Theories of Ethics: Interactive Learning Quizzes for Modern Western Philosophy

Question 1

What is the central principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Actions are morally right if they maximize overall well-being

Answer

Actions are morally right if they follow universal moral rules

Answer

Actions are morally right if they align with personal values

Question 2

Which of the following is a core principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

An action is morally correct if it results in the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people affected by the action.

Answer

An action is morally correct if it is chosen by a virtuous person.

Answer

An action is morally correct if it is in accordance with universal moral rules.

Answer

An action is morally correct if it is consistent with our natural inclinations.

Question 3

According to Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative, what is the defining characteristic of a morally correct action?

Accepted Answer

It is universally applicable and binding for all rational beings.

Answer

It is consistent with our natural inclinations.

Answer

It is chosen by a virtuous person.

Answer

It produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Question 4

Which ethical theory is NOT covered in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Social contract theory

Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 5

According to utilitarianism, what determines the morality of an action?

Accepted Answer

Its consequences and the amount of happiness it produces

Answer

Its adherence to moral rules and duties

Answer

The agent's intentions, regardless of the consequences

Answer

Its alignment with the natural order or human nature

Question 6

In the context of utilitarianism, what should be maximized in order to determine the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Overall well-being or happiness

Answer

Virtue

Answer

Justice

Answer

Egalitarianism

Question 7

Which of the following is a key difference between deontology and teleological ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

Deontological theories focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, while teleological theories focus on the consequences of actions.

Answer

Deontological theories are based on reason, while teleological theories are based on emotions.

Answer

Deontological theories are absolute, while teleological theories are relative.

Answer

Deontological theories emphasize duties, while teleological theories emphasize rights.

Question 8

Virtue ethics primarily emphasizes the development of:

Accepted Answer

Character traits

Answer

Intentions of individuals

Answer

Consequences of actions

Answer

Moral rules

Question 9

According to Kant, the categorical imperative is a fundamental moral principle that is:

Accepted Answer

Universal, rational, and binding on all rational agents.

Answer

Determined by social customs

Answer

Dependent on the consequences of actions

Answer

Based on religious beliefs

Question 10

The ethical principle of non-maleficence primarily emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding harm or doing no harm

Answer

Acting with integrity

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Answer

Fulfilling one's duties

Question 11

According to virtue ethics, the highest priority is placed on:

Accepted Answer

Developing good character traits

Answer

Following specific moral rules

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Answer

Avoiding harm

Question 12

Which prominent philosopher is known for developing the existentialist ethical approach?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Paul Sartre

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

John Locke

Question 13

The ethical theory that seeks to maximize overall happiness is known as:

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Kantianism

Question 14

Which ethical theory emphasizes the adherence to universal moral laws?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Hedonism

Answer

Social Contract Theory

Answer

Existentialism

Question 15

The utilitarian principle formulated by John Stuart Mill emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness for the greatest number

Answer

The fulfillment of individual rights

Answer

The sanctity of tradition

Answer

The avoidance of pain

Question 16

Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative ethical principle states that an action is morally acceptable if:

Accepted Answer

It can be universally applied as a law without contradiction

Answer

It brings about the greatest good

Answer

It is in accordance with societal norms

Answer

It is approved by religious authorities

Question 17

Aristotle believed that a virtuous character should possess qualities such as:

Accepted Answer

Courage

Answer

Flattery

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Popularity

Question 18

An ethical theory that emphasizes the role of social contracts in determining right and wrong is:

Accepted Answer

Contractarianism

Answer

Egoism

Answer

Altruism

Answer

Relativism

Question 19

What is the fundamental difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialist theories judge the morality of an action based on its consequences, while non-consequentialist theories focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the action itself, regardless of the outcome.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are more flexible than non-consequentialist theories.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are based on reason, while non-consequentialist theories are based on intuition.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are easier to apply in practice than non-consequentialist theories.

Question 20

Which ethical theory places a strong emphasis on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and authenticity?

Accepted Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 21

What is the core principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The morally right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.

Answer

The morally right action is the one that follows universal moral rules.

Answer

The morally right action is the one that aligns with virtuous character traits.

Answer

The morally right action is the one that respects individual rights.

Question 22

According to Aristotle's virtue ethics, which of the following is considered a key virtue?

Accepted Answer

Courage

Answer

Pleasure

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Question 23

What is the primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialist theories evaluate the morality of an action based on its consequences, while non-consequentialist theories judge the action itself based on its inherent rightness or wrongness.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are more subjective than non-consequentialist theories.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are more complex than non-consequentialist theories.

Answer

Consequentialist theories are more widely accepted than non-consequentialist theories.

Question 24

How do intrinsic goods differ from extrinsic goods?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic goods are valuable in themselves, while extrinsic goods are valuable only as a means to achieve other things.

Answer

Intrinsic goods are material, while extrinsic goods are immaterial.

Answer

Intrinsic goods are universally recognized, while extrinsic goods are culturally specific.

Answer

Intrinsic goods are more important than extrinsic goods.