Thinking Critically Ch. 9 quiz

If you were to lose your keys, you might go back to a time when you last had your keys and then go through all the things you did in order to determine where you might have put them. This process is known as the __________ pattern of thinking.

c. Hedonist

Governmental policies such as affirmative action, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the Equal Opportunity Employment Act are examples of what type of ethical principle?

c. Justice

The Thinker's Guide to Moral Decision Making includes all of the following points EXCEPT:

c. recognize that ethics is based on emotions.

A formulation of the categorical imperative is based on the notion that you should treat people:

d. always as an end and never as a means only.

If, when confronted by a moral dilemma, you would choose to do what is best for everyone involved, you are expressing what type of moral theory?

Altruistic

A formulation of Kant's "categorical imperative" focuses on treating people respectfully by treating them as a means and never as an end.

False

Ethics and morals are terms that refer to the principles that govern our relationships with other people: the ways that others should act and the standards that others should employ in the choices they make.

False

The statement "I would do whatever made me happy" is a reflection of an altruistic moral theory.

False

From a critical-thinking perspective, morality makes sense only if we assume that people are able to make __________ for which they are responsible.

free choices

From philosopher Jeremy Bentham's perspective, good and right are defined in terms of what brings about the greatest pleasure for the greatest number of people. This moral theory is called:

utilitarianism

A moral __________ is a situation in which at least two different moral principles to which you are appealing seem ethically sound and appropriate; the problem is that they contradict each other.

Dilemma

According to an empathetic point of view, achieving happiness and fulfillment in life involves pursuing your aspirations in a context of genuine understanding of and concern for other people. What moral philosophy does this refer to?

Ethic of care

The philosophical theory that asserts there is a morality based on the essential nature of human beings that is universal and binding to all people is known as:

b. natural law.

A critical-thinking approach to ethics is founded on the principle of impartiality, which says that it is our moral obligation to treat everyone equally, with the same degree of consideration and respect, unless some persuasive reason exists not to.

True

The ethic of care is built on empathy, a critical-thinking commitment to view issues and situations from multiple perspectives.

True

The hedonist moral theory advises people to do whatever brings them pleasure.

True

The little girl next door says that she was taught to never lie because her grandpa says it is wrong. This type of mentality is an example of what moral theory?

a. Authoritarianism

Given the same situation as described in the previous question, assume that you decide to turn your friend in to the authorities because there is a reward for turning in shoplifters. Your decision would describe what moral theory?

a. Egoism

Ethical views are primarily statements of reasons, not expressions of emotion.

a. True

To live a life that achieves your moral potential, you must work to become aware of the issues that you face and strive to make choices that are grounded in thoughtful reflection and supported by persuasive reasoning.

a. True

Check My Work Most people's values are not a system at all; they are typically a collection of general principles, practical conclusions, and emotional pronouncements. Your challenge is to create a more refined and accurate __________, an enlightened system of values that you can use to confidently guide your moral decisions.

a. moral compass

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant based his approach to ethics on a universal rational principle called:

a. the categorical imperative.

The ethic of justice emphasizes:

a. the intentions or motivations behind an action.

The authoritarian moral theory is embodied in the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

b. False

The concept of moral duty was articulated by a German philosopher named Jeremy Bentham who wrote that it is important for each of us to do what is right, regardless of the consequences. Bentham called his moral duties "categorical imperatives."

b. False