GE 8 - Ethics - Midterm Activity #2

Which of the following is considered the primary determinant of morality?

• Intention

• Object

• Circumstances

• Consequences

Answer explanation

The 'Object' is considered the primary determinant of morality because it refers to the nature of the act itself, which is crucial in evaluating its moral value, regardless of intentions, circumstances, or consequences.

The object of a moral act refers to:

• The reason behind the act

• The external action itself

• The situation surrounding the act

• The feelings of the agent

Answer explanation

The object of a moral act refers to the external action itself, which is the specific behavior being evaluated for its moral significance, rather than the reasons, feelings, or surrounding situations.

A person donates money to charity to gain fame. The act's morality is affected mainly by:

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Outcome

Answer explanation

The morality of the donation is primarily influenced by the donor's intention. Donating for fame suggests a self-serving motive, which can undermine the act's moral value, making intention the key factor in assessing its morality.

Which determinant answers the question: 'Why did the person act?'

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Motive

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Intention' because it directly addresses the reason behind a person's actions, answering the question 'Why did the person act?'. Other options like 'Motive' and 'Circumstances' do not specifically capture this.

A student cheats during an exam. The cheating itself is judged under:

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Result

Answer explanation

The act of cheating is evaluated based on the 'object' of the action, which refers to the behavior itself. In this case, the cheating during the exam is the object being judged.

Circumstances in moral acts refer to:

• The purpose of the act

• The external conditions that affect responsibility

• The act itself

Answer explanation

Circumstances in moral acts refer to the external conditions that affect responsibility. These factors can influence how an act is perceived and the level of accountability of the individual involved.

Which of the following can lessen or increase moral responsibility?

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Motive

Answer explanation

Circumstances can affect the level of moral responsibility by providing context that may lessen or increase accountability for actions, unlike object, intention, or motive, which are more intrinsic to the individual.

A doctor performs surgery to save a patient's life. The good intention strengthens the morality of the act, but the determinant is:

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Outcome

Answer explanation

The object of the act, which is the surgery itself, is the primary determinant of its morality. While intention and circumstances are important, the nature of the act (object) ultimately defines its ethical standing.

A person steals food because of hunger. The hunger is considered under:

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Result

Answer explanation

The act of stealing food due to hunger is influenced by the circumstances of the person's situation, making 'Circumstances' the correct choice. It highlights how external factors can drive behavior.

Which determinant is most important in judging whether an act is intrinsically good or evil?

• Object

• Intention

• Circumstances

• Feelings

Answer explanation

The object of an act is the most crucial determinant in assessing its intrinsic goodness or evilness, as it defines the nature of the act itself, independent of intention, circumstances, or feelings.