Virtue Ethics: A Comprehensive Guide for Philosophy Students

Question 1

Which characteristic is NOT associated with virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Consideration of the consequences of actions

Answer

Emphasis on character development

Answer

Recognition of virtues as dispositions

Answer

Morality as a means of self-fulfillment

Question 2

According to Aristotle, which virtue is considered the highest?

Accepted Answer

Wisdom

Answer

Fortitude

Answer

Justice

Answer

Temperance

Question 3

Virtue ethics posits that virtues play a key role in moral action by:

Accepted Answer

Guiding behavior and shaping character

Answer

Establishing absolute moral rules

Answer

Providing a precise formula for determining right actions

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Forming the basis of legal systems

Question 4

Confucian virtue ethics places the greatest emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Self-cultivation and social harmony

Answer

Maximizing individual happiness

Answer

Logical reasoning in ethical decision-making

Answer

Promoting self-interest and personal autonomy

Question 5

The concept of 'practical wisdom' (phronesis) is a central aspect of:

Accepted Answer

Aristotelian virtue ethics

Answer

Kantian deontology

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Utilitarian ethics

Answer

Existentialist ethics

Question 6

Virtue ethics often involves:

Accepted Answer

Emulating the actions of historical figures and role models

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Seeking guidance from religious texts

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Relying solely on abstract philosophical principles

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Following the crowd's opinion

Question 7

In virtue ethics, the primary focus is on:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating a virtuous character

Answer

Adhering to moral rules

Answer

Calculating the outcomes of actions

Answer

Intending to do what is right

Question 8

Who is widely recognized as the founder of virtue ethics, advocating for the importance of virtuous character traits in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Socrates

Answer

Plato

Question 9

Critics suggest that virtue ethics' focus on character development may overlook established moral rules. How might a virtue ethicist counter this criticism?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethicists argue that virtues can guide ethical decisions even without clear moral rules.

Answer

Virtue ethicists believe moral rules are unnecessary.

Answer

Virtue ethicists deny that neglecting moral rules is a flaw in virtue ethics.

Answer

Virtue ethicists prioritize moral rules and principles over virtues in determining ethical actions.

Question 10

In Aristotelian virtue ethics, the ultimate purpose and goal of human existence is known as:

Accepted Answer

Eudaimonia (well-being)

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Power

Answer

Pleasure

Question 11

Which of the following virtues is commonly identified as a central virtue in both Aristotelian and Platonic virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Gratitude

Answer

Patience

Answer

Humility

Question 12

According to Confucian virtue ethics, the concept of "Li" primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Established social norms and rituals

Answer

Universal moral principles

Answer

Individual conscience

Question 13

In virtue ethics, the best approach to determining the morally correct action in a given situation is to:

Accepted Answer

Consider the actions and choices that a virtuous individual would make

Answer

Strictly adhere to a set of predefined ethical rules

Answer

Calculate and compare the potential consequences of all available actions

Question 14

A fundamental distinction between virtue ethics and deontology lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on character development versus adherence to duty

Answer

Focus on individual virtues versus social obligations

Answer

Consideration of consequences versus adherence to universal moral principles

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of a virtue commonly recognized in virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Physical strength

Answer

Intelligence

Question 16

The primary focus of virtue ethics is on:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating virtuous character traits

Answer

Avoiding pain and seeking pleasure

Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Establishing moral rules

Question 17

Which of the following is a defining feature of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes the role of character

Answer

Focuses primarily on external consequences

Answer

Views virtues as innate traits

Answer

Considers moral actions as separate from virtuous dispositions

Question 18

Which of the following is a limitation of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

It can be challenging to definitively define virtues

Answer

It places excessive emphasis on societal norms

Answer

It relies solely on religious doctrines

Answer

It completely ignores the consequences of actions

Question 19

What is the primary function of practical wisdom in virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

It enables individuals to apply virtues to specific situations

Answer

It defines the essence of virtue

Answer

It determines which virtues are most important

Question 20

Which of the following is considered a virtue in virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Honesty

Answer

Being popular

Answer

Being physically attractive

Answer

Having a good sense of humor

Question 21

In virtue ethics, what is the relationship between virtue and happiness?

Accepted Answer

Living virtuously is essential for achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing)

Answer

Happiness is the sole purpose of virtue ethics

Answer

Virtues have no bearing on happiness

Question 22

How does virtue ethics differ from deontology?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics emphasizes the virtuous character of the agent, while deontology emphasizes the rightness or wrongness of actions

Answer

Virtue ethics is more subjective than deontology

Question 23

What does the term "eudaimonia" refer to in virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Human flourishing

Answer

Moral perfection

Answer

Personal happiness

Question 24

Which of the following is a potential concern with the particularist approach to virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to ethical relativism and disagreement

Answer

It ignores the role of reason in shaping virtues

Answer

It is too abstract and impractical

Answer

It emphasizes individual virtues to the exclusion of universal principles

Question 25

How can virtue ethics be applied to contemporary ethical challenges?

Accepted Answer

By guiding individuals to develop virtuous character traits and make choices aligned with their values

Answer

By promising rewards for virtuous behavior

Answer

By providing specific rules for every ethical dilemma