Introduction to Ethics Exam with Rationales, Exams of Ethics

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Intro to Ethics

LATEST EXAM w/ RATIONALES

1. Which of the following ethical theories focuses on the consequences of an action to determine its moral worth? a) Virtue ethics b) Deontological ethics c) Consequentialist ethics d) Natural law ethics Answer: c) Consequentialist ethics. Consequentialist ethics, such as utilitarianism, judge actions based on the outcomes they produce. The morality of an action is determined by whether it maximizes overall happiness or minimizes harm.
2. According to virtue ethics, what is the primary focus of morality? a) Consequences of the action b) Following moral rules c) The character and virtues of the agent d) The natural order of things Answer: c) The character and virtues of the agent. Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing virtues and character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion. Morality is centered around cultivating virtuous traits instead of focusing solely on consequences or following a set of rules.
3. In deontological ethics, the moral worth of an action depends on: a) Its consequences

Answer: c) Rawlsian justice theory. Rawlsian justice theory, developed by John Rawls, suggests that the fairness of the procedure used to reach an outcome is crucial in determining its moral worth. This theory emphasizes the principles of justice and fairness in society.

6. According to cultural relativism, morality: a) Is determined by the individual's conscience b) Is culturally dependent and varies from society to society c) Is based on the consequences of an action d) Is rooted in natural law principles Answer: b) Is culturally dependent and varies from society to society. Cultural relativism holds that morality is shaped by the cultural norms and beliefs of a particular society. It suggests that there are no universally binding moral principles and moral judgments should be made based on cultural context.
7. Which ethical theory promotes the idea that individuals have specific fundamental rights that should not be violated? a) Utilitarianism b) Cultural relativism c) Kantian deontology d) Ethical egoism Answer: c) Kantian deontology. Kantian deontology

recognizes the existence of fundamental rights that individuals possess and should be safeguarded. These rights are considered to be universal and not subject to compromise for the sake of maximizing utility or cultural beliefs.

8. An ethical egoist would argue that: a) Morality is determined by cultural norms b) An act is morally right if it promotes the individual's self-interest c) The consequences of an action are the sole determinant of its moral worth d) There are objective moral duties that should be followed unconditionally Answer: b) An act is morally right if it promotes the individual's self-interest. Ethical egoism suggests that individuals have a moral obligation to act in their own self- interest. According to this theory, what is morally right is what benefits oneself the most.
9. Which ethical theory emphasizes the need for acquiring knowledge and developing rationality as a means to lead a flourishing life? a) Virtue ethics b) Utilitarianism c) Cultural relativism d) Deontological ethics Answer: a) Virtue ethics. Virtue ethics focuses on the

12. Which ethical theory argues that actions are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences or the character of the agent? a) Virtue ethics b) Cultural relativism c) Deontological ethics d) Consequentialism Answer: c) Deontological ethics. Deontological ethics posits that actions have inherent moral worth independent of their consequences or the agent's character. Moral duties and principles guide ethical decision-making rather than overall consequences.
13. According to natural law ethics, moral principles are derived from: a) Cultural norms and beliefs b) The consequences of an action c) Human reasoning and the natural order of things d) Divine commandments Answer: c) Human reasoning and the natural order of things. Natural law ethics proposes that moral principles are derived from human reason and the natural order of the world. It suggests that there are objective moral truths accessible through rational inquiry.
14. Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and care for others as essential

moral virtues? a) Ethical egoism b) Cultural relativism c) Virtue ethics d) Consequentialism Answer: c) Virtue ethics. Virtue ethics places emphasis on cultivating moral virtues such as empathy, compassion, and care for others. These virtues are considered central to leading an ethical life.

15. Which ethical theory argues that agricultural practices that respect the natural ecosystem and animals' well-being are morally superior? a) Cultural relativism b) Natural law ethics c) Utilitarianism d) Deontological ethics Answer: b) Natural law ethics. Natural Law ethics emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Agricultural practices that respect the natural ecosystem and prioritize animals' well-being would align with this ethical theory.

Rationale 2: Normative ethics aims to establish the criteria for determining the correctness of actions and behaviors. It deals with the formulation of moral standards and principles, making option c the most fitting choice. Question 3: Which ethical theory emphasizes the consequences of actions as the basis for determining their morality? a) Deontological ethics b) Virtue ethics c) Utilitarianism d) Existentialism Answer 3: c) Utilitarianism Rationale 3: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that prioritizes the consequences of actions, aiming to maximize overall happiness and well-being. Therefore, option c aligns with the core principles of this ethical theory. Question 4: According to virtue ethics, what is the central focus of ethical inquiry? a) The consequences of actions b) The development of moral character c) The application of logical principles d) The analysis of historical texts

Answer 4: b) The development of moral character Rationale 4: Virtue ethics places emphasis on the development of moral character and the cultivation of virtuous traits in individuals, positioning option b as the most appropriate choice. Question 5: Which ethical theory prioritizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences? a) Utilitarianism b) Deontological ethics c) Egoism d) Relativism Answer 5: b) Deontological ethics Rationale 5: Deontological ethics focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions based on moral rules or duties, independent of their outcomes. Therefore, option b accurately reflects the core tenets of this ethical theory. Question 6: What is the fundamental principle behind Kantian ethics? a) The pursuit of pleasure and happiness

Question 8: In the context of ethical relativism, what does the term "cultural relativism" imply? a) The belief that all cultures share the same moral values b) The idea that ethical truths are relative to cultural norms c) The acceptance of universal moral principles d) The rejection of cultural diversity Answer 8: b) The idea that ethical truths are relative to cultural norms Rationale 8: Cultural relativism, within the framework of ethical relativism, asserts that ethical truths are contingent upon cultural norms and practices, making option b the most accurate representation of this concept. Question 9: Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of promoting the greatest good for the greatest number of people? a) Altruism b) Utilitarianism c) Egoism d) Deontological ethics Answer 9: b) Utilitarianism

Rationale 9: Utilitarianism prioritizes the maximization of overall well- being and happiness, making it synonymous with the promotion of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, thereby aligning with option b. Question 10: What ethical concept refers to the action of treating others with fairness and impartiality? a) Altruism b) Justice c) Benevolence d) Paternalism Answer 10: b) Justice Rationale 10: Justice involves the fair and impartial treatment of others, ensuring that individuals are given their due rights and entitlements, making option b the most reflective of this ethical concept. Question 11: Which ethical theory emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous traits and moral character in individuals? a) Deontological ethics b) Utilitarianism c) Virtue ethics d) Ethical egoism

a) The well-being of others b) The collective happiness of society c) Their own self-interest d) Universal moral principles Answer 13: c) Their own self-interest Rationale 13: Ethical egoism advocates for individuals to prioritize their own self-interest and well-being above all else, making option c the most aligned with the core tenets of this ethical theory. Question 14: What ethical concept refers to the act of engaging in behaviors that avoid causing harm to others? a) Benevolence b) Nonmaleficence c) Paternalism d) Prudence Answer 14: b) Nonmaleficence Rationale 14: Nonmaleficence involves the ethical principle of refraining from causing harm or injury to others, making option b the most reflective of this ethical concept.

Question 15: Which ethical theory emphasizes the duty-based approach to moral decision-making? a) Utilitarianism b) Virtue ethics c) Deontological ethics d) Ethical relativism Answer 15: c) Deontological ethics Rationale 15: Deontological ethics focuses on moral duties and obligations, prioritizing the adherence to ethical principles and rules, making option c the most appropriate representation of this ethical theory. C:

1. What is the difference between normative ethics and meta-ethics? a) Normative ethics is about how we should act, while meta-ethics is about the meaning and nature of ethical terms and judgments.

*b) It faces the dilemma posed by Plato's Euthyphro, which asks whether something is good because God commands it, or God commands it because it is good. c) It cannot account for the diversity and disagreement among different religions and cultures about what God's commands are. d) It implies that morality does not apply to God himself, and that he can act in any way he pleases without being subject to moral judgment. Rationale: Option b) identifies the classic problem for divine command theory, which challenges its ability to provide an adequate foundation for morality. Option a) is related to the problem, but not as directly as option b). Option c) is an empirical objection that divine command theorists can try to answer by appealing to revelation or authority. Option d) is a theological objection that divine command theorists can try to avoid by saying that God's nature is good or that he acts in accordance with his own commands.

3. What is the main idea of utilitarianism, which is a form of consequentialism? a) The right action is the one that produces the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for oneself. b) The right action is the one that conforms to the most general and impartial rules that promote the common good. *c) The right action is the one that produces the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness for everyone affected. d) The right action is the one that respects the rights and

dignity of every rational being. Rationale: Option c) states the core principle of utilitarianism, which evaluates actions based on their outcomes or consequences for all sentient beings. Option a) describes ethical egoism, which is a form of consequentialism that only considers one's own interests. Option b) describes rule utilitarianism, which is a variant of utilitarianism that indirectly applies the core principle via rules. Option d) describes Kantian ethics, which is a form of deontology that does not base morality on consequences.

4. What is the main objection to utilitarianism from Bernard Williams? a) It ignores the moral relevance of personal relationships and commitments, and demands too much sacrifice from individuals for the sake of strangers. b) It fails to take into account the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future consequences of actions, and relies on unrealistic calculations of utility. *c) It alienates agents from their own actions and projects, and requires them to adopt a detached and impersonal perspective that undermines their integrity. d) It violates the rights and justice of individuals or minorities, and permits or even requires harmful actions if they produce enough utility for the majority. Rationale: Option c) summarizes Williams' critique of utilitarianism from his famous examples of Jim and George, who are forced to act against their values and identities by utilitarian reasoning. Option a) expresses a similar concern, but not as sharply as option c). Option b)