Harvey Balboa, John Julio

      A good student does not cheat, but a good student gets good grades. A good doctor saves all lives, but a good doctor can also sometimes fail. What does it mean to be good? Is it the act of being good, or the result of being good. Virtue Ethics emphasize an importance in character, hence a good student does not cheat, exhibiting honest–a good trait. On another hand, utilitarianism believes the doctor who saves lives is more good than the doctor who fails–the importance is set to the outcome. What does it really mean to be good?

      We all have different perspectives on being good, but it’s important to have common ground with the people you have in your life. Your friend can support Kanye’s music while also objecting his beliefs (utilitarianism), and you can be friends with that person because your friend’s character is implicatively good due to his objection (virtue ethics).

      Filipinos predominantly subscribe to a form of virtue ethics. In primary schools, young Filipinos are taught good manners and right conduct deeply rooted in cultural values. We are expected to be innately good without expecting anything in return. These virtues reflect the importance of character and relationships in Filipino society. Additionally, as a predominantly Catholic country, we are heavily influenced under the reinforcement of virtue ethics. The church emphasizes moral character, compassion, and community service.

      There are two perspectives: virtue ethics and utilitarianism. It’s either we are ultimately defined by character or actions, respectively. Take for instance the case of handing back the gun to your Nazi friend upon knowing you have a Jewish roommate. Returning the weapon would likely induce significant harm, potentially the death of the Jewish roommate. Ultimately, regardless of what ethical theory we view it in, as contrary to good virtues or through its negative consequences, we have a clear idea of the righteous thing to do. It just boils down to what perspective of morality we choose to view it in. To be good is an exercise in molding the person you want to become.