Moral Theories: A Comprehensive Guide for Philosophy Students

Question 1

Which of the following is the foundational principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The greatest good for the greatest number

Answer

The right action is the one that produces the most pleasure

Answer

Actions are right if they conform to moral rules

Answer

The ends justify the means

Question 2

Who is widely regarded as the father of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Question 3

Which trait is NOT considered a virtue in Aristotelian virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Pride

Answer

Courage

Answer

Temperance

Answer

Justice

Question 4

Which ethical theory places significant emphasis on adhering to universal moral rules?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Contractualism

Question 5

According to Kant's categorical imperative, an action is considered morally right if it:

Accepted Answer

Is universally permissible

Answer

Produces the best possible outcome

Answer

Conforms to natural law

Answer

Follows social norms

Question 6

Virtue ethics is primarily concerned with:

Accepted Answer

Nurturing and developing virtuous character traits

Answer

Following universal moral rules

Answer

Maximizing overall utility

Answer

Avoiding harm

Question 7

Which of the following is a key concept in Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Categorical imperative

Accepted Answer

Universalizability

Answer

Hypothetical imperative

Question 8

Which principle is NOT fundamental to utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize individual rights

Answer

Maximize overall happiness

Answer

Consider all affected individuals

Answer

Weigh costs and benefits without bias

Question 9

Which criticism highlights a significant limitation of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

It provides insufficient guidance for specific situations

Answer

It is excessively subjective and inconsistent

Answer

It prioritizes personal ethics over collective well-being

Answer

It assumes a hierarchy of equally valuable virtues

Question 10

Which ethical dilemma illustrates the complexities of utilitarian thinking?

Accepted Answer

The trolley problem

Answer

The paradox of choice

Answer

The prisoners' dilemma

Answer

The moral circle problem

Question 11

According to Immanuel Kant's philosophy, an action is morally permissible if it:

Accepted Answer

Applies universally to all rational agents

Answer

Brings about personal happiness

Answer

Aligns with moral intuition

Answer

Maximizes pleasure

Question 12

In Aristotle's virtue ethics, what is the central concept representing the ideal state of human flourishing?

Accepted Answer

Eudaimonia

Answer

Golden mean

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontological rule

Question 13

Which advantage do proponents of deontological ethics emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and universal applicability

Answer

Consideration of foreseeable consequences

Answer

Emphasis on character development

Answer

Flexibility in ethical decision-making

Question 14

In the context of moral philosophy, what theory affirms the existence of objective moral truths that exist independently of personal preferences?

Accepted Answer

Absolutism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Relativism

Answer

Subjectivism

Question 15

In deontological ethical theories, what is the primary focus?

Accepted Answer

Following universal moral rules, regardless of consequences

Answer

Evaluating actions solely based on their outcomes

Answer

Cultivating a virtuous character and acting on moral principles

Answer

Considering the interests of all parties involved in a moral dilemma

Question 16

Identify the principle central to utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing the greatest benefit for the majority.

Answer

Upholding universal moral principles.

Answer

Cultivating virtuous character traits.

Answer

Minimizing harm to others.

Question 17

According to virtue ethics, which action is considered morally correct?

Accepted Answer

Fostering a virtuous character.

Answer

Maximizing overall happiness.

Answer

Conforming to established moral rules.

Answer

Avoiding harm to others.

Question 18

Which of the following is not recognized as a type of moral dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Epidemiological

Answer

Agent-based

Answer

Agent-neutral

Answer

Hypothetical

Question 19

Which ethical theory would justify telling a small lie to preserve someone's feelings?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Aristotelianism

Question 20

Which ethical theory is most closely associated with the concept of a social contract?

Accepted Answer

Contractualism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 21

Which of the following is the fundamental principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness for the greatest number

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

The categorical imperative

Answer

Self-interest

Question 22

According to deontology, moral actions are those that:

Accepted Answer

Conform to universal moral rules

Answer

Promote individual well-being

Answer

Produce the most beneficial consequences

Answer

Are in accordance with social norms

Question 23

A potential difficulty with virtue ethics is that:

Accepted Answer

Defining virtues objectively can be challenging

Answer

It ignores the consequences of actions

Answer

It is overly individualistic

Answer

It lacks clear moral guidelines

Question 24

The basis of political obligation in social contract theory is:

Accepted Answer

A voluntary agreement among citizens

Answer

Divine authority

Answer

Natural hierarchy

Answer

Social custom

Question 25

Which ethical dilemma illustrates the limits of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

The trolley problem

Answer

The prisoner's dilemma

Answer

The Ship of Theseus paradox

Answer

The Euthyphro dilemma

Question 26

Ethical egoism differs from ethical altruism in that:

Accepted Answer

Ethical egoism prioritizes one's own interests, while ethical altruism prioritizes the interests of others.

Answer

Ethical egoism is based on reason, while ethical altruism is based on emotion.

Question 27

A strength of virtue ethics is that it:

Accepted Answer

Focuses on developing a virtuous character

Answer

Is compatible with all other moral theories

Answer

Provides absolute moral rules

Answer

Can justify any action

Question 28

The categorical imperative in Kantian deontology is to:

Accepted Answer

Act only according to the maxim that you can, at the same time, will to become a universal law.

Answer

Maximize happiness for the greatest number

Question 29

A concern about consequentialist theories is that they may:

Accepted Answer

Justify sacrificing individual rights for the greater good

Answer

Rely solely on personal intuition

Answer

Be too abstract for practical application