Ethical Theories: A Comprehensive Guide for University Students

Question 1

According to utilitarianism, the correct action is the one that brings about the highest overall well-being for the greatest number of people.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 2

Virtue ethics focuses on cultivating virtuous character traits that are considered morally desirable.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

Which ethical theory is closely associated with the philosopher Immanuel Kant?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Ethical relativism

Question 4

Ethical pluralists believe that there exists only one true morality.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 5

Applied ethics involves the practical application of ethical principles to real-world scenarios.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 6

Which ethical approach emphasizes the concept of consent and personal autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Contractarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 7

Which ethical theory is based on the idea of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain for oneself?

Accepted Answer

Egoism

Answer

Altruism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 8

What is a fundamental principle of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Actions are right or wrong based on their adherence to moral rules.

Answer

An action's morality is determined by its consequences.

Answer

Actions are right or wrong based on the virtues of the person performing them.

Answer

Actions are right or wrong based solely on the intentions of the person performing them.

Question 9

Which ethical theory prioritizes the outcomes of actions in determining their moral worth?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 10

Who is widely regarded as the founder of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT considered a virtue in Aristotelian ethics?

Accepted Answer

Benevolence

Answer

Courage

Answer

Temperance

Question 12

Which ethical theory places significant emphasis on the role of emotions and subjective experiences in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Emotivism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 13

Which criticism commonly raised against utilitarianism highlights the potential conflict between individual rights and maximizing overall happiness?

Accepted Answer

It can justify actions that violate individual rights.

Answer

It provides an unclear standard for determining right and wrong.

Answer

It overlooks the significance of moral intentions.

Question 14

What is the primary distinction between act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Act-utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of specific actions, while rule-utilitarianism assesses the consequences of general rules.

Answer

Rule-utilitarianism evaluates the consequences of specific actions, while act-utilitarianism assesses the consequences of general rules.

Answer

There is no fundamental distinction between act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism.

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of deontological ethics?

Accepted Answer

Focus on duties and obligations, rather than consequences.

Answer

Emphasis on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure.

Answer

Reliance on emotions and personal experiences.

Question 16

What is a defining feature of a moral dilemma?

Accepted Answer

A situation where there is no clear right or wrong choice.

Answer

A situation where the right course of action is immediately apparent.

Answer

A situation where the consequences of any action are fully known and predictable.

Question 17

Which ethical theory would most likely support the use of torture to prevent a terrorist attack, despite its potential to violate individual rights?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 18

In virtue ethics, what is the primary role of reason?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and cultivating virtues that guide ethical behavior.

Answer

Determining the right action solely through logical reasoning.

Answer

Playing no significant role in ethical decision-making.

Question 19

How do reason and emotion influence each other in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Emotion influences identifying relevant factors, while reason justifies the decision.

Answer

Reason and emotion operate independently.

Answer

Emotion solely drives ethical decisions.

Answer

Reason and emotion have no clear relationship in ethical decision-making.

Question 20

Which of the following is the primary principle of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Maximize overall happiness.

Answer

Adhere strictly to moral rules.

Answer

Cultivate virtuous character traits.

Answer

Minimize potential harm.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

Can be universally applied without contradiction.

Answer

Conforms to established customs and traditions.

Answer

Promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Answer

Benefits the individual performing the action.

Question 22

A key concept in virtue ethics is:

Accepted Answer

Character traits and dispositions.

Answer

Moral rules and obligations.

Answer

Consequentialist reasoning and outcomes.

Answer

Sense of duty and responsibility.

Question 23

A potential critique of deontological ethics is that it can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Moral absolutism and inflexibility.

Answer

Moral relativism and lack of universal principles.

Answer

Moral nihilism and devaluation of morality.

Answer

Moral skepticism and doubt about ethical truths.

Question 24

A primary distinction between utilitarianism and virtue ethics lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Focus on consequences versus character development.

Answer

Emphasis on rules versus principles.

Answer

Prioritization of individual interests versus collective well-being.

Answer

Reliance on objective versus subjective judgments.

Question 25

In Aristotle's ethical theory, the ultimate goal or highest good for humans is:

Accepted Answer

Happiness and fulfillment.

Answer

Wealth and material possessions.

Answer

Power and influence.

Answer

Fame and recognition.