Ethics - Chapters 1-3 Quiz

1. ETHICS. It is the general study of the ideals regarding human behavior & the guiding principles
-not meant to distract actions.
2. Right and Wrong. It refers to behaviors or conduct.
3. Good and Bad. It refers to outcomes & consequences of behaviors.
4. Goal of Ethics. It is to protect the rights and needs of professions (or groups) when situations are
not just "black and white"
5. If ethics deal with right and wrong in terms of ideals, then: 1. what constitutes morals? 2. how do
these differ from ethics?
6. Morality. It is the "operational side" of ethics that provides a basis of right and wrong for ethical
application
7. Morals. tend to be specific and generally agreed on standards of conduct in society
-Ethics are applicable to situations and are "practiced" while moral are "known".
8. Aristotle virtue theory’s perspective. It is that the goal of ethics is the development of moral
goodness.
9. Socrates. -if a person knows what is right, he or she will act on what is right.
-implies, that wrongdoing is involuntary and based on unawareness, which illustrates the reason for
some examples of unethical behavior
10. Four Processes for Ethical Behavior
a. 1. Moral Sensitivity
b. 2. Moral Judgement
c. 3. Moral Motivation
d. 4. Moral Character
11. Moral Sensitivity or the ability to interpret situations, recognize the ethical issue, and understand
consequences.
12. Moral Judgement or the ability to decide which act is morally justified.
13. Moral Motivation or the commitment to doing what is ethical, using ethical standards, and taking
responsibility for consequences.
14. Moral Character or the courage, determination, and confidence to execute ethical behavior.
15. hree Ethical Theories
a. 1. Metaethics
b. 2. Normative ethics
c. 3. Applied ethics
16. Metaethics is the study of the nature of moral standards, principles, values, and theories.
17. Normative ethics is the study of moral standards, principles, concepts, values, and theories and
seeks to determine what is right or wrong to justify standards for behavior.
18. Applied ethics is the study of ethical dilemmas, choices, and standards of application in particular
contexts including occupations, professions, and situations. Investigations of moral conduct based
on facts and are the focus when discussing the ethics of forensic science
19. 1st Step in the Study of Ethics encourages awareness and receptiveness to moral and ethical
issues.
20. 2nd Step in the Study of Ethics supports the development of critical thinking and analytical skills
1|GE 08: Ethics
 21. 3rd Step in the Study of Ethic in studying ethics occurs when people become more personally
responsible.
22. 4th Step in the Study of Ethics is to recognize how professional cultures operate.
23. 9 Steps in Ethical Decision Making
a. 1. It is an ethical issue, and it consists of x, y, and z.
b. 2. This person/these people are responsible for making the decision.
c. 3. The relevant facts are x, y, and z.
d. 4. It is truly a matter of right or wrong, ethical or unethical.
e. 5. Is it a choice between competing ethical or "right" actions?
f. 6. Common theories should be applied to determine what is at stake.
g. 7. Look at both options to see if a third option, or compromise, transpires.
h. 8. Make a decision.
i. 9. Evaluate the situation to learn what would or would not be done if the situation occurred
again.
24. Existentialism it is a 20th-century concept that focuses on an individual's freedom to make choices
w/o the influence of others (free will)Determinism means that all thoughts and actions are beyond
human control
25. Intentionalism the opposite of determinism in that it maintains that people possess free will and are
accountable for their actions.
26. Inherent (or intrinsic) goods are valuable objects, actions, or qualities, such as life, liberty, justice
and happiness
27. Noninherent goods are objects, actions, or qualities whose value depends on the ability to bring
about intrinsic good, such as money or loyalty
28. Summum bonum. Ethical decision making prescribes that a person should strive for the greatest
good, or the lowest harm. Many times, ethical decisions are not a matter of right versus wrong;
typically they are a matter of what option is more right or more wrong.

What is ethics?
a) The study of human anatomy
b) A branch of philosophy that deals with morality and values
c) A form of religion
d) A type of science fiction literature

Which of the following is NOT a major ethical theory discussed in these chapters?
a) Utilitarianism
b) Virtue Ethics
c) Cultural Relativism
d) Newtonian Physics

What is the primary concern of metaethics?

a) Prescribing specific moral rules
b) Examining the consequences of actions
c) Understanding the nature of moral principles and ethical language
d) Applying ethics in practical situations
2|GE 08: Ethics
Which ethical theory focuses on the idea that actions are morally right if they promote the greatest
happiness for the greatest number of people?
a) Deontology
b) Virtue Ethics
c) Utilitarianism
d) Natural Law Ethics

What is cultural relativism in ethics?

a) The belief that ethics is universal and applies to all cultures equally
b) The idea that ethical principles vary depending on cultural norms and beliefs
c) The study of historical ethical theories
d) The application of ethics in a corporate setting

What is the "Categorical Imperative" associated with?

a) Virtue Ethics
b) Utilitarianism
c) Deontological Ethics
d) Social Contract Theory

What is a "moral agent"?

a) An individual capable of making ethical decisions and taking moral responsibility for their actions
b) A person who follows a specific religious doctrine
c) A professional ethicist
d) A computer program designed to make ethical decisions

Which of the following is NOT a potential source of ethical principles discussed in these chapters?
a) Religion
b) Cultural norms
c) Personal feelings and opinions
d) Government regulations

What does the "trolley problem" illustrate in ethics?

a) The importance of maintaining trolley systems
b) The principle of utility in utilitarianism
c) The difficulty in making moral decisions in certain moral dilemmas
d) The benefits of public transportation

What is a "thought experiment" in ethics?

a) A hypothetical scenario used to explore ethical principles and dilemmas
b) A psychological test to determine a person's moral character
c) A scientific experiment conducted in a controlled environment
d) A test of a person's physical abilities

Answers:

3|GE 08: Ethics

b) A branch of philosophy that deals with morality and values
d) Newtonian Physics
c) Understanding the nature of moral principles and ethical language
c) Utilitarianism
b) The idea that ethical principles vary depending on cultural norms and beliefs
c) Deontological Ethics
a) An individual capable of making ethical decisions and taking moral responsibility for their actions
d) Government regulations
c) The difficulty in making moral decisions in certain moral dilemmas
a) A hypothetical scenario used to explore ethical principles and dilemmas

1. What is the concept of a "moral agent" in ethics?

a. An individual with the power to make moral decisions
b. A person who has no moral responsibilities
c. Someone who is exempt from moral obligations
d. A person who always acts immorally

2. How does culture influence moral behavior?

a. Culture has no impact on moral behavior
b. Culture shapes moral values and norms
c. Culture only influences legal behavior
d. Culture only influences religious beliefs

3. Which of the following is an example of a universal value?

a Personal preferences
b. Respect for human rights
c. Cultural norms
d. Individual desires

4. What does "moral character" refer to in ethical discussions?

a. The physical appearance of a person
b. An individual's innate characteristics
c. The set of qualities and virtues that define a person's ethical behavior
d. The economic status of a person

5. What is the role of moral development in an individual's ethical growth?

a. Moral development has no significant impact on a person's ethical behavior
B. It is a lifelong process that shapes a person's ethical decision-making
c. Moral development only occurs during childhood
d. It is solely determined by genetics

6. Which of the following best describes the relationship between freedom and moral agency?
a. Freedom always leads to moral behavior
b. Freedom and moral agency are unrelated
4|GE 08: Ethics
c. Freedom provides the opportunity for moral agency, but it doesn't guarantee moral behavior
d. Moral agency restricts freedom

7. In ethical discussions, what does the term "circumstances" refer to?

a. The physical environment of an individual
b. The specific factors that influence a person's moral choices
c. The cultural background of a person
d. The inherent moral nature of a person

8. How do values influence an individual's moral behavior?

a. Values have no impact on moral behavior
b. Values serve as guidelines for ethical decision-making
c. Values only matter in professional settings
d. Values only influence religious beliefs

9. Which of the following is NOT an example of a universal value?

a. Respect for individual autonomy
b. Honesty
c. Eating meat
d. Compassion for others

100. It can vary from one culture to another, but there are some universal values that are shared across
most cultures.
a. Moral Values
b. Freedom
c. Morality
d. Moral Agent

Answers:

a) An individual with the power to make moral decisions

b) Culture shapes moral values and norms
b) Respect for human rights
c) The set of qualities and virtues that define a person's ethical behavior
b) It is a lifelong process that shapes a person's ethical decision-making
True
c) Freedom provides the opportunity for moral agency, but it doesn't guarantee moral behavior
b) The specific factors that influence a person's moral choices
b) Values serve as guidelines for ethical decision-making
c) Eating meat

Each question is followed by multiple-choice options, with the correct answers indicated in parentheses.

Question 1: What is the word "philosophy" derived from?

5|GE 08: Ethics
a) Greek words "philia" and "sophia"
b) Latin word "philosophia"
c) Sanskrit word "philosopha"
d) French word "philosophe"

Question 2: Who is often considered the father of Western philosophy?

a) Aristotle
b) Socrates
c) Confucius
d) Plato

Question 3: What is the primary concern of epistemology?

a) The study of ethics

b) The nature of reality
c) The nature and limits of knowledge
d) The study of aesthetics

Question 4: Which branch of philosophy deals with questions of right and wrong, good and evil?

a) Metaphysics
b) Ethics
c) Aesthetics
d) Logic

Question 5: What is the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of beauty, art, and taste?

a) Metaphysics
b) Epistemology
c) Ethics
d) Aesthetics

Question 6: Who is known for his famous statement "I think, therefore I am"?

a) Plato
b) Aristotle
c) Immanuel Kant
d) René Descartes

Question 7: What branch of philosophy deals with the nature of reality and existence?

a) Epistemology
b) Ethics
c) Aesthetics
6|GE 08: Ethics
d) Metaphysics

Question 8: Which philosophical tradition emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and
achieving self-awareness?

a) Existentialism
b) Utilitarianism
c) Objectivism
d) Empiricism

Question 9: What is the study of valid reasoning and argumentation known as?

a) Ethics
b) Aesthetics
c) Logic
d) Epistemology

Question 10: Which branch of philosophy focuses on the nature and origin of the universe?

a) Metaphysics
b) Ethics
c) Epistemology
d) Aesthetics

Question 11: Who wrote "The Republic" and explored the concept of an ideal society governed by
philosopher-kings?

a) Socrates
b) Aristotle
c) Plato
d) Immanuel Kant

Question 12: What is the main subject of political philosophy?

a) The study of language and communication

b) The nature of reality
c) The study of justice, government, and authority
d) The study of morality

Question 13: What term is used to describe the belief that everything in the universe is ultimately connected
and part of a single, unified whole?

a) Determinism
b) Dualism
c) Holism
d) Solipsism
7|GE 08: Ethics
Question 14: Who is known for his moral philosophy of utilitarianism, which promotes the greatest
happiness for the greatest number?

a) Immanuel Kant
b) John Stuart Mill
c) Friedrich Nietzsche
d) Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Question 15: Which branch of philosophy explores the nature of knowledge, belief, and justification?

a) Metaphysics
b) Ethics
c) Epistemology
d) Aesthetics

Question 16: Who is often associated with the philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience?

a) Karl Marx
b) Martin Luther King Jr.
c) John Locke
d) Friedrich Engels

Question 17: What is the term for the belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience and
observation?

a) Empiricism
b) Rationalism
c) Idealism
d) Pragmatism

Question 18: Which branch of philosophy deals with the study of the meaning and structure of language?

a) Epistemology
b) Ethics
c) Aesthetics
d) Linguistics

Question 19: What is the concept of "cogito, ergo sum" associated with?

a) Aristotle
b) John Locke
c) René Descartes
d) Immanuel Kant

8|GE 08: Ethics

Question 20: Who wrote "The Prince," a book on political philosophy that discusses the nature of power
and leadership?

a) Karl Marx
b) Niccolò Machiavelli
c) Thomas Hobbes
d) John Locke

Answers:

(a) Greek words "philia" and "sophia"

(b) Socrates
(c) The nature and limits of knowledge
(b) Ethics
(d) Aesthetics
(d) René Descartes
(d) Metaphysics
(a) Existentialism
(c) Logic
(a) Metaphysics
(c) Plato
(c) The study of justice, government, and authority
(c) Holism
(b) John Stuart Mill
(c) Epistemology
(b) Martin Luther King Jr.
(a) Empiricism
(d) Linguistics
(c) René Descartes
(b) Niccolò Machiavelli

True or False: Moral standards are objective and universal, while non-moral standards are subjective and
culturally specific.

True or False: Non-moral standards primarily deal with issues of taste, etiquette, and personal preference,
while moral standards concern issues of right and wrong.

True or False: Moral standards are grounded in ethical principles and are concerned with how individuals
ought to behave, while non-moral standards are solely descriptive and do not prescribe any normative
behavior.

True or False: Non-moral standards can vary from one culture to another and are based on societal norms,
traditions, and customs, while moral standards remain constant across all cultures.

9|GE 08: Ethics

True or False: Violating a non-moral standard can result in social disapproval or discomfort, but it does not
carry the same level of moral condemnation as violating a moral standard.

True or False: Moral standards are often considered more fundamental and weightier than non-moral
standards, as they pertain to issues of fundamental human rights and ethical values.

True or False: Non-moral standards may include rules of etiquette, fashion trends, and culinary
preferences, while moral standards encompass principles like honesty, justice, and fairness.

True or False: Moral standards are rooted in rationality and ethical reasoning, whereas non-moral
standards are often based on tradition and convention.

True or False: While non-moral standards can change over time as cultures evolve, moral standards
remain fixed and unchanging across different historical periods.

True or False: Conflicts between moral and non-moral standards can sometimes arise, with individuals
having to prioritize their ethical duties over personal preferences or cultural norms.

Case Study 1: Individual Moral Dilemma

Scenario: Alice works for a tech company, and her boss asks her to create a fake social media account to
gather data on competitors. She knows this is unethical and could violate privacy laws. What should Alice
do, and how can she handle this moral dilemma?

How would you assess the ethical implications of Alice's situation?

What ethical principles or frameworks could Alice use to guide her decision?
What are the potential consequences of following her boss's request or refusing to do so?
How can Alice effectively communicate her concerns to her boss or superiors?
What advice would you give Alice to resolve this moral dilemma?

Case Study 2: Computer Engineering Ethical Dilemma

Scenario: John is a software developer working on a project that he believes could be used to create
autonomous military drones. He is uncomfortable with the idea of contributing to potentially lethal
technology. What should John do?

How can John assess the ethical implications of his work on the project?
What ethical theories or codes of conduct might apply to John's situation as a computer engineer?
Should John voice his concerns to his team and superiors, and if so, how should he approach the
conversation?
Are there any legal or industry-specific guidelines that could influence John's decision?
What advice would you give John to address his ethical dilemma?
10 | G E 0 8 : E t h i c s
Case Study 3: Individual Moral Dilemma

Scenario: Sarah discovers her co-worker, Mike, is stealing office supplies. She is torn between reporting it
to the management and ignoring it to avoid harming their friendship. What should Sarah do, and how can
she resolve this moral dilemma?

How can Sarah analyze the ethical aspects of her situation?

Which ethical principles or frameworks might be relevant to Sarah's dilemma?
What are the potential consequences of reporting or not reporting Mike's actions?
How can Sarah maintain a balance between ethical responsibility and friendship?
What advice would you provide to Sarah to address her moral dilemma?

Case Study 4: Computer Engineering Ethical Dilemma

Scenario: Jane works for a technology company and discovers a security vulnerability in their software that
could potentially be exploited by hackers. She is unsure whether to report it internally or disclose it publicly.
What should Jane do?

How should Jane evaluate the ethical implications of her discovery as a computer engineer?
What ethical codes and standards might guide Jane in making her decision?
What are the potential risks and benefits of reporting the vulnerability internally or disclosing it publicly?
How can Jane balance her responsibility to her employer with the broader responsibility to the public?
What advice would you offer to Jane to navigate this ethical dilemma?

Case Study 5: Individual Moral Dilemma

Scenario: Mark has a family member who needs a life-saving medical treatment that he can afford, but he
must choose between saving his family member or donating the money to a charity that helps hundreds of
children in need. What should Mark do, and how can he resolve this moral dilemma?

How can Mark assess the ethical dimensions of his decision?

Which ethical theories or principles might be applicable to Mark's situation?
What are the potential consequences of Mark's choices for his family member and the charity?
How can Mark balance his personal responsibilities and societal obligations?
What guidance would you provide to Mark to navigate this moral dilemma?
These case study questions can serve as starting points for discussions and reflections on complex moral
dilemmas faced by individuals and computer engineers.

Moral dilemmas are situations in which individuals face difficult choices between competing ethical principles
or values. Resolving moral dilemmas often involves considering a set of principles or ethical frameworks to
guide decision-making. Here are some common principles and ethical frameworks that people use when
grappling with moral dilemmas:

11 | G E 0 8 : E t h i c s
Utilitarianism: This principle suggests that the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness
or utility. In a moral dilemma, you might weigh the consequences of each option and choose the one that
leads to the greatest overall well-being.

Deontology: Deontological ethics, often associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, focuses on the
inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their outcomes. Deontological principles might
include the categorical imperative, which states that one should act according to principles that could be
made into universal laws.

Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics emphasizes the development of moral character and focuses on personal virtues
like honesty, integrity, and compassion. In a moral dilemma, you might consider which action reflects virtuous
qualities.

Rights and Duties: This approach centers on the protection of individual rights and fulfilling one's ethical
duties. In a moral dilemma, you would consider whether a particular action respects or violates the rights of
individuals and fulfills one's duties.

Social Contract Theory: This theory suggests that ethical principles are based on the implicit agreements and
social contracts that people form within a society. In a moral dilemma, you might think about what actions
would be agreed upon in a just and fair society.

Moral Relativism: Moral relativism asserts that morality is subjective and depends on individual or cultural
perspectives. In a moral dilemma, you might consider the cultural or personal values at play and how they
affect the decision.

Care Ethics: Care ethics emphasizes the importance of empathy, care, and relationships in making moral
decisions. In a moral dilemma, you might focus on what action promotes care and nurtures relationships.

Principlism: Principlism involves using a set of foundational ethical principles, often drawn from biomedical
ethics, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, to analyze and resolve moral dilemmas
in specific contexts like healthcare.

12 | G E 0 8 : E t h i c s
Double Effect Principle: This principle distinguishes between intended and foreseen consequences of an
action. It allows actions that have negative foreseen consequences if the primary intention is morally
permissible.

Case-By-Case Analysis: Some individuals prefer to evaluate moral dilemmas on a case-by-case basis,
considering the specific details of each situation and applying a combination of principles and personal
judgment.

In practice, the principles and frameworks used to resolve moral dilemmas can vary based on individual
beliefs, cultural background, and the specific context of the dilemma. It's important to engage in thoughtful
reflection and ethical reasoning when facing moral dilemmas to arrive at a decision that aligns with one's
values and the ethical principles deemed most relevant.

13 | G E 0 8 : E t h i c s