Ethics and Law in Public Service CSM 2015-2016

Questions and Answers

What does Ethical Skepticism imply about moral standards?

Moral standards can vary by individual beliefs.

Moral standards depend on societal acceptance.

It is impossible to definitively state what is morally right or wrong. (correct)

Moral standards are universally applicable.

According to the concept of Moral Conventionalism, what determines the validity of moral standards?

The laws established by governing bodies.

Their acceptance within a specific cultural group. (correct)

The emotional feelings of individuals.

Universal moral principles that apply to all cultures.

What is the primary focus of Relative Ethics compared to Absolute Ethics?

Detachment from cultural influences.

The pursuit of personal happiness.

Empathy and compassion in moral decision-making. (correct)

Strict adherence to a universal moral code.

How does the quote by Plato differentiate between ethics and law?

Law sets minimum standards while ethics sets maximum standards. Signup and view all the answers

What does Moral Intuitionism suggest about moral truths?

Moral truths can be understood through emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the difference between ethics and law?

Ethics is based on personal beliefs, while law is established by a governing authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of relative ethics?

It posits that moral principles depend on context and culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of laws within society?

To maintain order, protect rights, and uphold societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates a situation where an action might be legal but unethical?

Campaigning while out on bail for a serious crime. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes absolute ethics?

It is based on fixed moral principles that apply universally. Signup and view all the answers

How does moral intuitionism differ from other ethical theories?

It suggests that moral truths are perceived through intuitive judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What role do social norms play in shaping ethical behavior?

They help establish a context for what is considered ethical in a community. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ethics from morality in terms of flexibility?

Ethics allow for different interpretations in diverse contexts. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies civil disobedience as an ethical action?

Publicly protesting a law believed to be unjust. Signup and view all the answers

How do morality and ethics differ in their formation?

Morality is shaped by personal beliefs, while ethics is codified in a set of rules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how law and ethics control human conduct?

Law provides strict regulations, while ethics offers guidance based on shared values. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of different ethical approaches, which statement is true about relative ethics?

Relative ethics suggests moral norms can vary across cultures. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates an act that is ethically right but not legally permissible?

A whistleblower exposing corporate fraud despite non-disclosure agreements. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of absolute ethics?

It posits that certain actions are universally right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What primary conflict does the marketing executive face in promoting a harmful product?

Personal environmental values versus company profit objectives. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there numerous ethical disputes in society, despite common ethical norms?

People interpret and apply common norms differently based on individual experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethics vs. Law

Compliance with law alone is insufficient for public servants; ethical sensibility is essential for effective duty performance.
Ethical dilemmas arise when actions that are ethically right can conflict with legal standards.

Examples of Ethical and Legal Conflicts

Ethically Right but Not Legally:
- A whistleblower revealing corporate misconduct acts ethically by promoting transparency, even if it violates non-disclosure agreements.
Legally Right but Not Ethically:
- A politician on bail campaigning reflects legal compliance but raises ethical concerns about integrity and public trust.

Role of Law and Ethics

Both law and ethics regulate human conduct to foster civilized social interaction.
Laws are formal rules enforced by authorities, while ethics are personal beliefs shaped by cultural and societal norms.

Morality vs. Ethics

Nature:
- Morals stem from individual beliefs; ethics arise from shared community standards.
Origin:
- Morality is influenced by personal values; ethics come from codified behavioral guidelines.
Formulation:
- Morals are rigid and deeply ingrained; ethics offer flexibility for interpretation.
Subjectivity:
- Morality is subjective and varies per individual; ethics are more objective and widely applicable.

Ethical Disputes

Ethical disagreements exist due to individual interpretations of shared norms influenced by life experiences.

Examples of Ethical Issues

A marketing executive may see promoting an environmentally harmful product as morally wrong, despite company profit motives.
Capital punishment and abortion are legal yet can be viewed as unethical due to their implications on life.

Key Similarities between Ethics and Law

Both seek to outline acceptable societal behavior and aim to improve community well-being.
Each can help resolve conflicts, often through formal legal processes that incorporate ethical standards.

Ethical Reasoning in Public Service

Relative ethics involve considering individual circumstances, such as granting subsidies to struggling farmers, balancing empathy with strict rule adherence.

Philosophical Perspectives on Morality

Ethical relativism suggests that moral beliefs vary across cultures and contexts, challenging the notion of universal morality.
Moral conventionalism holds that moral standards are valid when accepted by specific cultural groups.
Moral subjectivism claims that moral validity relies on personal choices.
Ethical skepticism questions the ability to define absolute morality.

Overall Distinction between Law and Ethics

Law represents the minimum behavior standards; ethics aspire to higher moral expectations.
Good individuals may not need laws, while those with ill intentions often circumvent them, illustrating Plato's viewpoint on morality and governance.

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Description

This quiz explores the relationship between ethics and law in the context of public service duties. It engages you in a discussion on whether mere legal compliance suffices for effective public service and provides scenarios where actions may differ ethically and legally. You will analyze examples to understand the complexities of ethical conduct in governance.