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

Multiple choice

What is the Cārvāka view of morality?

  1. Morality is based on religious beliefs.

  2. Morality is based on social customs.

  3. Morality is based on personal desires.

  4. Morality is based on reason.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Cārvākas believe that morality is based on personal desires. They believe that people should do what they want to do, as long as it does not harm others.

Multiple choice

What is the Cārvāka view of morality?

  1. Morality is based on religious beliefs.

  2. Morality is based on social customs.

  3. Morality is based on personal desires.

  4. Morality is based on reason.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Cārvākas believe that morality is based on personal desires. They believe that people should do what they want to do, as long as it does not harm others.

Multiple choice

What is the term for the set of beliefs and values that a society holds about what is right and wrong?

  1. Social norms

  2. Moral values

  3. Cultural values

  4. Ethical principles
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Social norms are the set of beliefs and values that a society holds about what is right and wrong.

Multiple choice

Which ethical theory posits that moral properties are objective and independent of human beliefs, attitudes, or emotions?

  1. Moral Realism

  2. Moral Non-Realism

  3. Moral Relativism

  4. Moral Nihilism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Realism asserts that moral properties exist independently of human minds and are objective truths.

Multiple choice

According to Moral Non-Realism, what is the status of moral properties?

  1. Objective and mind-independent

  2. Subjective and mind-dependent

  3. Relative to cultures and societies

  4. Non-existent
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Non-Realism maintains that moral properties are subjective and depend on individual beliefs, attitudes, or emotions.

Multiple choice

What is the primary argument put forth by Moral Realists to support the objectivity of moral properties?

  1. Moral intuitions

  2. Cross-cultural similarities in moral beliefs

  3. Evolutionary explanations of morality

  4. The existence of moral disagreements
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Realists often appeal to the existence of moral intuitions, which are innate and universal moral beliefs, as evidence for the objectivity of moral properties.

Multiple choice

Which ethical theory holds that moral properties are relative to cultures, societies, or individuals?

  1. Moral Realism

  2. Moral Non-Realism

  3. Moral Relativism

  4. Moral Nihilism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Relativism asserts that moral properties are relative to the beliefs, values, and norms of particular cultures or individuals.

Multiple choice

According to Moral Relativism, what is the basis for determining the rightness or wrongness of an action?

  1. Objective moral principles

  2. Cultural norms and values

  3. Personal preferences and desires

  4. Divine commands
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Relativists maintain that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the moral standards and values accepted within a particular culture or society.

Multiple choice

Which ethical theory asserts that there are no objective moral properties and that all moral judgments are ultimately meaningless?

  1. Moral Realism

  2. Moral Non-Realism

  3. Moral Relativism

  4. Moral Nihilism
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Nihilism posits that there are no objective moral properties and that all moral judgments are ultimately meaningless and without foundation.

Multiple choice

According to Moral Nihilism, what is the status of moral statements?

  1. They are objectively true or false

  2. They are subjectively true or false

  3. They are neither true nor false

  4. They are true or false depending on the context
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Moral Nihilists maintain that moral statements are neither objectively true nor false, but rather are devoid of any truth value.

Multiple choice

What is moral desert?

  1. The idea that we deserve to be rewarded or punished for our actions.

  2. The idea that we deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

  3. The idea that we deserve to have our rights protected.

  4. All of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Moral desert is the idea that we deserve to be rewarded or punished for our actions, to be treated with respect and dignity, and to have our rights protected.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of moral desert?

  1. Being rewarded for our hard work.

  2. Being punished for our crimes.

  3. Being treated with respect and dignity.

  4. All of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above are examples of moral desert, because they are all things that we deserve to receive based on our actions or our status as human beings.

Multiple choice

What are some of the implications of moral luck for our moral theories?

  1. Moral theories should focus on promoting fairness and equality.

  2. Moral theories should focus on promoting individual responsibility.

  3. Moral theories should focus on promoting both fairness and equality and individual responsibility.

  4. Moral theories should focus on promoting neither fairness and equality nor individual responsibility.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Moral theories should focus on promoting both fairness and equality and individual responsibility, because both of these are important aspects of morality.

Multiple choice

What are some of the challenges to developing a moral theory that can account for both moral luck and moral desert?

  1. The challenge of defining what counts as moral luck and moral desert.

  2. The challenge of weighing moral luck and moral desert against each other.

  3. The challenge of developing a theory that is both fair and just.

  4. All of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above are challenges to developing a moral theory that can account for both moral luck and moral desert.

Multiple choice

Despite the challenges, why is it important to develop a moral theory that can account for both moral luck and moral desert?

  1. Because it is necessary for a just and fair society.

  2. Because it is necessary for a society that is both fair and just.

  3. Because it is necessary for a society that is both fair and just and that respects individual responsibility.

  4. All of the above.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

All of the above are reasons why it is important to develop a moral theory that can account for both moral luck and moral desert.