Ethics Quiz

If it rains, the ground will be wet. The ground is wet. Therefore, it rained. What is the flaw in the reasoning of this argument?

• It assumes a necessary condition is also a sufficient condition, which is a logical error.

• It commits the fallacy of affirming the consequent, which does not guarantee the conclusion.

• It improperly concludes a causal relationship without eliminating other potential causes.

• The argument violates the rules of modus tollens by assuming the contrapositive without evidence.

Act utilitarianism differs from rule utilitarianism in that:

• Act utilitarianism evaluates individual actions, while rule utilitarianism suggests adherence to general rules.

• Rule utilitarianism prioritizes following moral rules, while act utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing happiness.

• Act utilitarianism is concerned with maximizing overall utility, while rule utilitarianism aims for personal satisfaction.

• Act utilitarianism is a form of deontological ethics, while rule utilitarianism is based on virtue ethics.

According to Kantian ethics, hypothetical imperatives:

• Are absolute moral commands applicable to all situations.

• Are conditional commands based on achieving specific goals.

• Are subjective judgments about what is morally right or wrong.

• Are moral principles derived from social contracts.

Rawls' original position behind the veil of ignorance serves to:

• Emphasize the importance of individual liberties in society.

• Ensure fairness by preventing individuals from knowing their own social status.

• Promote utilitarian principles over deontological ethics.

• Justify the authority of the state in enforcing moral laws.

What is one key criticism of social contract theory?

• It overlooks the role of consent in forming moral obligations.

• It relies too heavily on consequentialist reasoning.

• It neglects individual autonomy in decision-making.

• It prioritizes virtue ethics over other ethical frameworks.

In Ross' ethical theory, prima facie duties:

• Are absolute moral commands that must always be followed.

• Are conditional duties that depend on specific circumstances.

• Are derived from the Greatest Happiness Principle.

• Are concerned solely with maximizing individual pleasure.

Which of the following are the two primary ways to evaluate a philosophical argument

• Relevance and Coherence

• Clarity and Precision

• Soundness and Validity

• Persuasion and Simplicity

If it rains tomorrow, the soccer game will be canceled, but we know the game is still scheduled as planned. This suggests that the weather forecast predicting rain might be inaccurate. In any case, the soccer game not being canceled implies that it won’t rain tomorrow. What is the conclusion of this argument?

• The soccer game is still scheduled as planned.

• The weather forecast predicting rain might be inaccurate.

• The soccer game not being canceled implies that it won’t rain tomorrow.

• It won’t rain tomorrow.

Bob claims that democracy is the best form of government because the will of the people is paramount. When asked why the will of the people should be paramount, the author responds that it is because democracy values the will of the people above all else. What is the flaw in this reasoning?

• The premise is unsubstantiated.

• It is circular reasoning.

• It assumes that the will of the people is inherently good without justification.

• It is a hypothetical imperative as opposed to a categorical one.

One critique of utilitarianism is that it:

• Prioritizes individual autonomy over societal welfare.

• Fails to provide clear guidelines for moral action.

• Neglects the importance of maximizing overall happiness.

• Can lead to a tyranny of the majority