Moral Philosophy

The idea of goodness is such a vast concept. People from different walks of life, of
different orientations, status, customs, beliefs and ways of living vary in their perspective of what
is good or bad. It is very important to know the truth about goodness but unluckily this is one of
the most subjective and abstract concepts in this world, something in which judgment is a
requisite and judgment will always depend on a lot of factors. In connection with this, the art and
science of correct living which is morality follows to that big question about goodness - how
people should live their lives or what people must do for them to be considered morally upright.
There are theories about moral philosophy namely: Consequentialist ethics, deontological
ethics and virtue ethics. As theories, they just describe how people think in every situation given
and act as what his thoughts suggest. These theories add to the fact that the concept of morality
can never be unified into one and that it is subjective and varies accordingly.
Consequentialist ethics is a theory that sees morality as something conditional. From the
word itself consequential doing the right things depends on its consequences. One begins with
the end in mind of the outcome, benefits, advantages, rewards, punishment and other
contingencies before doing a specific action. Say for instance, a teacher or a government
employee as a public servant is doing his job well because he might want to be promoted or get a
high salary; or one apologizes not because he is humble enough to do that but because he thinks
that could be the best way in order not to aggravate a bad situation. The weak point in this theory
is that sincerity of doing is sacrificed in some situations because some considerations in doing an
act might be too shallow and might not give justice to what morality is. In contrast with the
second theory which is the deontological ethics, this theory is duty-based. One chooses to be a
conformist, law-abiding and is coherent with what has imposed as rules. Unlike the former,

consequences are immaterial as to consider it in doing what is morally right. What works on him
is his principles. He follows because he thinks of it as the right way of living. The same example
above goes like this in this theory: A teacher or a government employee is doing his job well
because they are public servants who are simply intended to give the right service to people and
to give justice to their profession as well. They adhere to what their duty requires and not
anything else; second example: one as a peacemaker in the family or maybe a group of friends
do his duty to maintain their bond as a family or their friendship and thus, starts the act of
apologizing once an unfavorable issue happens and forgiving the other as well just as to stop the
issue in them. The weak point of this ethics is that weighing the sides of the action is not
considered because of being too devoted with ones duty. Lastly is virtue ethics. This theory is
character based. The urge of doing the right thing is innate to his being. There is sincerity as to
his actions and it is never contingent or even duty-based. Virtue ethics can be applied on the first
example situation above as to when the teacher or the government employee, as public servant
does their work selflessly; or as to the second example: when the act of apologizing is from the
heart and there is humility inside, the reason for doing such act.
Having knowledge and right application of moral actions might help address some
problems in our lives and even the society as a whole. Take our country for example. The status
of the Philippines is not yet favorable as to many people considering the problems and issues the
country is going through. Aside from poverty, corruption is one of the biggest problems of the
country. There is no day that this issue is being talked about most especially now that days are
passing so fast and 2016 Election is about to come. A lot of known and trying-to-be-known
personalities are explicitly promoting themselves in all forms of media. While there are people
topping the hot seat for allegedly committing corruption, there are ones on the other hand,

making their names in good faith as possible. We actually dont know their motives for doing
such act. We cannot stereotype these people and say they are always after for something other
than public service. There may be some who are after for power, money, fame and thus trying to
be in the position but maybe there are people of sound mind and good heart who really want to
provide a better life for the people.
By connecting this to the ethical theories, for me the theory which best address the
problem of the country about corruption is the deontological ethics. Future leaders should be
bound by their duties doing what is best for the people by serving well, not committing any
form of corruption and adhere to what the oath says about conscientiously fulfilling their duties
and doing justice to every man.