Ethics and Values System - Chapter Review

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Questions and Answers

What term is used to describe a set of personal principles formalized into a code of behavior?

Moral Code

Behavioral Norm

Value System (correct)

Ethical Standard

What distinguishes intrinsic values from instrumental values?

Intrinsic values are pursued for external benefits.

Intrinsic values are pursued for their own sake. (correct)

Instrumental values are always negative in nature.

Instrumental values are unrelated to personal principles.

What is ethics defined as in the chapter?

A collection of moral beliefs unique to each person

The manner by which individuals try to live by a standard of 'right' or 'wrong' behavior (correct)

A theory explaining individual choices

A set of laws created by society

How are ethical standards typically absorbed by individuals?

By observing examples set by those around them. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a conflict of values?

Lying to protect a loved one's safety. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of a values system?

Common standards shared among individuals regarding behavior Signup and view all the answers

When individuals in a community share similar standards, what term is used to describe this phenomenon?

Value System Signup and view all the answers

What are the three categories of ethical theories mentioned?

Virtue Ethics, Ethics for the Greater Good, and Universal Ethics Signup and view all the answers

How are personal morals primarily formed according to the chapter?

By a mix of upbringing, religion, and societal traditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an instrumental value?

Money Signup and view all the answers

What can complicate the study of ethics?

Situations presenting conflicts of values. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the Golden Rule as presented in the chapter?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how personal morals are influenced?

By a combination of various external influences. Signup and view all the answers

What role does culture play in ethical decision-making?

Culture contributes to attitudes, beliefs, and practices that inform moral judgments Signup and view all the answers

What is ethical relativism as discussed in the chapter?

The concept that ethical principles can change based on cultural context Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence how people define right and wrong according to the chapter?

Personal financial situation Signup and view all the answers

What does universal ethics emphasize as the basis for actions?

Moral ideals and duties Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential flaw in universal ethics?

It leads to accountability issues for actions taken Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical relativism imply about moral principles?

They are determined by societal traditions and circumstances Signup and view all the answers

How does ethical relativism differ from strict ethical guidelines?

It embraces ambiguity and context-based morality Signup and view all the answers

What is an ethical dilemma?

A scenario with no clear right or wrong decision Signup and view all the answers

What is applied ethics concerned with?

Implementing ethical theories in real-life situations Signup and view all the answers

What does the assumption of ethical theory state regarding individual choices?

They are under the control of the individual or community Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do idealized sets of principles face according to ethical theories?

They encounter dilemmas that complicate decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is often considered the outcome of an ethical dilemma?

The lesser of two evils Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the three-step process for solving an ethical problem?

Analyze the consequences Signup and view all the answers

According to Arthur Dobrin, which of the following questions does NOT belong in the process of resolving an ethical dilemma?

What is the most popular opinion? Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is made about the process of resolving an ethical dilemma?

There is sufficient time for contemplation. Signup and view all the answers

Ethical reasoning involves what primary action?

Looking at information to draw conclusions based on ethical standards Signup and view all the answers

In ethical dilemma resolution, why is it important to consider alternative resolutions?

To provide a basis for ethical comparison Signup and view all the answers

What can influence a person's perspective on an ethical dilemma?

The cultural background of the individual Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a challenge in ethical decision-making?

The likelihood of personal suffering from decisions Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Stage 5: Social contract legalistic orientation?

Evaluation of right and wrong through societal scrutiny. Signup and view all the answers

In Stage 6: Universal ethical principle orientation, ethical decisions are based on what?

Self-chosen ethical principles reflecting personal values. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't a person move beyond their current stage in Kohlberg's framework?

The moral dilemmas are beyond their life experience and education. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kohlberg's framework primarily help to clarify?

The process of ethical reasoning and decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

In Stage 5, what serves as the basis for determining what is right or wrong?

Rigorous assessment and examination of societal standards. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Preconventional level of moral development?

Right and wrong are determined by punishment or reward. Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's Stage 3 of moral development, individuals are motivated by which of the following?

Meeting family members' expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Stage 4: Law-and-order orientation?

Understanding the significance of societal behavior codes. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of moral development emphasizes individualism and self-interest?

Preconventional Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the essence of Level 3: Postconventional moral development?

Principles and values reflect individual ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation?

Driven by compliance to external authority. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates Stage 2 from Stage 1 in Kohlberg's framework?

Stage 2 focuses on satisfying personal needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages involves individuals conforming to societal codes of behavior?

Stage 4 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Summary

Ethics defines "right" and "wrong" behavior, exploring how personal moral standards form.
Society shapes moral standards through traditions and customs, creating values systems.
Ethical theories include virtue ethics, ethics for the greater good, and universal ethics.
Ethical relativism, applied ethics, ethical dilemmas, and their resolution are discussed.

Learning Outcome 1: Defining Ethics

Ethics guides behavior based on "right" or "wrong" standards, encompassing thought and action.
Factors influencing ethical viewpoints include upbringing, religion, and societal traditions.
Society is a structured community with shared traditions and customs.

Learning Outcome 2: Role of Values in Ethical Decision Making

Moral standards are principles guiding judgments about good or bad behavior based on religious, cultural, or philosophical beliefs.
Culture is a set of shared beliefs, attitudes, and practices within a specific group.
Beliefs about right and wrong derive from various sources, like friends and family.

Learning Outcome 3: Opposing Ethical Theories and Limitations

Ethical theories are grouped into virtue ethics, ethics for the greater good, and universal ethics.
Virtue ethics focuses on living a life of moral excellence.
Ethics for the greater good prioritizes outcomes benefiting the most people.
Universal ethics emphasizes principles that apply universally.

Learning Outcome 4: Discussion on Ethical Relativism

Ethical relativism posits that societal traditions, personal opinions, and current circumstances define ethics.
Relativism offers flexibility but may lack consistent principles.

Learning Outcome 5: Ethical Dilemmas and Resolution Processes

Applied ethics studies how ethical theories apply in practice.
Ethical dilemmas present situations with multiple "right" answers, focusing on choosing the "lesser of two evils."
Resolving ethical dilemmas involves analyzing consequences and actions, and making well-reasoned decisions.
Methods for resolving ethical dilemmas involve a three-step process–analyzing consequences of actions, analyzing actions themselves, and making a final decision.
Key considerations for resolving ethical dilemmas, as suggested by Arthur Dobrin: examining available facts, considering potential perspectives, evaluating feelings, considering possible outcomes, and justifying choices.
Ethical reasoning explains decision-making based on available information and ethical standards.
Kohlberg's stages of moral development describe how ethical reasoning evolves over a person's life.

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Description

Test your understanding of ethics and values as outlined in this chapter. The quiz covers key terms, concepts, and theories related to ethical decision-making, intrinsic versus instrumental values, and the influence of culture on morals. Prepare to explore the complexities of ethical standards and their applications in different scenarios.