Foundations of Ethics

1. What is the central concern of ethics?

o A) Understanding human behavior

o B) Determining right and wrong

o C) Analyzing scientific discoveries

o D) Studying human biology

Answer: B) Determining right and wrong

2. Which of the following is the primary feature of moral relativism?

o A) Morality is universal

o B) Morality is subjective and varies across cultures

o C) Morality is absolute

o D) Morality is only based on laws

Answer: B) Morality is subjective and varies across cultures

3. What does "moral absolutism" assert?

o A) Moral principles are flexible and can change over time

o B) Moral principles are fixed and universally applicable

o C) Ethics are only concerned with legality

o D) People should act in their self-interest

Answer: B) Moral principles are fixed and universally applicable

4. Which ethical theory is most concerned with the outcomes or consequences of actions?

o A) Deontology

o B) Virtue ethics

o C) Utilitarianism

o D) Care ethics

Answer: C) Utilitarianism

5. What does "ethical relativism" argue about moral principles?

o A) They are universal and apply to everyone

o B) They are decided by the individual’s desires

o C) They depend on societal norms and contexts

o D) They are only relevant in private matters

Answer: C) They depend on societal norms and contexts

Utilitarianism and Consequentialism

6. According to utilitarianism, which of the following should be prioritized in ethical

decisions?

o A) Individual rights

o B) The greatest good for the greatest number

o C) Following universal moral rules

o D) Maintaining personal integrity

Answer: B) The greatest good for the greatest number

7. What is the primary goal of a utilitarian approach to ethics?

o A) To respect individual autonomy

o B) To maximize happiness or well-being

o C) To uphold moral laws

o D) To preserve the social order

Answer: B) To maximize happiness or well-being

8. Which of the following is a criticism of utilitarianism?

o A) It doesn’t consider the consequences of actions.

o B) It often leads to unjust treatment of minorities.

o C) It focuses too much on intentions.

o D) It is too rigid and formulaic.

Answer: B) It often leads to unjust treatment of minorities.

9. In a classic utilitarian framework, is it acceptable to sacrifice the well-being of a few for the
greater good?

o A) No, because it violates human rights

o B) Yes, if it leads to the greatest overall happiness

o C) No, because all individuals are equally important

o D) Yes, but only in emergency situations

Answer: B) Yes, if it leads to the greatest overall happiness

10. What is "act utilitarianism"?

o A) Focuses on the consequences of individual actions

o B) Focuses on the rules that promote overall happiness

 o C) Focuses on collective happiness, not individual actions

o D) Focuses on a person’s character and virtues

Answer: A) Focuses on the consequences of individual actions

Deontological Ethics

11. What does deontological ethics emphasize?

o A) The consequences of actions

o B) The moral rules or duties that guide actions

o C) The emotions involved in decision-making

o D) The utility or usefulness of actions

Answer: B) The moral rules or duties that guide actions

12. According to Immanuel Kant’s theory, people should act according to principles that:

o A) Maximize personal happiness

o B) Can be universally applied as moral laws

o C) Lead to the greatest social good

o D) Ensure the welfare of society

Answer: B) Can be universally applied as moral laws

13. What is a key feature of Kantian ethics?

o A) The consequences of actions are irrelevant

o B) Morality is based on the greatest happiness

o C) Ethics is determined by personal feelings

o D) Morality is based on social approval

Answer: A) The consequences of actions are irrelevant

14. Which of the following would be considered unethical in a deontological framework?

o A) Breaking a rule to avoid harm to others

o B) Lying to protect someone’s feelings

o C) Helping a friend based on personal interest

o D) Following a moral duty even when it leads to harm

Answer: D) Following a moral duty even when it leads to harm

15. Which principle is central to Kant's Categorical Imperative?

o A) Act in ways that maximize utility

 o B) Treat others as ends, never as means

o C) Follow the social contract

o D) Strive for personal happiness

Answer: B) Treat others as ends, never as means

Virtue Ethics

16. What does virtue ethics focus on?

o A) The morality of actions based on rules

o B) The development of good character traits

o C) The calculation of outcomes

o D) The consent of all involved parties

Answer: B) The development of good character traits

17. According to Aristotle, what is the goal of life?

o A) To create wealth and power

o B) To achieve eudaimonia (flourishing or well-being)

o C) To act in accordance with social norms

o D) To maximize pleasure and minimize pain

Answer: B) To achieve eudaimonia (flourishing or well-being)

18. In virtue ethics, a moral action is one that:

o A) Follows universal moral rules

o B) Promotes the greatest happiness

o C) Reflects the character of a virtuous person

o D) Is done with the intention to do good

Answer: C) Reflects the character of a virtuous person

19. Which of the following is a virtue in Aristotle’s ethics?

o A) Prudence

o B) Self-interest

o C) Social conformity

o D) Legal compliance

Answer: A) Prudence

20. What is the "Golden Mean" in virtue ethics?

 o A) The average between the extremes of virtue and vice

o B) The point of maximum happiness

o C) The central law of society

o D) The rule that all moral actions must follow

Answer: A) The average between the extremes of virtue and vice

Applied Ethics and Contemporary Issues

21. Which of the following is a primary concern of bioethics?

o A) Economic policies

o B) Environmental issues

o C) Medical and biological issues, such as life and death

o D) Technological advancements

Answer: C) Medical and biological issues, such as life and death

22. Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research?

o A) Yes, if it benefits human health

o B) No, because animals have inherent rights

o C) Yes, but only if no harm comes to them

o D) No, because animals cannot consent

Answer: B) No, because animals have inherent rights

23. Which ethical issue is central to debates over climate change?

o A) The distribution of wealth

o B) The preservation of personal freedoms

o C) The obligation to protect future generations

o D) The right to individual property

Answer: C) The obligation to protect future generations

24. Is it ethical for a government to require citizens to receive vaccinations?

o A) No, it infringes on personal freedoms

o B) Yes, to protect public health

o C) Yes, but only during emergencies

o D) No, because individuals should be free to choose

Answer: B) Yes, to protect public health

 25. Which of the following is a common argument in favor of euthanasia?

o A) It respects the autonomy of the patient

o B) It violates the sanctity of life

o C) It causes undue psychological harm to families

o D) It is financially costly

Answer: A) It respects the autonomy of the patient

Moral Dilemmas and Decision-Making

26. In a moral dilemma, what is the "trolley problem" typically about?

o A) Deciding whether to sacrifice one person to save others

o B) Deciding whether to tell a truth or a lie

o C) Deciding whether to follow the law or break it

o D) Deciding whether to help someone in need

Answer: A) Deciding whether to sacrifice one person to save others

27. Is it ethical to break a promise if it leads to a better outcome for others?

o A) Yes, if it results in greater good

o B) No, promises should always be kept

o C) Yes, if it benefits the person making the promise

o D) No, because it leads to inconsistency

Answer: B) No, promises should always be kept

28. Which of the following is a characteristic of a moral agent?

o A) Can be a non-human entity

o B) Has the capacity for moral reasoning

o C) Has the ability to follow laws

o D) Always acts out of self-interest

Answer: B) Has the capacity for moral reasoning

29. What is a "moral hazard"?

o A) A situation where a person’s behavior is influenced by ethical considerations

o B) A situation where a person takes risks because they do not bear the full
consequences of their actions

o C) A person acting morally out of a desire for personal gain

 o D) A concept from environmental ethics

Answer: B) A situation where a person takes risks because they do not bear the full consequences
of their actions

30. Should a person act in their own self-interest if it harms others?

o A) Yes, if it leads to personal gain

o B) No, because it violates ethical duties to others

o C) Yes, because self-preservation is the highest ethical value

o D) No, unless they have consent from others

Answer: B) No, because it violates ethical duties to others

Social Ethics and Justice

31. What is the central focus of distributive justice?

o A) Ensuring equality in outcomes

o B) Ensuring fairness in the distribution of resources

o C) Ensuring that everyone follows the same rules

o D) Ensuring freedom of choice for all

Answer: B) Ensuring fairness in the distribution of resources

32. What is the "veil of ignorance" in political philosophy?

o A) A way to choose moral rules without bias by imagining being unaware of one's
personal circumstances

o B) A technique for ensuring equal distribution of wealth

o C) A principle to encourage people to act out of self-interest

o D) A way of making decisions based on the majority’s preferences

Answer: A) A way to choose moral rules without bias by imagining being unaware of one's
personal circumstances

33. Which ethical theory is most concerned with the distribution of benefits and burdens in
society?

o A) Virtue ethics

o B) Utilitarianism

o C) Social contract theory

o D) Distributive justice

Answer: D) Distributive justice

 34. Is affirmative action ethical?

o A) Yes, because it promotes equality and addresses historical inequalities

o B) No, because it discriminates against certain groups

o C) Yes, if it leads to social harmony

o D) No, because it violates individual merit

Answer: A) Yes, because it promotes equality and addresses historical inequalities

35. What is the ethical concern behind poverty in a wealthy society?

o A) Lack of personal responsibility

o B) Social inequality and injustice

o C) High taxation

o D) Lack of government regulations

Answer: B) Social inequality and injustice

Corporate and Environmental Ethics

36. What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?

o A) A business's legal obligation to maximize profit

o B) A business’s ethical obligation to contribute positively to society

o C) A business’s obligation to avoid environmental damage

o D) A business’s duty to provide good wages to employees

Answer: B) A business’s ethical obligation to contribute positively to society

37. Which of the following is an ethical issue in marketing?

o A) Maximizing sales by any means

o B) Misleading advertisements

o C) Offering generous discounts

o D) Ensuring customer satisfaction

Answer: B) Misleading advertisements

38. What is the "tragedy of the commons"?

o A) The overuse of shared resources leading to their depletion

o B) The unequal distribution of wealth in society

o C) The ethical dilemma of climate change

o D) The conflict between private and public property

Answer: A) The overuse of shared resources leading to their depletion

39. Is it ethical for companies to pollute the environment if they are profitable?

o A) Yes, because profit is the primary goal of businesses

o B) No, businesses have a responsibility to minimize environmental harm

o C) Yes, if it benefits the economy

o D) No, because environmental harm impacts the economy negatively

Answer: B) No, businesses have a responsibility to minimize environmental harm

40. What is the primary ethical concern regarding genetic engineering?

o A) Economic inequality due to the technology

o B) The potential to harm future generations

o C) The development of new forms of entertainment

o D) The regulation of the technology by the state

Answer: B) The potential to harm future generations

Ethics in Technology

41. What is the ethical dilemma associated with AI and automation?

o A) The risk of creating superintelligent machines

o B) The potential for job displacement and social inequality

o C) The use of AI in military applications

o D) The difficulty in programming ethical algorithms

Answer: B) The potential for job displacement and social inequality

42. Is it ethical to use personal data for marketing without consent?

o A) Yes, because it is a legitimate business strategy

o B) No, because it violates individual privacy

o C) Yes, if the data is anonymized

o D) No, because it is not profitable

Answer: B) No, because it violates individual privacy

43. What ethical concern arises from the use of facial recognition technology?

o A) Security breaches

o B) Inaccurate data collection

o C) Privacy invasion and surveillance

 o D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

44. Which is a major ethical issue in the development of autonomous vehicles?

o A) The financial cost of production

o B) Safety and decision-making in moral dilemmas

o C) The legality of self-driving cars

o D) Job losses in the transportation industry

Answer: B) Safety and decision-making in moral dilemmas

45. What is the primary ethical concern about social media platforms?

o A) The control over what people read and see

o B) The negative impact on productivity

o C) The difficulty in regulating content

o D) The personal data collection and privacy issues

Answer: D) The personal data collection and privacy issues

Ethical Leadership

46. Which of the following is a core principle of ethical leadership?

o A) Maximizing profit above all

o B) Fostering trust and respect among employees

o C) Prioritizing personal gain over team success

o D) Following popular opinions to gain followers

Answer: B) Fostering trust and respect among employees

47. Should a leader be transparent about mistakes made in the organization?

o A) No, to protect the reputation of the organization

o B) Yes, to maintain trust and accountability

o C) No, because it could lead to personal consequences

o D) Yes, as long as the public does not find out

Answer: B) Yes, to maintain trust and accountability

48. Is it ethical for a leader to make decisions based solely on what benefits the company’s
bottom line?

o A) Yes, because the company’s success is paramount

 o B) No, because it may compromise moral standards and employee welfare

o C) Yes, because profit benefits everyone in society

o D) No, because the leader’s role is not just about profit

Answer: B) No, because it may compromise moral standards and employee welfare

49. How should a company handle a situation where a leader is caught engaging in unethical
behavior?

o A) Ignore it and focus on company performance

o B) Publicly address the behavior and take corrective action

o C) Fire the leader immediately without further investigation

o D) Offer a monetary settlement to keep the matter quiet

Answer: B) Publicly address the behavior and take corrective action

50. What is the ethical approach when facing a conflict of interest as a leader?

o A) Act in the best interest of the organization, regardless of personal gain

o B) Prioritize personal benefit and ignore potential conflicts

o C) Disclose the conflict and allow others to make decisions

o D) Conceal the conflict to avoid scrutiny

Answer: C) Disclose the conflict and allow others to make decisions