Master Moral Theories: A Comprehensive Guide for Philosophy MA Students

Question 1

Which principle underpins utilitarianism, prioritizing happiness for a majority?

Accepted Answer

Maximization of overall happiness

Answer

Adherence to moral guidelines

Answer

Cultivation of specific virtues

Answer

Prevention of harm to others

Question 2

According to deontology, the rightfulness of an action relies primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Its inherent moral nature

Answer

Its potential outcomes

Answer

The intentions of the person acting

Answer

The context of the situation

Question 3

Which philosopher argued against lying, even in life-threatening situations?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

David Hume

Question 4

Which characteristic does NOT apply to ethical dilemmas?

Accepted Answer

Universally accepted resolutions

Answer

Conflicting moral principles

Answer

Absence of straightforward solutions

Answer

Emotional complexity

Question 5

According to utilitarianism, the most ethical action is one that maximizes:

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Answer

The duties of individuals.

Answer

The virtues of character.

Answer

The self-interest of the agent.

Question 6

Which criticism highlights a limitation of deontology?

Accepted Answer

It may not account for the consequences of actions in specific situations.

Answer

It relies solely on subjective moral intuitions.

Answer

It is too complex to apply in real-world scenarios.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual rights over social responsibilities.

Question 7

In virtue ethics, ethical living primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Developing and practicing virtues such as courage and wisdom.

Answer

Adhering to a universal moral law.

Answer

Maximizing the overall happiness of society.

Answer

Promoting individual self-interest.

Question 8

Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Universalizability

Answer

Maximization of individual happiness

Answer

Cultivation of virtues

Answer

Obedience to authority

Question 9

In virtue ethics, the relationship between reason and emotion should ideally be:

Accepted Answer

Reason and emotions should be harmonized and balanced.

Answer

Reason should dominate and control emotions.

Answer

Emotions should guide and override reason.

Answer

Emotions are irrelevant to ethical decision-making.

Question 10

Which ethical theory places a strong emphasis on protecting individual rights and freedoms?

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Egoism

Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 11

The fundamental distinction between consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories primarily lies in their focus on:

Accepted Answer

The outcomes of actions versus the intentions of the agent.

Answer

The promotion of individual happiness versus the fulfillment of moral duties.

Answer

The application of abstract principles versus the consideration of specific situations.

Answer

The emphasis on subjective experiences versus objective moral truths.

Question 12

Which of the following is a core principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Actions should aim to maximize overall well-being and minimize harm.

Answer

Actions should adhere to universal moral rules.

Answer

Actions should cultivate and strengthen human virtues.

Answer

Actions should fulfill our individual desires and inclinations.

Question 13

According to deontological ethics, which of the following is critical for an action to be considered morally correct?

Accepted Answer

It should comply with a universal and impartial moral rule.

Answer

It should result in the most beneficial outcome.

Answer

It should align with personal values and virtues.

Answer

It should satisfy individual interests and preferences.

Question 14

In the classic Trolley Problem, the dilemma of sacrificing one person to save five exemplifies which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian principle

Answer

Deontological principle

Answer

Virtue-based principle

Answer

Egoistic principle

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Conforms to a universal moral law that can be applied to all rational agents.

Answer

Produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Answer

Promotes personal happiness and well-being.

Answer

Is guided by emotions and feelings.

Question 16

In consequentialist approaches to ethics, the rightness or wrongness of an action is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

The consequences or outcomes that result from the action

Answer

The intention of the person performing the action

Answer

The character or moral disposition of the person performing the action

Answer

The social norms and conventions of the time and place

Question 17

In ethical reasoning, a valid argument is one that:

Accepted Answer

Has premises that logically support its conclusion.

Answer

Is based on personal experiences and emotions.

Answer

Appeals to popular opinion and majority beliefs.

Answer

Relies on fallacies and manipulative language.

Question 18

Which criticism is commonly raised against utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

It ignores our special duties to those close to us.

Answer

It assumes all values are equally important.

Answer

It expects people to do more than is reasonable.

Answer

It requires perfect knowledge, which is impossible to obtain.

Question 19

According to Immanuel Kant's deontological theory, lying is considered morally wrong because it:

Accepted Answer

Violates a universal moral law

Answer

Leads to negative or harmful consequences

Answer

Causes harm to others

Answer

Goes against our natural inclinations

Question 20

A core ethical principle in virtue ethics is:

Accepted Answer

Act in a way that develops your virtues and character

Answer

Act in a way that produces the greatest amount of good

Answer

Act in accordance with a universal moral law

Answer

Act according to your desires and self-interest

Question 21

According to John Stuart Mill, the principle of utility in utilitarianism states that:

Accepted Answer

Actions are morally right if they maximize happiness and minimize pain

Answer

Actions are morally right if they conform to established moral rules

Answer

Actions are morally right if they promote individual liberty

Answer

Actions are morally right if they are approved by the majority

Question 22

Which ethical theory emphasizes the consequences of actions as the primary determinant of their moral value?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Existentialism

Question 23

In virtue ethics, a virtuous person is someone who:

Accepted Answer

Has developed a stable and consistent good character

Answer

Always acts in their own best interests

Answer

Is guided solely by moral rules

Answer

Is motivated primarily by a desire for fame and recognition

Question 24

Define the fundamental principle of utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall well-being for the greatest number of people

Answer

Following moral rules without exception

Answer

Developing virtuous character traits

Answer

Pursuing individual happiness regardless of the consequences

Question 25

According to Kantian ethics, what type of imperative requires an action to be performed solely because it is inherently right, regardless of its consequences?

Accepted Answer

Categorical imperative

Answer

Hypothetical imperative

Answer

Moral imperative

Answer

Practical imperative

Question 26

Identify a primary criticism of utilitarianism.

Accepted Answer

It can justify sacrificing the rights of individuals for the greater good

Answer

It is impractical to apply in real-world scenarios

Answer

It conflicts with religious beliefs

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of duty over happiness

Question 27

In Aristotle's ethical theory, what is considered the highest human purpose?

Accepted Answer

Achieving eudaimonia (well-being or flourishing)

Answer

Following moral rules strictly

Answer

Maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain

Answer

Cultivating virtues such as courage and wisdom

Question 28

Which ethical perspective prioritizes the development of virtuous character traits as the foundation for ethical conduct?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Pragmatism

Question 29

How does egoism differ from utilitarianism, which aims to maximize overall happiness?

Accepted Answer

Egoism prioritizes individual desires.

Answer

Egoism minimizes harm.

Answer

Egoism follows moral rules.

Answer

Egoism promotes community well-being.

Question 30

According to Immanuel Kant, what is the categorical imperative?

Accepted Answer

An action that is morally right for all rational beings in similar circumstances, regardless of personal desires or consequences.

Answer

An action that maximizes utility or minimizes harm.

Answer

An action that is consistent with one's subjective moral beliefs.

Question 31

What is the main criticism of ethical egoism?

Accepted Answer

It fails to account for the moral rights and interests of others.

Answer

It is too abstract and difficult to apply in practice.

Answer

It is incompatible with religious beliefs.

Question 32

What is the distinction between intrinsic and instrumental value?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic value is inherent in something for its own sake, while instrumental value is derived from its usefulness or contribution to something else.

Answer

Intrinsic value is subjective, while instrumental value is objective.

Question 33

Which of the following is a criticism of consequentialist moral theories?

Accepted Answer

They can justify morally repugnant actions in pursuit of maximizing good or minimizing harm.

Answer

They fail to account for individual rights.

Answer

They are too abstract and impractical.

Answer

They are biased towards certain values.

Question 34

What is the role of intuition in moral decision-making?

Accepted Answer

It can provide a quick and efficient way to reach a moral judgment, but it should be critically evaluated and supported by reasoning.

Answer

It should never be used in moral decision-making.

Answer

It is the only reliable way to determine what is right and wrong.

Question 35

Which of the following is a key feature of postmodern moral philosophy?

Accepted Answer

The rejection of grand narratives and universal truths, emphasizing the diversity and contingency of moral values.

Answer

The emphasis on objective moral principles.

Answer

The belief in the inherent goodness of human nature.

Question 36

What is the relationship between ethics and politics?

Accepted Answer

They are closely intertwined and mutually influential, as political systems embody and shape moral values while ethical principles inform political decision-making.

Answer

Politics is subordinate to ethics and should always follow moral principles.

Answer

Ethics is subordinate to politics and should adapt to political realities.

Question 37

Which fundamental principle of utilitarianism states that actions that produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number are morally correct?

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness principle

Answer

The development of one's virtues

Answer

The universal moral law

Question 38

According to deontology, which factor primarily determines the moral rightness or wrongness of an action?

Accepted Answer

Its adherence to moral rules or principles

Answer

Its intentions

Answer

Its consequences

Answer

Its social conventionality

Question 39

Who is widely regarded as the founding father of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Plato

Question 40

The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment used to illustrate the ethical conflict between which two main approaches to moral reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian and deontological ethics

Answer

Teleological and non-teleological ethics

Answer

Virtue and consequentialist ethics

Answer

Absolutist and relativist ethics

Question 41

Which of the following is not considered a virtue in Aristotle's virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Humility

Answer

Courage

Answer

Temperance

Answer

Wisdom

Question 42

In Kantian ethics, what fundamental principle guides the assessment of the moral rightness or wrongness of an action?

Accepted Answer

The Categorical Imperative: an action is morally right if it can be universalized

Answer

The Principle of Utility: an action is morally right if it produces the most happiness

Answer

The Veil of Ignorance: an action is morally right if it is chosen by people who are unaware of their own personal characteristics

Answer

The Doctrine of Double Effect: an action is morally right if the good effects outweigh the bad effects

Question 43

Which ethical theory emphasizes the development of character and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions as the primary means of achieving moral goodness?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Contractualism

Question 44

Which moral theory is grounded in the assumption that human beings are rational agents capable of making their own choices and determining their own moral principles?

Accepted Answer

Kantian ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 45

The doctrine of double effect states that an action with both a good and a bad effect may be morally permissible if:

Accepted Answer

The good effect is intended, the bad effect is unintended, and the good effect outweighs the bad effect.

Answer

The action is motivated by altruism.