Civics Polity
Ethical Theories and Philosophy
2,350 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 a key idea of the Enlightenment?
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The power of human reason
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The importance of tradition
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The need for a strong monarchy
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The supremacy of the church
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Enlightenment was characterized by a belief in the power of human reason to understand the world and improve society.
Moral beliefs are typically based on:
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Faith
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Reason
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Experience
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Tradition
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Moral beliefs are typically based on reason. This means that they are based on our understanding of what is right and wrong, and why it is right or wrong.
What is the central idea of the concept of justice in African philosophy?
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Individual rights and liberties
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Social harmony and collective well-being
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Retribution and punishment
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Fairness and equality
B
Correct answer
Explanation
In African philosophy, justice is primarily understood as the maintenance of social harmony and the well-being of the community as a whole, rather than the protection of individual rights and liberties.
Which African philosophical concept emphasizes the importance of dialogue and consensus-building in decision-making?
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Ubuntu
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Ifa
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Ashanti
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Palaver
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Palaver is a West African term that refers to a traditional form of dialogue and consensus-building in which community members come together to discuss and resolve issues.
Which African philosophical concept emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility and collective action in addressing social issues?
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Ubuntu
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Ifa
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Ashanti
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Palaver
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Ubuntu emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility and collective action in addressing social issues, as it recognizes that the well-being of the community depends on the contributions of all its members.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the nature of God?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Categorical imperative
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the nature of God is divine command theory.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the nature of human reason?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Categorical imperative
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the nature of human reason is natural law theory.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the consequences of actions?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Utilitarianism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the consequences of actions is utilitarianism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the intentions of the agent?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Deontology
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the intentions of the agent is deontology.
What is the term used to describe the idea that there are no objective moral values?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Moral nihilism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that there are no objective moral values is moral nihilism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the emotions?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Emotivism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the emotions is emotivism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the will of the majority?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Majoritarianism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the will of the majority is majoritarianism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the traditions of a particular culture?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Cultural relativism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the traditions of a particular culture is cultural relativism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the survival of the fittest?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Social Darwinism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the survival of the fittest is social Darwinism.
What is the term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the intuition of the individual?
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Divine command theory
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Natural law theory
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Euthyphro dilemma
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Intuitionism
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The term used to describe the idea that objective moral values are based on the intuition of the individual is intuitionism.