Question 1

______ theory is best applied to democratic societies.

Accepted Answer

Justice as fairness, a theory proposed by John Rawls, is best applied to democratic societies. The theory emphasizes the importance of distributing opportunities and resources fairly, particularly for the benefit of those who are disadvantaged. In a democratic society, policies and decisions should be made with the goal of improving the overall welfare of society while respecting individual rights and liberties. This aligns with Rawls' principles of justice, which prioritize equal basic liberties, fair equality of opportunity, and the difference principle (which allows for inequality as long as it benefits the least advantaged members of society).

Question 2

Pragmatism was the dominant philosophical movement in the United States from the Civil War through World War II.

Accepted Answer

Pragmatism emerged as a dominant philosophical movement in the United States in the late 19th century and remained influential until the mid-20th century. Its proponents included figures such as William James, John Dewey, and Charles Sanders Peirce.

Question 3

What is it called when an individual practices mental imagination of a decision for the purpose of visualizing how a decision might play out?

Accepted Answer

This process is called dramatic rehearsal, where an individual imagines the decision in a detailed and vivid way to understand the potential outcomes.

Question 4

______ was the dominant philosophical movement in the United States from the Civil War through World War II.

Accepted Answer

Pragmatism emerged as the dominant philosophical movement in the US during the late 19th and early 20th century. It emphasized practicality, experience, and experimentation over theoretical and abstract concepts. This philosophy was influential in fields such as education, politics, and science.

Question 5

Which of the following was not part of Virginia Held's model?

Accepted Answer

All of the other options (A, B, and C) are part of Virginia Held's model of Care Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and the responsibility to care for others. However, the model also values integrity, as a core aspect of fulfilling one's responsibilities and obligation to others.

Question 6

According to ______, each person has an equal right to the same basic liberties that are compatible with similar liberties for all.

Accepted Answer

This principle is known as the "equal basic liberties principle" and is a key component of Rawls' theory of justice, outlined in his work "A Theory of Justice."

Question 7

Utilitarianism seeks to minimize harm for the greatest number of people.

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism seeks to maximize happiness or utility for the greatest number of people, not specifically to minimize harm.

Question 8

Differences in status, wealth, and ability disappear behind the ______.

Accepted Answer

The phrase "veil of ignorance" refers to a thought experiment used in John Rawls' political philosophy. It suggests that if individuals were to build a just society from scratch, they should do so from behind a veil of ignorance where they do not know their social status, wealth or natural abilities. This ensures that all individuals are treated fairly and equitably, without prejudice towards those with more advantages.

Question 9

In the event of large-scale medical emergencies, a medical staff may need to make tough decisions on who should be prioritized for medical care based on a patient's likelihood to survive. This is an example of which ethical approach?

Accepted Answer

This scenario represents a utilitarian approach, as the medical staff must prioritize care based on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In other words, they must make decisions that will save the most lives possible with the resources available. Altruism would focus solely on the well-being of the individual patient, while Kant's categorical imperative and justice as fairness do not necessarily provide specific guidance for prioritizing care in emergency situations.

Question 10

______ are compassionate individuals who absorb other's pain, helping them confront and overcome their negative feelings to go forward.

Accepted Answer

Toxin handlers are compassionate individuals who absorb other people's pain, helping them confront and overcome their negative feelings to move forward. They play a crucial role in organizations by managing and detoxifying the harmful emotional undercurrents that can exist, thus preventing negative impacts on productivity and morale.

Question 11

______ altruistic behaviors include providing training, technical assistance, and mentoring.

Accepted Answer

Providing training, technical assistance, and mentoring are examples of individual-focused altruistic behaviors. These actions are targeted towards benefiting and empowering individuals rather than organizations, groups, or society as a whole.

Question 12

______ altruistic behaviors include making contributions to promote social welfare, reducing pollution, ensuring product safety, and maintaining customer satisfaction.

Accepted Answer

Societal-focused altruistic behaviors benefit society as a whole, rather than just individuals, groups, or organizations. Examples include actions that contribute to social welfare, reduce pollution, ensure product safety, and maintain customer satisfaction, all of which have a positive impact on society.

Question 13

Altruism appears to be a universal value.

Accepted Answer

Altruism, or the belief in selfless concern for others, is found in many cultures and societies around the world. It is often seen as a positive value and is encouraged as a way to build stronger communities and promote empathy and kindness. While there may be variations in how it is expressed or prioritized, the concept of altruism is widely recognized and valued across different cultures.

Question 14

______ altruistic attitudes and actions include demonstrating commitment and loyalty, protecting organizational resources, and whistleblowing.

Accepted Answer

Organizational-focused altruistic attitudes and actions refer to behaviors that prioritize the well-being and success of the organization as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual or societal concerns. Demonstrating commitment and loyalty, protecting resources, and whistleblowing are all examples of organizational-focused behaviors.

Question 15

______ altruistic behaviors include team building, participative group decision-making, and minority advancement programs.

Accepted Answer

Group-focused behaviors are those that benefit the group as a whole, rather than any individual member. Team building, participative group decision-making, and minority advancement programs are all examples of group-focused behaviors.

Question 16

According to ______, what is right for one is right for all.

Accepted Answer

Kant's ethical theory is based on the idea of universalization, which means that an action is morally acceptable if its maxim (or principle) can be applied as a universal law. In other words, what is right for one person is right for all people in similar situations. This principle is often called the "categorical imperative" and is a central part of Kant's ethical theory.

Question 17

One of the cautions of pragmatism lacks a ______.

Accepted Answer

Pragmatism lacks a moral compass, which is a set of principles that guide one's actions.

Question 18

What do utilitarianism and the categorical imperative have in common?

Accepted Answer

Both utilitarianism and the categorical imperative involve the application of universal rules or principles to specific situations. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness, while the categorical imperative emphasizes acting only according to a maxim that could be made into a universal law. Both approaches seek to establish guidelines for ethical behavior that can be applied consistently across different contexts.

Question 19

Jeremy Bentham is one of the theorists associated with altruism.

Accepted Answer

Jeremy Bentham is not commonly associated with altruism. He is more closely linked to utilitarianism, which emphasizes maximizing happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people.

Question 20

Which ethical approach may focus on an individual being duty bound?

Accepted Answer

Kant's categorical imperative focuses on an individual being duty bound regardless of personal desires or outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of doing what is morally right not based on personal interests or emotions, but rather on principles that are universally applicable.

Quiz 5: Ethical Perspectives