Civics Polity
Ethical Theories and Philosophy
2,306 Questions
Ethical theories and philosophy explore concepts such as Kantianism, virtue ethics, and altruism. This area examines how moral compasses are developed and how individual conscience guides decision making. It forms a vital part of general studies and civil services aptitude tests.
Kantian ethicsVirtue ethicsMoral developmentAltruism theoriesJustice and fairness
Ethical Theories and Philosophy Questions
Which of the following is NOT a type of virtue according to the virtue theory?
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Intellectual virtues
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Moral virtues
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Theological virtues
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Cardinal virtues
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Theological virtues are virtues that are related to God, and are not considered to be part of the virtue theory of the good life.
Which theory emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature and the need to respect and preserve it for its own sake?
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Social Ecology
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Deep Ecology
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Environmental Ethics
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Sustainable Development
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Deep Ecology is a philosophy that emphasizes the inherent worth and value of all living beings, regardless of their usefulness to humans. It advocates for the preservation of natural ecosystems and the recognition of the interconnectedness of all life.
Which theory argues that humans are fundamentally separate from nature and have the right to use and exploit natural resources for their own benefit?
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Anthropocentrism
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Biocentrism
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Ecocentrism
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Technocentrism
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Anthropocentrism is a worldview that places humans at the center of the universe and considers nature as a resource to be exploited for human benefit. It often leads to a disregard for the intrinsic value of nature and the consequences of human actions on the environment.
Which theory of business ethics emphasizes the importance of maximizing shareholder wealth?
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Stakeholder theory
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Shareholder theory
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Shareholder theory is a normative theory of business ethics that holds that the primary responsibility of a corporation is to maximize the wealth of its shareholders.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and principles?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Social contract theory
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Deontological ethics is a normative theory of ethics that holds that the morality of an action is determined by whether it conforms to a moral rule or principle, regardless of the consequences.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of individuals?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Rights theory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Rights theory is a normative theory of ethics that holds that the morally right action is the one that respects the rights of individuals.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of caring for the environment?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Environmental ethics
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Environmental ethics is a normative theory of ethics that focuses on the moral relationship between humans and the environment.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of promoting social justice?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Social justice theory
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Social justice theory is a normative theory of ethics that focuses on promoting social justice.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of non-violence and compassion in business?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Jainism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Jainism is an Indian religion that emphasizes the importance of non-violence and compassion in business.
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of developing a balanced and harmonious life in business?
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Utilitarianism
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Deontological ethics
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Virtue ethics
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Confucianism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Confucianism is a Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the importance of developing a balanced and harmonious life in business.
The idea that good and evil are not absolute, but rather subjective and dependent on individual perspectives, is known as:
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Dualism
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Monism
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Pluralism
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Relativism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Relativism is the idea that good and evil are not absolute, but rather subjective and dependent on individual perspectives.
Which of the following is a reductionist explanation of the phenomenon of morality?
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Morality is a product of society.
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Morality is a product of culture.
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Morality is a product of religion.
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Morality is a product of the universe.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
A reductionist explanation of the phenomenon of morality would be that morality is a product of society. This explanation would reduce morality to the laws of sociology.
Which of the following is an anti-reductionist explanation of the phenomenon of morality?
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Morality is a product of society.
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Morality is a product of culture.
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Morality is a product of religion.
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Morality is a product of the universe.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
An anti-reductionist explanation of the phenomenon of morality would be that morality is a product of the universe. This explanation would not reduce morality to the laws of sociology.
How does the concept of cosmic consciousness influence ethical and moral behavior in Vedic texts?
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It promotes ethical conduct and compassion towards all beings
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It encourages selfishness and disregard for others
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It has no impact on ethical and moral behavior
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It leads to a sense of superiority and entitlement
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Cosmic consciousness cultivates ethical conduct and compassion towards all beings, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of all life.
How did the encounter with Western philosophy influence Eastern conceptions of ethics and morality?
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It led to the adoption of Western moral codes in Eastern societies.
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It prompted a re-evaluation of traditional Eastern ethical values.
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It resulted in the rejection of Eastern ethical philosophies.
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It had no impact on Eastern conceptions of ethics and morality.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The encounter with Western philosophy led Eastern philosophers to question traditional ethical values and norms, prompting a re-evaluation of the foundations of morality and the role of reason in ethical decision-making.