Ethics: Concepts and Branches
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between normative ethics and deontology?

  • Normative ethics deals with individual morality, while deontology focuses on societal morality.
  • Normative ethics is concerned with the rightness or wrongness of actions, while deontology focuses on the motivations behind actions.
  • Normative ethics examines the nature of good and bad, while deontology explores the idea of justice and fairness.
  • Normative ethics focuses on the consequences of actions, while deontology focuses on the adherence to rules and duties. (correct)

    • What is the primary source of the word "ethics"?

  • Latin
  • Greek (correct)
  • French
  • English

    • Which of these situations best exemplifies the ethical dilemma posed by deontology?

  • A salesperson deciding whether to exaggerate the benefits of a product to make a sale.
  • A journalist deciding whether to publish information that could harm a public figure but is in the public interest.
  • A doctor choosing between two patients for a life-saving treatment, considering their likelihood of survival.
  • A teacher facing a student who cheated on an exam and has to decide on the appropriate punishment. (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT a core question addressed by ethics?

    <p>What is the meaning of life? (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key difference between the two scenarios provided in the text?

    <p>The first scenario presents a conflict between ethics and practicality, while the second scenario emphasizes the importance of following legal obligations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main ethical challenge faced by a doctor in the first scenario?

    <p>Choosing which patient has a higher chance of survival and allocating the remaining ventilator accordingly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest is a potential consequence of exposing the mayor's corruption?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best represents the ethos of a doctor?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of applied ethics?

    <p>Practical application of moral considerations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of ethics specifically deals with moral implications in healthcare and biological research?

    <p>Bioethics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does environmental ethics primarily concern itself with?

    <p>Impact of human actions on non-human life (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key goal of business ethics?

    <p>Ensuring fair treatment of stakeholders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Legal ethics primarily ensures what within the legal profession?

    <p>Public trust in the legal system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the responsibilities of civil engineers related to public safety?

    <p>Maintaining rigorous standards to prevent failures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area of ethics combines insights from various fields to address moral implications?

    <p>Applied ethics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant aspect of bioethics?

    <p>Balancing scientific progress with ethical values (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is crucial for civil engineers to maintain public trust?

    <p>Ethical behavior (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is environmental stewardship important for civil engineers?

    <p>It ensures decisions protect natural resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do ethical guidelines affect a civil engineer's work with clients and society?

    <p>They define responsibilities and accountability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does compliance with laws play in civil engineering ethics?

    <p>It ensures projects meet established standards (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason for promoting transparency in civil engineering?

    <p>To prevent corruption and conflicts of interest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of professional responsibility in civil engineering?

    <p>Evading legal compliance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can ethical behavior in civil engineering influence project sustainability?

    <p>By ensuring long-term environmental impacts are considered (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the impact of ethical engineering practices on stakeholders?

    <p>They enhance engagement and support from stakeholders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In consequentialist theories, what is primarily considered when determining if an action is morally right?

    <p>The outcomes produced by the action (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical framework emphasizes the importance of moral character and virtues?

    <p>Virtue Ethics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the scenario where a pharmaceutical company has created a life-saving drug, what is the primary ethical dilemma faced by the CEO?

    <p>Choosing a pricing strategy that affects access to the drug (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential consequence might occur if a scandal involving a public figure becomes public, according to the text?

    <p>Unrest and economic decline (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental belief of virtue ethics regarding moral actions?

    <p>They should be performed by individuals possessing and acting according to virtues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the journalist's scenario, what is the primary ethical challenge faced when considering whether to publish the scandal?

    <p>Balancing public interest against individual reputation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to consequentialism, what is the primary measure of the moral worth of an action?

    <p>The consequences and results of the action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a potential result of releasing unverified information about a public figure?

    <p>Public outrage and damage to the individual’s reputation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What potential risks are associated with publishing a story based on questionable allegations?

    <p>Causing public outrage and damaging reputations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does meta-ethics primarily investigate?

    <p>The nature and meaning of ethical terms and concepts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements aligns with moral realism?

    <p>Moral truths exist independently of human beliefs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a debate, what position would a moral anti-realist typically hold?

    <p>Moral statements reflect personal attitudes or cultural norms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When discussing moral relativism, what is a critical issue raised during debates?

    <p>The validity of cultural perspectives on morality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a consequence of prioritizing speed in publishing an ethically dubious story?

    <p>Undermining journalistic ethics and accuracy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'moral objectivism' suggest?

    <p>Moral truths exist independently of individuals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What central question arises from discussing the morality of actions like torture?

    <p>Is torture always considered morally wrong regardless of context? (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main belief of moral cognitivism?

    <p>Moral statements can be true or false. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a moral non-cognitivist view moral statements?

    <p>They express the speaker’s emotions or attitudes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of moral naturalism, what is 'goodness' viewed as?

    <p>An observable natural property. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes moral non-naturalism from moral naturalism?

    <p>Moral non-naturalism claims moral properties cannot be reduced to natural observations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When Alex, the moral cognitivist, states, 'Stealing is wrong,' what does he imply?

    <p>There exists an objective moral fact about stealing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the statement 'Stealing is wrong' from a non-cognitivist perspective?

    <p>It is merely an expression of disapproval. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might someone argue that moral statements are not propositions?

    <p>They do not relate to scientific observations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a major criticism of moral non-cognitivism?

    <p>It cannot explain why moral disagreements exist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Ethics

    Branch of philosophy that studies morality and duties.

    Normative Ethics

    Explores how people ought to act and moral standards to follow.

    Deontology

    Ethical theory that judges actions based on adherence to rules.

    Mores

    Latin word meaning customs or practices affecting behavior.

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    Consequentialism

    Ethical theory that judges actions based on their outcomes.

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    Kantian Ethics

    A deontological framework proposed by Immanuel Kant.

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    Moral Dilemma

    A situation requiring a choice between conflicting ethical principles.

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    Duty

    An obligation to act in a certain way, often rooted in ethics.

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    Tarnish Reputation

    Publishing a story can harm an individual's reputation and work.

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    Public Interest

    The principle that the public has a right to know true information.

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    Meta-Ethics

    The study of the nature and meaning of ethical terms and principles.

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    Moral Realism

    The belief that objective moral facts exist independently of human beliefs.

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    Moral Anti-Realism

    The belief that moral values are constructed and not objective truths.

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    Moral Relativism

    The idea that morality varies between cultures and societies.

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    Objective Morality

    Belief in moral standards that are applicable to all individuals, regardless of context.

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    Cultural Perspective

    The notion that values are influenced by cultural beliefs and practices.

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    Virtue Ethics

    An ethical theory emphasizing moral character and virtues in moral philosophy.

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    Moral Character

    The qualities or traits that define an individual’s ethical behavior and judgment.

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    Ethical Dilemma

    A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between conflicting moral principles.

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    Scandal Reporting

    Journalistic practice of covering information that reveals wrongdoing, often with reputational risks.

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    Pricing Strategy

    The method companies use to price their products, considering costs and market conditions.

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    Cognitivism

    The view that moral statements can be true or false propositions.

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    Non-Cognitivism

    The view that moral statements express emotions or attitudes, not truths.

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    Moral Language

    Expressions used to discuss moral beliefs, such as good, bad, right, or wrong.

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    Moral Cognitivist

    Someone who believes moral statements express beliefs about moral facts that can be true or false.

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    Moral Non-Cognitivist

    Someone who believes moral statements are not factual but expressions of disapproval or feelings.

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    Moral Properties

    Characteristics that define what is good or bad, right or wrong.

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    Naturalism

    The belief that moral properties can be observed and studied like natural facts.

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    Non-Naturalism

    The belief that moral properties are not natural and cannot be reduced to natural terms.

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    Applied Ethics

    Practical application of moral considerations to specific issues or fields.

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    Bioethics

    Examines moral implications of medical practices and healthcare policies.

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    Environmental Ethics

    Ethical considerations regarding human impact on the environment.

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    Business Ethics

    Ensures fair and respectful business operations for stakeholders.

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    Legal Ethics

    Ethical responsibilities of lawyers to clients and the public.

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    Public Safety

    Civil engineers' responsibility in constructing safe infrastructure.

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    Moral Responsibilities

    Obligations toward protecting and preserving the environment.

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    Societal Norms

    Moral values that align with scientific progress and innovation.

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    Trust in Civil Engineering

    The reliance of public, clients, and stakeholders on engineers' ethical behavior and integrity.

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    Environmental Stewardship

    Responsibility of engineers to protect natural resources and promote sustainability in projects.

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    Compliance with Laws

    Commitment to adhere to local, national, and international regulations in engineering.

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    Professional Responsibility

    Understanding and honoring obligations to clients, employers, and society in engineering work.

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    Continuous Learning

    Ongoing education and skill development required for engineers to maintain competence.

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    Corruption Prevention

    Ethical principles that help avoid bribery and conflicts of interest in civil engineering.

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    Public Trust

    The confidence that the community has in engineers acting with integrity and transparency.

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    Decision-Making Ethics

    Guiding ethical considerations that influence decisions affecting public resources and the environment.

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    Study Notes

    Defining Ethics

    • The word "ethics" originates from the Greek word "ethos" (character) and the Latin word "mores" (customs).
    • In law, ethics defines how individuals interact with each other.
    • In philosophy, ethics defines what is good for individuals and society, establishing duties people owe themselves and one another.

    Branches of Ethics

    Normative Ethics

    • Normative ethics examines how people should act and the moral standards they should follow. It sets the criteria for right and wrong.

    Deontology

    • Deontology focuses on duties and rules, emphasizing actions' inherent rightness or wrongness, regardless of consequences.
    • Example: Telling the truth is always right, even if it has unfavorable outcomes.
    • Prominent figures in deontology include Immanuel Kant.

    Consequentialism

    • Consequentialism judges actions based on their outcomes.
    • An action is morally right if it leads to ideal outcomes or the greatest overall good.

    Virtue Ethics

    • Virtue ethics emphasizes moral character and virtues.
    • Actions are morally right if executed by a virtuous person, adhering to positive character traits like courage, honesty, compassion, and wisdom.

    Meta-Ethics

    • Meta-ethics investigates the nature, scope, and meaning of ethical terms, concepts, and principles.
    • It analyzes the foundations of ethical theories and the essence of morality.

    Moral Realism vs. Anti-Realism

    • Moral Realism posits that objective moral facts exist independently of human beliefs.
    • Anti-Realism argues that moral values aren't objective truths but are instead derived from human constructs like preferences, cultural norms, or social agreements.

    Moral Cognitivism vs. Non-Cognitivism

    • Moral Cognitivism assumes that moral statements (e.g., "lying is wrong") are propositions that can be either true or false.
    • Moral Non-Cognitivism asserts that moral statements aren't propositions with truth values but instead express emotions, commands, or attitudes.

    Moral Naturalism vs. Non-Naturalism

    • Moral Naturalism suggests that moral properties, like "goodness," are natural properties observable and studied similarly to other scientific phenomena.
    • Moral Non-Naturalism proposes that moral properties aren't natural and can't be reduced to natural elements or empirically observed.

    Applied Ethics

    Bioethics

    • Bioethics examines ethical issues related to healthcare, medicine, and biological sciences.
    • It analyzes the moral implications of medical practices, healthcare policies, and biomedical research, aligning scientific advancements with moral values.

    Environmental Ethics

    • Environmental ethics considers ethical responsibilities toward the environment.
    • It explores how human actions impact the environment and the ethical considerations involved in protecting and preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and non-human life.

    Business Ethics

    • Business ethics applies ethical principles to commercial activities and industries
    • It ensures fairness, justice, and respect for stakeholders within business operations.
    • Legal ethics guides legal professionals' moral conduct.
    • It involves duties to clients, courts, and the public and promotes professional standards in the legal profession.

    Importance of Ethics to Civil Engineers (CEs)

    • Public Safety and Welfare: CEs are accountable for designing and building infrastructure critical to daily life (bridges, roads, etc), thus rigorous standards and practices are essential to prevent accidents, deaths and damage.
    • Trust and Reputation: Ethical conduct builds public trust among stakeholders.
    • Environmental Stewardship: Ethical CEs consider long term environmental impacts in their decision-making
    • Compliance with Laws and Regulations: CEs must adhere to local, national and international laws and regulations, regardless of cost or expediency
    • Professional Responsibility and Accountability: Ethical guidelines assist CEs in understanding their responsibilities to clients, employers and the public.
    • Prevention of Corruption and Conflicts of Interest: Engineers need ethical frameworks to deal honestly and fairly with financial implications which can lead to conflicts of interest.

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    Related Documents

    Understanding Ethics PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of ethics, including its origins and various branches such as normative ethics, deontology, consequentialism, and virtue ethics. Understand the principles that guide moral behavior and the key figures associated with these theories.

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