ETHIC STUDY GUIDE Chapter 4 The Philosophy of Ethics

Question 1

The primary purpose of ethical philosophy is to:

A. Enforce moral behavior
B. Define legal standards
C. Provide frameworks for ethical reasoning
D. Replace organizational policy

Answer 1

C.
Provide frameworks for ethical reasoning

Question 2

Metaethics is BEST described as the study of:

A. Ethical decision-making models
B. Applied ethical situations
C. The meaning of ethical concepts and values
D. Moral enforcement mechanisms

Answer 2

C.
The meaning of ethical concepts and values

Question 3

Which ethical branch focuses on identifying a morally correct action in specific situations?

A. Metaethics
B. Descriptive ethics
C. Normative ethics
D. Applied ethics

Answer 3

D.
Applied ethics

Question 4

Normative ethics is primarily concerned with:

A. Describing ethical behavior
B. Establishing general standards of behavior
C. Scientific observation of morals
D. Legal compliance

Answer 4

B.
Establishing general standards of behavior

Question 5

Descriptive ethics differs from normative ethics because descriptive ethics:

A. Prescribes behavior
B. Is based on philosophy
C. Observes ethical behavior without judgment
D. Establishes moral duties

Answer 5

C.
Observes ethical behavior without judgement

Question 6

Objectivism in ethics asserts that:

A. Ethical truths are based on personal opinion
B. Ethics change based on context
C. Ethical standards exist independently of individual beliefs
D. Morality is socially constructed

Answer 6

C.
Ethical standards exist independently of individual beliefs

Question 7

Subjectivism is BEST defined as the belief that ethical truth is:

A. Universal
B. Law-based
C. Individually determined
D. Professionally regulated

Answer 7

C.
Individually determined

Question 8

Virtue ethics emphasizes:

A. Rules and consequences
B. Compliance with law
C. Character and moral virtues
D. Outcomes alone

Answer 8

C.
Character and moral virtues

Question 9

In the fire service, virtue ethics MOST strongly aligns with which qualities?

A. Efficiency and productivity
B. Bravery, trustworthiness, and loyalty
C. Discipline and punishment
D. Authority and command

Answer 9

B.
Bravery, trustworthiness, and loyalty

Question 10

Utilitarianism evaluates ethical decisions based on:

A. Individual rights
B. Intent of the actor
C. The greatest good for the greatest number
D. Compliance with rules

Answer 10

C.
The greatest good for the greatest number

Question 11

A utilitarian decision would MOST likely prioritize:

A. Individual preference
B. Moral duty
C. Majority benefit
D. Organizational tradition

Answer 11

C.
Majority benefit

Question 12

Deontology is BEST described as an ethical theory focused on:

A. Outcomes
B. Personal values
C. Duties and obligations
D. Social expectations

Answer 12

C.
Duties and obligations

Question 13

Kantian ethics emphasizes respect for:

A. Authority
B. Outcomes
C. Humanity and moral duty
D. Cultural norms

Answer 13

C.
Humanity and moral duty

Question 14

Normative ethics is particularly relevant to the fire service because it:

A. Eliminates ethical dilemmas
B. Identifies enforceable laws
C. Establishes expected professional behavior
D. Focuses on punishment

Answer 14

C.
Establishes expected professional behavior

Question 15

Which ethical framework BEST supports following policy even when outcomes are unfavorable?

A. Utilitarianism
B. Virtue ethics
C. Deontology
D. Subjectivism

Answer 15

C.
Deontology

Question 16

Which ethical approach asks, “What kind of person should I be?”

A. Utilitarianism
B. Deontology
C. Virtue ethics
D. Applied ethics

Answer 16

C.
Virtue ethics

Question 17

Which ethical theory would MOST likely justify risking firefighter safety to save multiple civilians?

A. Virtue ethics
B. Deontology
C. Utilitarianism
D. Subjectivism

Answer 17

C.
Utilitarianism

Question 18

A weakness of utilitarianism is that it may:

A. Ignore duty
B. Undervalue character
C. Justify harm to a minority
D. Be too rigid

Answer 18

C.
Justify harm to a minority

Question 19

Ethical philosophy in the fire service MOST directly supports:

A. Tactical decision-making
B. Professional judgment
C. Equipment selection
D. Incident command

Answer 19

B.
Professional judgement