Moral Theories: An Introduction to Ethics for Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts

Question 1

Enhanced: Which fundamental principle drives utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Maximize overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals

Answer

Revised: Adhere strictly to universal moral rules in all situations

Answer

Revised: Cultivate personal virtues to guide ethical actions

Question 2

Enhanced: In deontological ethics, what ultimately determines the morality of actions?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Their conformity to universal moral laws

Answer

Revised: Their potential consequences

Answer

Revised: Their alignment with individual values

Question 3

Enhanced: Which of the following is not a virtue emphasized in virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Material wealth

Answer

Revised: Courage

Answer

Revised: Integrity

Question 4

Enhanced: Which ethical theory is often challenged through the 'trolley problem' thought experiment?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Utilitarianism

Answer

Revised: Deontology

Answer

Revised: Virtue ethics

Question 5

Enhanced: Who is widely regarded as the progenitor of utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Jeremy Bentham

Answer

Revised: Aristotle

Answer

Revised: Immanuel Kant

Question 6

Enhanced: The concept of the 'categorical imperative' is most closely associated with which ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Deontology

Answer

Revised: Utilitarianism

Answer

Revised: Virtue ethics

Question 7

Enhanced: Identify a potential criticism of virtue ethics:

Accepted Answer

Revised: It can be subjective and face challenges in defining virtues

Answer

Revised: It may not offer clear guidance in all ethical situations

Answer

Revised: It promotes selfishness and neglects the interests of others

Question 8

Enhanced: Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of following moral rules, even when the consequences of different actions are equally desirable?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Deontology

Answer

Revised: Utilitarianism

Answer

Revised: Virtue ethics

Question 9

Enhanced: A common argument in favor of utilitarianism claims that it:

Accepted Answer

Revised: Promotes maximizing happiness for the greatest number of individuals

Answer

Revised: Provides clear and objective moral standards

Answer

Revised: Encourages individuals to develop their own virtues

Question 10

Enhanced: In virtue ethics, the ultimate goal is to cultivate a character that is:

Accepted Answer

Revised: Virtuous

Answer

Revised: Pleasure-seeking

Answer

Revised: Rule-following

Question 11

How do **contextual factors**, like cultural norms and personal experiences, affect the practical use of virtue ethics in real-world situations?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms can affect which virtues are recognized and valued in a society.

Accepted Answer

Personal experiences can help us understand the importance and relevance of different virtues in different situations.

Answer

Contextual factors don't affect virtue ethics because it's based on unchanging virtues.

Answer

Contextual factors only affect consequentialist theories like utilitarianism, not virtue ethics.

Question 12

Which central principle of utilitarianism holds that the most ethical action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

The greatest happiness for the greatest number

Answer

The end justifies the means

Answer

Virtue is the highest good

Answer

Duty is paramount

Question 13

Which philosopher is credited with developing the concept of the categorical imperative, a central principle of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Question 14

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Developing a virtuous character

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Answer

Following universal moral rules

Answer

Avoiding harm

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a type of ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Factual vs. ethical

Answer

Moral vs. legal

Answer

Virtue vs. happiness

Answer

Individual vs. group

Question 16

According to Aristotle, what is the ultimate goal of human existence and the highest form of well-being?

Accepted Answer

Virtue

Answer

Pleasure

Answer

Wealth

Answer

Fame

Question 17

Which principle in deontology requires that one only act on maxims that can be universalized, meaning that everyone could follow them?

Accepted Answer

Categorical imperative

Answer

Utilitarian principle

Answer

Golden rule

Answer

Principle of double effect

Question 18

Virtue ethics focuses primarily on which aspect of ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Development of virtuous character

Answer

Consequences of actions

Answer

Duties and rights

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Question 19

Which ethical theory places the emphasis on actions that maximize the overall well-being and happiness of society?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 20

In the classic ethical dilemma involving a doctor who must choose between saving one patient who is certain to die or five patients who have a chance of survival, which ethical conflict arises?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian vs. deontological

Answer

Virtue vs. happiness

Answer

Individual vs. group

Answer

Factual vs. ethical

Question 21

In deontological ethics, how much weight is given to the actor's intention when judging the morality of an action?

Accepted Answer

None

Answer

Complete

Answer

Only if the intention is harmful

Answer

Only if the intention is beneficial

Question 22

Analyze the ethical theories of Aristotle, Kant, and Mill, comparing their distinct approaches to defining the 'good life.'

Accepted Answer

Aristotle: The good life stems from cultivating virtuous traits that align with human nature and reason.

Accepted Answer

Kant: The good life adheres to the categorical imperative, a universal moral law guiding actions based on duty and morality.

Accepted Answer

Mill: The good life maximizes overall happiness for the greatest number of people.

Answer

All three philosophers believed the good life solely revolves around personal fulfillment and maximizing individual pleasure. (Incorrect)

Question 23

According to utilitarianism, the morally correct action is the one that:

Accepted Answer

Produces the greatest overall benefit for the greatest number of people.

Answer

Adheres strictly to moral principles.

Answer

Develops virtuous character traits.

Answer

Conforms to the letter of the law.

Question 24

The core tenet of deontology, an ethical theory, maintains that:

Accepted Answer

Morally correct actions strictly adhere to universal moral laws.

Answer

Actions that maximize overall well-being are morally right.

Answer

Developing virtuous character traits is the foundation of morality.

Answer

Compliance with the law determines the morality of an action.

Question 25

The primary focus of virtue ethics is:

Accepted Answer

Developing and acting in accordance with virtuous character traits.

Answer

Maximizing overall well-being, regardless of individual actions.

Answer

Following universally applicable moral rules.

Answer

Upholding the law as the sole determinant of right and wrong.

Question 26

Which ethical theory places primary emphasis on adhering to moral rules and duties, regardless of the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Existentialism

Question 27

According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it produces the greatest overall happiness for whom?

Accepted Answer

Everyone affected by the action

Answer

Only the majority of people affected

Answer

Only the person most closely involved

Answer

Only the person performing the action

Question 28

Virtue ethics primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Developing and cultivating virtuous character traits

Answer

Maximizing happiness for as many people as possible

Answer

Applying reason and logic to ethical dilemmas

Answer

Following a set of specific moral rules

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a virtue, according to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Envy

Answer

Temperance

Answer

Courage

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Kantian ethics, associated with Immanuel Kant, can be classified as a form of:

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 31

Which ethical theory holds that actions are morally acceptable if they are in harmony with the laws of nature?

Accepted Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Social contract theory

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Existentialism

Question 32

According to social contract theory, individuals enter into a social contract to form a political society primarily for:

Accepted Answer

Protection, security, and order

Answer

Maximization of happiness

Answer

Religious salvation

Answer

Virtue and moral development

Question 33

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of personal authenticity, individual choice, and responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 34

According to feminist ethics, traditional moral theories have often:

Accepted Answer

Marginalized or ignored the experiences and perspectives of women

Answer

Been too focused on abstract principles

Answer

Overemphasized the role of logic and reason

Answer

Lacked practical applications in real-world situations

Question 35

Which ethical theory recognizes the significance of emotions, empathy, and relationships in moral decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Ethics of care

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 36

Which ethical theory prioritizes maximizing overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Kantian deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 37

What is the defining characteristic of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Adhering to moral rules and obligations, regardless of consequences

Answer

Developing and practicing virtuous character traits

Answer

Seeking to produce the most overall happiness

Question 38

According to Immanuel Kant, the supreme moral principle that should guide our actions is:

Accepted Answer

The categorical imperative

Answer

The harm principle

Answer

The golden rule

Answer

The principle of utility

Question 39

Which ethical theory is strongly associated with the philosopher John Stuart Mill?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Kantianism

Question 40

Which ethical theory is grounded in the idea that individuals possess inherent rights that ought not to be violated?

Accepted Answer

Rights theory

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 41

What is the key distinction between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Act utilitarianism evaluates the morality of individual actions, while rule utilitarianism evaluates the morality of general rules and practices.

Answer

Act utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness, while rule utilitarianism focuses on minimizing harm.

Answer

Act utilitarianism is more subjective, while rule utilitarianism is more objective.

Question 42

Which argument is commonly cited in support of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Virtuous individuals are more likely to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Answer

Virtue ethics is the most logical and rational ethical theory.

Answer

Virtue ethics is compatible with all major religions.

Question 43

What sets social contract theory apart from other ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

It derives moral obligations from a hypothetical agreement among individuals in society.

Answer

It is based on the idea of natural law and divine revelation.

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of individual rights and freedoms.

Question 44

Which moral theory prioritizes maximizing happiness for the greatest number of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantian ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 45

According to deontological ethics, an action is morally right if:

Accepted Answer

It adheres to a universal moral rule.

Answer

It is motivated by good intentions.

Answer

It is not harmful to others.

Answer

It produces the most happiness.

Question 46

According to the principle of beneficence, we are morally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Promote good and prevent harm.

Answer

Maximize self-interest.

Answer

Avoid causing pain.

Answer

Follow societal norms.

Question 47

Which ethical dilemma arises when two or more moral principles conflict with one another?

Accepted Answer

Moral conflict

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Philosophical skepticism

Answer

Ethical relativism

Question 48

The ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of respecting human dignity is known as:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Charity

Question 49

Which moral philosopher is associated with the Categorical Imperative?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Answer

Aristotle

Question 50

According to the Golden Mean, virtue lies in what?

Accepted Answer

The middle ground between extremes.

Answer

The maximization of wealth.

Answer

The avoidance of pain.

Answer

The pursuit of happiness.

Question 51

The principle of double effect states that an action can be morally justified even if it has a foreseen negative consequence, as long as:

Accepted Answer

The positive effect outweighs the negative effect.

Answer

The action is intended to cause harm.

Answer

The negative effect is unavoidable.

Answer

The action is performed with good intentions.