Moral Dilemmas: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Real-World Scenarios

Question 1

In the trolley problem, a classic ethical dilemma, what is the primary factor to consider when deciding the morally correct action?

Accepted Answer

The number of lives that can be saved or lost

Answer

The identities or characteristics of the people involved

Answer

The potential consequences for the decision-maker

Question 2

Which ethical theory emphasizes the consequences of an action as the primary determinant of its morality?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Kantian Ethics

Question 3

Which ethical theory emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being, aiming to benefit the most people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Kantian Ethics

Question 4

A key strength of utilitarianism, but a potential weakness of deontology, is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing the maximization of overall happiness or well-being

Answer

Protecting individual rights and freedoms

Answer

Simplicity and ease of application in real-world situations

Answer

Alignment with religious doctrines and beliefs

Question 5

What is a defining characteristic of a moral dilemma?

Accepted Answer

It involves conflicting moral obligations or values.

Answer

It offers a clear and objectively correct solution.

Answer

It is only encountered in hypothetical situations.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a defining trait of a moral dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Presents a clear and straightforward solution

Answer

Involves a conflict between two or more moral values

Answer

Requires careful deliberation of ethical implications

Answer

May have unintended consequences

Question 7

According to Utilitarianism, the ethically correct action is the one that:

Accepted Answer

Produces the greatest overall happiness

Answer

Conforms to absolute moral principles

Answer

Protects the rights of all parties involved

Answer

Follows the teachings of a religious authority

Question 8

Which ethical theory emphasizes rational thinking as the basis for moral decisions?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Social contract theory

Answer

Existentialism

Question 9

In the classic trolley problem, which action is generally considered the morally preferable option?

Accepted Answer

Sacrificing one person to save five others

Answer

Allowing five people to die rather than sacrificing one

Answer

Diverting the trolley onto another track, killing three people

Answer

Derailing the trolley to save everyone but causing widespread property damage

Question 10

What is meant by a "moral grey area"?

Accepted Answer

A situation where there is no clear right or wrong answer

Answer

A situation where ethical principles are clearly conflicting

Answer

A situation where personal emotions cloud moral judgment

Answer

A situation where ethical considerations are irrelevant

Question 11

What is the central idea of the "Golden Rule" in ethics?

Accepted Answer

Treat others the way you want to be treated

Answer

Do unto others as they do unto you

Answer

Seek revenge on those who wrong you

Answer

Turn the other cheek when wronged

Question 12

What is the proper role of intuition in making ethical decisions?

Accepted Answer

It can provide valuable insights, but should be critically examined

Answer

It should be the primary basis for making ethical choices

Answer

It is unreliable and should be disregarded

Answer

It is only relevant in situations where there is no clear ethical rule

Question 13

Explain the concept of moral luck. How do chance and external factors influence our ethical decision-making? Discuss the implications of moral luck for our ethical responsibilities.

Accepted Answer

Moral luck challenges the idea that people are solely responsible for their actions and the results of those actions.

Answer

Moral luck does not exist because people always have complete control over their actions and the results of those actions.

Answer

Moral luck completely removes people's ethical responsibility for their actions.

Answer

Moral luck only applies to situations where the results of an action are completely unpredictable.

Question 14

In a moral dilemma involving a patient's request for euthanasia, utilitarianism dictates that the doctor should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Both the patient's wishes and the potential societal consequences, aiming for the greatest overall happiness.

Answer

The patient's wishes and their right to autonomy.

Answer

The potential societal consequences of allowing euthanasia.

Answer

Their personal beliefs and emotions.

Question 15

In a moral dilemma involving whistleblowing, which ethical obligation is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Revealing truthful information about wrongdoing

Answer

Safeguarding the organization's reputation

Answer

Prioritizing personal safety and well-being

Answer

Maintaining silence to avoid potential repercussions

Question 16

Which ethical theory prioritizes the maximization of utility, or the greatest good, for the majority?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Question 17

Which characteristic is NOT associated with moral dilemmas?

Accepted Answer

Straightforward and clear solutions

Answer

Challenges to our ethical assumptions

Answer

Necessity of considering consequences

Answer

Conflicting moral values

Question 18

According to Kantian ethics, a morally upright action is one that:

Accepted Answer

Adheres to a universal moral principle applicable to all rational beings

Answer

Brings about the greatest happiness for the largest number of individuals

Answer

Aligns with our personal beliefs and values

Question 19

Which ethical concept emphasizes the intrinsic value and respect due to all human beings?

Accepted Answer

Human dignity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Social contract

Answer

Moral relativism

Question 20

One potential advantage of discussing moral dilemmas is:

Accepted Answer

Fostering empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives

Answer

Eliminating the need for ethical decision-making

Answer

Finding a universal solution to all ethical problems

Question 21

Virtue ethics underscores the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Developing moral traits and virtuous character

Answer

Consequentialist outcomes

Answer

Universal moral laws

Answer

Subjective moral values

Question 22

One limitation of ethical theories is that they:

Accepted Answer

May not always provide clear guidance in complex moral scenarios

Answer

Are the exclusive means of making ethical decisions

Answer

Are universally applicable

Question 23

You find a wallet on the street containing a significant amount of money and identification. You recognize the owner and could easily return it. However, you are struggling financially and could use the money to pay off some debts. What is the primary moral dilemma at the heart of this situation?

Accepted Answer

The conflict between personal gain and ethical obligation.

Answer

The risk of being caught and punished.

Answer

The legality of keeping found property.

Answer

The potential impact on the owner's financial stability.

Question 24

A pharmaceutical company develops a new drug with the potential to cure a life-threatening disease. However, the drug has been shown to have serious side effects in a portion of patients. Which ethical principle would prioritize the potential benefits of the drug for the majority, even if it means risking harm to a minority?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 25

A whistleblower exposes illegal activities within their company, risking their job and reputation. Which ethical principle is most directly reflected in the whistleblower's action?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 26

A self-driving car is programmed to minimize casualties in an unavoidable accident. In a scenario where it must choose between hitting a single pedestrian or swerving into a group of three pedestrians, what ethical framework is most relevant to its decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Ethical Egoism

Question 27

You witness a crime but fear retaliation if you report it. Which ethical principle is in direct conflict with your self-preservation instinct in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 28

A journalist has access to confidential information about a politician's illegal activities. Publishing the information would be in the public interest but could damage the politician's career and personal life. What ethical dilemma does this situation present?

Accepted Answer

Truthfulness vs. Privacy

Answer

Freedom of Speech vs. National Security

Answer

Personal Loyalty vs. Professional Duty

Answer

Profit vs. Public Welfare

Question 29

A research scientist discovers a new technology with potentially dangerous applications. Which ethical principle emphasizes the scientist's responsibility to consider the potential negative consequences before proceeding?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 30

A company has a policy of rewarding employees who meet sales targets. However, some employees resort to unethical tactics to reach those targets, putting customers at risk. What ethical issue does this situation highlight?

Accepted Answer

Moral Hazard

Answer

Ethical Relativism

Answer

Conflict of Interest

Answer

Deception