amongst baby
in their behavior. Also known as Global boomers, millennials and Generation Z is a
Goals, they carry much significance since product of a globalized world, a result
they embody a “set of moral principles on particularly made possible by the
which people can at least agree. technological advances of the time and
the advent of social media. Millennials and
• Four major categories of universal moral the Z generation are more technology
values: savvy than baby boomers and are highly
exposed to social and virtual moral
o Commitment to something greater dilemmas.
than oneself - To recognize the
existence of, and be committed to a • As for Filipino they are open to seeking
Supreme Being, higher principle, global opportunity, demand flexible work
transcendent purpose, or meaning to schedules and value work-life balance, as
one’s own existence; To seek the Truth; supported by the findings of Department of
To seek justice. Labor and Employment which found fresh
graduates to be picky. They are also
o Self-respect, but with humility, self- hardworking, ambitious, socially and
discipline and acceptance of personal virtually connected.
responsibility – To respect and care for
oneself; to show humility and avoid Ethics and Religion
gluttony or other forms of selfishness • The beginnings of globalization can be
and self-centeredness; to act in traced during the colonization period. With
accordance to one’s conscience and to this, colonizers forced their colonies to
accept responsibility for one’s behavior accept their culture, inclusive of their faith.
As religion is a big part of our culture, our
o Respect and caring for others; the values are very much influenced by our
Golden Rule - To recognize the belief in the supernatural and everything
connectedness between all people; to that is related to it.
serve humankind and be helpful to
individuals; to be caring, respectful, • Faith of all kinds have their own convictions
compassionate, and forgiving of others; on moral matters. These religious
to not hurt others (do not murder, responses to moral issues are definitely
abuse, steal from, cheat or lie to others) considered sacred as the church believes
that it is tasked to guide humanity to moral
o Caring for other living things and consciousness.
environment.
Coping with the Challenges of Globalization
Millennials and Filinnials: Ethical Challenges and • The best way to survive is to understand our
Responses own cultural self-awareness. It is meant
the people living within a specific culture
should come to know themselves and
comprehend their history, its evolution,
distinctive features and future trends. With
this we will be able to make cultural choices
and adjustments to new environments and
times.
• It is significant to be aware of the present
global systems, be deeply rooted in who we
are, grounded in our moral and ethical
principles.

• It is necessary that we do not make

prejudicial judgments on those who have
lived most of their lives away from the
singularity of the world. We must
appreciate and recognize how they have
contributed to who and what we are now as
global community.

• Understanding who we are, and the diverse

human culture in this ever-changing small
world devoid of walls, will consent us to
coexist in peace, and work together for
development towards a much progressive
society for all of humanity.