Applied Ethics: Practical Applications of Ethical Principles

Question 1

According to utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer, the ethical principle is to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize well-being for the greatest number

Answer

Follow personal beliefs

Answer

Obey religious teachings

Answer

Respect individual rights

Question 2

John Rawls' 'veil of ignorance' thought experiment aims to:

Accepted Answer

Identify fair principles for a society

Answer

Predict outcomes of ethical decisions

Answer

Uncover hidden motives of individuals

Answer

Prove the existence of God

Question 3

Martha Nussbaum's 'capabilities approach' focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Well-being based on basic capabilities

Answer

Duties and obligations to society

Answer

Virtues and character traits

Answer

Consequences of actions

Question 4

Deontological ethical theories emphasize:

Accepted Answer

Inherent right or wrongness of actions

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Answer

Promoting virtue

Answer

Fulfilling human needs

Question 5

Virtue ethics focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Developing good character traits

Answer

Consequences of actions

Answer

Fulfilling duties

Answer

Promoting social justice

Question 6

The concept of 'moral relativism' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Moral values vary across cultures and time

Answer

Moral values are absolute

Answer

Moral values are subjective

Answer

There are no universal moral values

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a primary area of focus within applied ethics?

Accepted Answer

Metaphysics

Answer

Bioethics

Answer

Environmental ethics

Answer

Social justice

Question 8

According to Peter Singer's theory of utilitarianism, what is the basis for ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering

Answer

Following religious principles

Answer

Respecting individual rights

Answer

Conforming to social norms

Question 9

John Rawls' theory of justice is premised on the concept of a:

Accepted Answer

Social contract

Answer

Divine command

Answer

Utilitarian calculus

Answer

Aristotelian virtue

Question 10

Which of the following is a common criticism of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

It lacks clear and objective criteria for determining virtuous actions

Answer

It ignores the consequences of actions

Answer

It is incompatible with modern science

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It promotes cultural relativism

Question 11

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a moral dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Choosing between telling the truth and saving a life

Answer

Deciding whether to donate a kidney

Answer

Voting for a political candidate

Answer

Following a company policy that you disagree with

Question 12

The principle of double effect refers to:

Accepted Answer

Foreseeing but not intending a negative outcome

Answer

Intending both a good and a bad outcome

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Choosing the lesser of two evils

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Acting without full knowledge or consent

Question 13

A key challenge in environmental ethics revolves around:

Accepted Answer

Balancing human interests with the well-being of non-human entities

Answer

Defining the scope of moral consideration

Answer

Measuring the environmental impact of our actions

Answer

Enforcing environmental regulations

Question 14

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm above all else?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Existentialism

Question 15

In animal agriculture, utilitarianism prioritizes which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Maximize animal welfare by minimizing suffering

Answer

Prioritize human needs over animal interests

Answer

Minimize the number of animals used for food production

Answer

Maximize profits for those involved in animal agriculture

Question 16

According to Peter Singer's utilitarian theory, the only morally relevant characteristic is:

Accepted Answer

Sentience

Answer

Species

Answer

Rationality

Answer

Intelligence

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Can be universalized without contradiction

Answer

Conforms to duty

Answer

Produces good consequences

Answer

Is motivated by good intentions

Question 18

Which of the following distinctions is central to John Stuart Mill's theory of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic vs. instrumental goods

Answer

Acts vs. rules

Answer

Consequentialism vs. deontology

Answer

Happiness vs. pleasure

Question 19

According to Friedrich Nietzsche, the ultimate goal of human existence is:

Accepted Answer

Power

Answer

Truth

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Happiness

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of a contemporary feminist ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Care ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Question 21

What is the main reason healthcare professionals prioritize patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

To protect patient privacy by preventing unauthorized access to medical records.

Answer

To ensure patients can make their own choices about their healthcare.

Answer

To guarantee all patients are treated fairly and equally.

Question 22

Which of the following is a key principle in bioethics that recognizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Sustainability

Question 23

According to John Rawls' theory of justice, what is the primary goal of a just society?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that all citizens have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential

Answer

To maximize the well-being of the majority

Answer

To preserve the rights and freedoms of only the most vulnerable individuals

Answer

To promote social harmony and cooperation at any cost

Question 24

Which of the following is a central concept in Martha Nussbaum's capability approach to human flourishing?

Accepted Answer

Basic capabilities that individuals need to live a good life, such as education and healthcare

Answer

Subjective well-being and personal happiness

Answer

Aristotelian virtues such as courage and temperance

Answer

Kantian deontological duties and moral obligations

Question 25

Which philosopher is primarily known for arguing that environmental ethics should be based on the idea that all living beings have intrinsic value, regardless of their utility to humans?

Accepted Answer

Aldo Leopold

Answer

Garrett Hardin

Answer

Martha Nussbaum

Answer

John Passmore

Question 26

The ethical principle that emphasizes treating others as we want to be treated is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Golden Rule

Answer

Categorical Imperative

Answer

Principle of Utility

Answer

Veil of Ignorance

Question 27

Which philosopher argued for the moral obligation to disobey unjust laws?

Accepted Answer

Henry David Thoreau

Answer

Socrates

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Locke

Question 28

According to Peter Singer, an action is considered morally right if it:

Accepted Answer

Produces the most overall happiness.

Answer

Conforms to religious principles.

Answer

Protects individual rights.

Answer

Promotes social order.

Question 29

Martha Nussbaum's theory of capabilities emphasizes that:

Accepted Answer

All individuals deserve equal opportunities.

Answer

The government should provide for basic needs.

Answer

Economic growth is more important than environmental protection.

Answer

Cultural values have no influence on ethics.

Question 30

The foundational principle of deontology is that actions are right or wrong based on:

Accepted Answer

Universal moral laws

Answer

Their consequences

Answer

Their intentions

Answer

Individual happiness

Question 31

Which of the following philosophers is most closely associated with virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Question 32

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of consequentialist ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

They prioritize the consequences of actions in determining their moral worth.

Answer

They rely on abstract moral principles to guide decision-making.

Answer

They emphasize the intentions of the actor as the primary consideration.

Answer

They give absolute priority to the rights of individuals.

Question 33

Identify the central principle of Immanuel Kant's ethical theory:

Accepted Answer

The Categorical Imperative

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

The Social Contract

Question 34

Which practice is NOT considered an ethical principle in journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Fairness

Question 35

According to Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative, an action is morally permissible if:

Accepted Answer

It can be consistently universalized as a law for all rational beings.

Answer

It results in the greatest overall happiness.

Answer

It conforms to the customs and norms of society.

Question 36

In biomedical ethics, the principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own medical treatment.

Answer

Protecting the interests of the healthcare professionals involved.

Answer

Ensuring the patient's physical and mental well-being.

Question 37

John Rawls' theory of justice as fairness is based on the concept of:

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical social contract agreed upon by rational individuals under a veil of ignorance.

Answer

The categorical imperative.

Answer

The principle of utility.

Question 38

Martha Nussbaum's capability approach to human development focuses on:

Accepted Answer

The essential freedoms and opportunities that individuals need to live a flourishing life.

Answer

The level of material wealth individuals possess.

Answer

The amount of formal education individuals have received.

Question 39

In business ethics, the principle of transparency requires companies to:

Accepted Answer

Disclose relevant information about their operations and practices to their stakeholders.

Answer

Avoid causing harm to others.

Answer

Prioritize profit maximization.

Question 40

Which of the following is a significant challenge in applying ethical principles to real-world situations?

Accepted Answer

Balancing and prioritizing competing ethical considerations.

Answer

Dealing with time constraints.

Answer

Understanding the ethical principles themselves.

Answer

Identifying all the relevant stakeholders.

Question 41

The primary purpose of an ethics code is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance on ethical behavior for individuals and organizations.

Answer

Punish individuals for unethical behavior.

Answer

Promote a specific ethical theory.

Question 42

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides decision-making in bioethics?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Enforcing Social Contracts

Answer

Cultivating Personal Virtues

Answer

Maximizing Utility

Question 43

According to Singer's animal ethics theory, what is the primary criterion used to assess the moral status of an animal?

Accepted Answer

Capacity to Experience Suffering

Answer

Membership in a Specific Species

Answer

Economic Value to Humans

Answer

Level of Intelligence

Question 44

What is the foundational concept that underpins Rawls' Theory of Justice as Fairness?

Accepted Answer

Individuals should have equal opportunities under a veil of ignorance

Answer

Society should aim to maximize the happiness of the greatest number

Answer

Justice entails respecting the rights and freedoms of all persons

Question 45

Which key concept is central to the field of environmental ethics?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability

Answer

Equality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Virtue

Question 46

According to Martha Nussbaum's capability approach, what is essential for individuals to achieve a flourishing life?

Accepted Answer

Access to fundamental capabilities such as healthcare, education, and shelter

Answer

Adherence to traditional values and norms

Answer

Accumulation of material wealth and possessions

Question 47

What is the primary function of critical thinking in applied ethics?

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the analysis and evaluation of diverse ethical perspectives and arguments

Answer

Providing absolute answers to complex ethical questions

Answer

Promoting ethical relativism and undermining objective moral truths

Question 48

What is the ultimate objective of applied ethics as a field of study and practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing practical guidance for navigating ethical dilemmas and making ethically sound decisions in real-world contexts

Answer

Developing abstract and purely theoretical ethical frameworks

Answer

Establishing moral superiority and condemning those who hold differing ethical views

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical issue addressed in bioethics?

Accepted Answer

Animal rights

Answer

Genetic engineering

Answer

Euthanasia

Answer

Organ donation

Question 50

According to Singer's utilitarian principle, the right action is the one that produces the greatest:

Accepted Answer

Happiness

Answer

Power

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Justice

Question 51

Nussbaum argues that a just society must provide its citizens with certain fundamental:

Accepted Answer

Capabilities

Answer

Virtues

Answer

Goods

Answer

Rights

Question 52

According to the precautionary principle, when scientific evidence about a potential harm is uncertain, we should:

Accepted Answer

Take precautionary measures

Answer

Ignore the potential harm

Answer

Take risks

Answer

Wait for more evidence

Question 53

The purpose of ethical codes in professional practice is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance and accountability

Answer

Restrict individual freedom

Answer

Punish unethical behavior

Answer

Promote personal gain