Test on Foundational Concepts in Ethics

Question 1: Virtue ethics, when considering action, focuses on the moral agent acting in accordance with how a practically reasonable person would act in a given situation.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Virtue ethics examines the moral agent and determines that action is in accordance with how, in a given situation, a practically reasonable (wise) person would act.

Question 2: According to the study materials, which of the following is a primary task of deontological ethics?

A. Formulating and defending a particular set of moral rules.

B. Developing and defending a particular form of the ideal person.

C. Specifying and defending a particular thing or a list of things that are good in themselves.

D. Providing techniques in order to measure and compare a number of things good in themselves.

Explanation: The study materials state that deontological ethics involves "formulating and defending a particular set of moral rules." The other options describe tasks associated with virtue ethics or consequentialist ethics.

Question 3: The use of unattractive medical technology, such as an intravenous line or an oxygen mask, to sustain a seriously ill patient inherently signifies a loss of that patient's human dignity.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the use of ugly-looking medical technology to sustain a seriously ill patient does not reflect a loss of dignity on the part of the patient. Instead, disrespect reflects negatively on those who inflict the treatment. Unattractive medical instruments may be required to treat a patient with due respect.

Question 4: Utilitarianism, as advocated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that actions are right if they are conducive to the greatest pleasure of the greatest number.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The text states: "According to utilitarianism (the position advocated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill), actions are right if they are conducive to the greatest happiness of the greatest number—and by “happiness” they mean pleasure and the absence of pain."

Question 5: According to the study materials, what does it mean for human persons to be 'ends in themselves' in the context of human dignity?

A. They are born with the ability to achieve any goal they desire.

B. They should be respected and allowed to live in pursuit of their own goods, rather than being treated as instruments.

C. Their value is solely determined by their contribution to the pleasure or service of others.

D. They are inherently superior to all other living beings and therefore have no obligations.

Explanation: The study materials state that dignity is 'the attribute of human persons of being ends in themselves,' meaning that 'Human beings should be respected and allowed to live in pursuit of their own goods' and that 'To treat a human being as a mere instrument for the attainment of other goals, however laudable, is to violate that person’s dignity.'