The Shipwrecked Sailors: A Moral Dilemma

Question 1

In the Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma, which ethical principle underlies the decision to cannibalize?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness (utilitarianism)

Answer

Respecting individual autonomy

Answer

Ensuring fair and impartial treatment (justice)

Answer

Avoiding causing harm (non-maleficence)

Question 2

According to the utilitarian perspective, what is the main argument in favor of cannibalism in this situation?

Accepted Answer

It leads to the greatest net increase in happiness.

Answer

It ensures that some will survive.

Answer

It establishes a precedent for future cases.

Answer

It preserves human life at any cost.

Question 3

According to Utilitarianism, the most ethical action is the one that produces the greatest overall benefit and happiness.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a consideration taken into account by Kantian ethics when evaluating the morality of an action?

Accepted Answer

The consequences of the action

Answer

The intention of the individual

Answer

The outcome of the action

Answer

The universality of the action

Question 5

In the Shipwrecked Sailors dilemma, the primary ethical tension stems from the conflict between:

Accepted Answer

Individual rights versus group survival

Answer

Duty to oneself versus duty to others

Answer

Self-interest versus altruism

Answer

Reason versus emotion

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT considered a cardinal virtue in traditional ethical systems?

Accepted Answer

Humility

Answer

Prudence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fortitude

Question 7

The Golden Rule, as commonly stated, instructs us to treat others:

Accepted Answer

As we would want to be treated.

Answer

With respect and compassion.

Answer

As they treat us.

Answer

According to their social status.

Question 8

Which of the following ethical perspectives emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences of actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Question 9

In the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario, how does the principle of informed consent apply, and what are the ethical consequences of disregarding it?

Accepted Answer

Violating informed consent is unethical because it undermines the sailors' autonomy and right to make choices about their own bodies.

Answer

Informed consent is irrelevant because the sailors' extreme circumstances prevent rational decision-making.

Answer

Informed consent is less important than the sailors' survival in this situation.

Question 10

In the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario, how did personal values and beliefs shape the ethical choices made by the sailors?

Accepted Answer

The Sailors' diverse ethical perspectives stemmed from their differing personal values and beliefs.

Answer

Personal values and beliefs had no influence on the Sailors' ethical decision-making.

Answer

The Sailors' ethical decisions were solely driven by their survival instincts.

Question 11

In the Shipwrecked Sailors dilemma, which ethical theories are most applicable in evaluating the moral choices?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism and Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics and Existentialism

Answer

Utilitarianism only

Answer

Existentialism only

Question 12

According to the principle of **utilitarianism**, which action is considered morally right?

Accepted Answer

The action that produces the most overall happiness for the greatest number of people.

Answer

The action that follows a set of established rules without regard to the consequences.

Answer

The action that conforms to the highest moral ideals and virtues.

Answer

The action that causes the least amount of harm to others.

Question 13

In the **Shipwrecked Sailors** dilemma, which two fundamental values do the sailors initially struggle to reconcile?

Accepted Answer

The value of preserving human life VS the value of adhering to moral principles.

Answer

The value of individualism VS the value of the collective.

Answer

The value of hope VS the value of despair.

Answer

The value of reason VS the value of emotion.

Question 14

Which ethical theory focuses on **consequences** rather than rules to determine the morality of an action?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Question 15

Which ethical principle maintains that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its **intrinsic nature**?

Accepted Answer

Deontological principle

Answer

Teleological principle

Answer

Consequentialist principle

Answer

Pragmatic principle

Question 16

Which ethical theory places emphasis on the **character and virtues** of individuals in determining right and wrong?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Situation ethics

Answer

Social contract theory

Question 17

In the Shipwrecked Sailors' moral dilemma, which argument against cannibalism primarily emphasizes the principles of justice and fundamental human rights?

Accepted Answer

Cannibalism violates the inherent dignity and fundamental rights of the individual.

Answer

Cannibalism is a form of murder.

Answer

Cannibalism undermines the moral fabric of society.

Question 18

How could the principles of distributive justice guide the sailors' decisions about sharing limited resources like food and water?

Accepted Answer

Give more to those who need it most, while also considering contributions.

Answer

Share equally, no matter what.

Answer

Give more to those who do more work.

Answer

Decide randomly, like flipping a coin.

Question 19

In extreme situations like the Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma, what is a significant limitation of relying solely on traditional ethical theories to guide decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Ethical theories presume that individuals have equal power and agency in decision-making, which may not be the case in extreme situations.

Answer

Ethical theories provide clear and definitive guidance for all situations.

Answer

Ethical theories fully account for the emotional and psychological factors that shape decision-making in extreme circumstances.

Question 20

Which ethical theory supports the idea that cannibalism could be justified in the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 21

How can psychological factors like stress, isolation, and fear affect the decision-making and moral reasoning of the Shipwrecked Sailors?

Accepted Answer

Hinder clear thinking and ethical judgment

Answer

Increase cooperation and selflessness

Answer

Foster a sense of unity and shared goals

Answer

Have little impact on their choices

Question 22

What does the "golden rule" of ethics suggest in the context of the sailors' dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Treat others as you would expect to be treated

Answer

Avoid causing harm to others

Answer

Maximize happiness and minimize suffering

Answer

Follow your conscience

Question 23

How does the concept of "consent" play a vital role in the sailors' decision-making?

Accepted Answer

It is crucial as it respects individual autonomy

Answer

It is irrelevant since survival takes priority

Answer

It is necessary only if the intended victim is female

Answer

It is impossible to obtain under these circumstances

Question 24

How can the concept of "harm" be applied to the Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma?

Accepted Answer

It encompasses both physical and emotional distress

Answer

It strictly refers to physical injury

Answer

It is solely limited to the harm caused to the victim

Answer

It has no relevance to this ethical debate

Question 25

Which resolution to the sailors' dilemma aims to balance ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary self-sacrifice

Answer

Random selection of a victim

Answer

Choosing the weakest member

Answer

Waiting for divine intervention

Question 26

What is the broader significance of the Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma for ethical decision-making in extreme situations?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the challenges of balancing moral values and survival instincts

Answer

It provides definitive answers to all ethical dilemmas

Answer

It is irrelevant to contemporary ethical discussions

Answer

It is applicable only in cases of shipwrecks

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle used to evaluate the actions of the Shipwrecked Sailors?

Accepted Answer

Personal gain

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 28

According to the 'Duty of Care' principle, what moral obligation do the sailors have towards one another?

Accepted Answer

To provide necessary assistance and support

Answer

To respect individual choices

Answer

To ensure equal distribution of resources

Answer

To prioritize the group's well-being above all else

Question 29

Which argument against cannibalism presented in the unit emphasizes its violation of fundamental human rights?

Accepted Answer

It deprives the victim of their autonomy and dignity.

Answer

It degrades the perpetrators and damages their moral character.

Answer

It violates the implied social contract between individuals.

Answer

It has long-term detrimental psychological consequences.

Question 30

In the Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma, which virtue is primarily tested?

Accepted Answer

Compassion

Answer

Courage

Answer

Justice

Answer

Wisdom

Question 31

What is a key distinction between Utilitarianism and Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Deontology emphasizes duty and obligations, while Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing benefit.

Answer

Utilitarianism prioritizes individual rights, while Deontology prioritizes overall consequences.

Answer

Utilitarianism requires a cost-benefit analysis, while Deontology does not.

Answer

Deontology is based on absolute moral laws, while Utilitarianism is based on preferences.

Question 32

According to the 'Golden Rule' ethical principle, what should guide the sailors' actions?

Accepted Answer

Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Answer

Maximize happiness and minimize harm.

Answer

Follow your gut instincts.

Answer

Abide by religious laws and teachings.

Question 33

The Shipwrecked Sailors' dilemma challenges the limits of human autonomy. Which statement best reflects these limits in this context?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy is constrained by the rights and well-being of others.

Answer

Autonomy is absolute and should never be compromised.

Answer

Autonomy is only valid when it aligns with societal norms.

Answer

Autonomy is determined solely by individual desires.

Question 34

In the Shipwrecked Sailors' scenario, which ethical concern is central to the dilemma?

Accepted Answer

The right to survival

Answer

The importance of compassion

Answer

The limits of self-sacrifice

Answer

The preservation of societal order

Question 35

Which ethical theory places utmost importance on acting according to universal moral laws?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Contractualism

Answer

Existentialism

Question 36

From a utilitarian perspective, which action should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

The one that maximizes happiness for the most people

Answer

The one that causes the least harm

Answer

The one that upholds ethical rules

Answer

The one that develops virtuous character

Question 37

Which argument against cannibalism centers on the inherent value of human life?

Accepted Answer

The sanctity of life argument

Answer

The slippery slope argument

Answer

The consent argument

Answer

The fairness argument

Question 38

The consent argument against cannibalism emphasizes the principle that:

Accepted Answer

Taking a life without consent is unethical.

Answer

Cannibalism breaches societal norms.

Answer

The dead have no rights.

Answer

Eating human flesh violates cultural taboos.

Question 39

From a Kantian perspective, why is lying unethical?

Accepted Answer

It violates the Categorical Imperative.

Answer

It always causes harm.

Answer

It erodes trust.

Answer

It deprives others of autonomy.

Question 40

The Golden Rule, which advocates treating others as one wants to be treated, exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

A virtue-based approach

Answer

A utilitarian approach

Answer

A Kantian approach

Answer

A contract-based approach

Question 41

Which perspective acknowledges the importance of considering specific circumstances when making ethical judgments?

Accepted Answer

Situationalism

Answer

Absolutism

Answer

Relativism

Answer

Universalism

Question 42

Which ethical principle emphasizes the prioritization of individual rights over the interests of the collective?

Accepted Answer

Individualism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Communitarianism

Answer

Collectivism

Question 43

According to the Golden Rule, individuals should:

Accepted Answer

Treat others as they themselves want to be treated.

Answer

Follow societal norms and expectations.

Answer

Act in accordance with their own self-interest.

Answer

Impose their beliefs and values on others.

Question 44

In the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario, a key argument in favor of cannibalism is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the survival of the majority.

Answer

Punishing the individual for their past actions.

Answer

Preserving hope for a potential rescue.

Answer

Upholding social hierarchy and order.

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of cannibalism in the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario?

Accepted Answer

Improved physical well-being for the survivors.

Answer

Conflict and division among the group.

Answer

Reduced food supplies and resources.

Answer

Psychological trauma and guilt.

Question 46

Which ethical theory supports the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its adherence to universal moral principles?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Pragmatism

Answer

Existentialism

Question 47

According to Kantian ethics, the morality of an action is determined by:

Accepted Answer

Whether it conforms to universal moral principles, regardless of its consequences.

Answer

Whether it aligns with one's personal desires and inclinations.

Answer

Whether it produces the most beneficial outcome for the majority.

Answer

Whether it is sanctioned by religious or cultural authorities.

Question 48

Which of the following best describes the utilitarian approach to morality?

Accepted Answer

The right action is the one that produces the greatest net happiness for the greatest number of people.

Answer

The right action is the one that is most virtuous and noble.

Answer

The right action is the one that conforms to divine revelation.

Answer

The right action is the one that is most consistent with natural law.

Question 49

A potential benefit of engaging in discussions about ethical dilemmas like the Shipwrecked Sailors scenario is:

Accepted Answer

Developing critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed ethical decisions.

Answer

Preventing ethical dilemmas from occurring in real-life contexts.

Answer

Imposing one's own moral beliefs on others.

Answer

Establishing definitive moral guidelines applicable to all situations.

Question 50

Which of the following best summarizes the ethical dilemma faced by the shipwrecked sailors?

Accepted Answer

The choice between sacrificing the life of one to save the lives of many

Answer

The obligation to obey the law, even in extreme circumstances

Answer

The tension between individual rights and the common good

Question 51

The idea that each individual has inherent moral worth and should not be treated merely as a means to an end is known as:

Accepted Answer

The principle of human dignity

Answer

The principle of utility

Answer

The principle of fairness

Answer

The principle of equality

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of cannibalizing one of the sailors?

Accepted Answer

Strengthening the bond between the survivors

Answer

Leading to further psychological trauma

Answer

Diminishing the chances of being rescued

Answer

Weakening the moral fabric of the group

Question 53

The claim that the sailors have a natural right to life is based on which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Deontological theory

Answer

Utilitarian theory

Answer

Consequentialist theory

Question 54

Which of the following is a possible justification for choosing to cannibalize one of the sailors?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the suffering of the greater number

Answer

To maintain discipline and order within the group

Answer

To appease a supernatural force

Answer

To fulfill a religious duty

Question 55

The concept of slippery slope arguments refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

A small initial step can lead to a series of increasingly serious or undesirable consequences

Answer

The consequences of an action are always predictable

Answer

Moral decisions are inherently complex and uncertain

Question 56

Which of the following perspectives on the moral dilemma of the shipwrecked sailors is based on the idea that the consequences of an action determine its morality?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialist perspective

Answer

Deontological perspective

Answer

Virtue ethics perspective

Answer

Natural law perspective