Exam 1 Test Bank
Philo 3: Ethics
The exam will be a combination of written essays, applied ethics questions, and multiple choice
questions. You will need to bring a scantron. Paper for the essays will be provided for you. Below are
examples of the types of questions you will see on the test, and many of them will actually appear on
the test. You are strongly advised to complete as many of these questions as possible so that you can
be better prepared for the exam.
Multiple Choice Type Questions:
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Which theory is known as a “consequentialist” theory?
Which principle states that one ought to try to maximize pleasure and minimize pain?
Which philosopher asserted that mental happiness is generally preferable to physical pleasure?
Which theory maintains that acts have moral value in and of themselves, not because of the
consequences of the actions?
Which theory is based on the doctrine that human nature is essentially individual, nonsocial,
competitive, and aggressive?
Which philosopher discussed in class is the originator of the idea that “duty” is the central moral
concept?
The assertion that one should “so act that the maxim of your will could always hold at the same
time as a principle establishing universal law” is known as ____________?
Which theory maintains that regard for others is really based on self-interested motives?
Which theory maintains that moral statements are defined in terms of theological statements?
The following is an objection to which ethical theory: “In order to assert that ethics is grounded
in God, one must first prove the existence of God.”
Which of the following choices (to be given on the exam) is a descriptive theory based on the
empirical observation that people from different cultures have different value systems?
“It is a mistake to assume that because something is a certain way, it should be that way.” This
statement is a description of what fallacy?
The study of, or putting forth of, theories of how morality should be determined is known as
what?
The empirical (observational) study of the moral beliefs and practices of different peoples and
cultures in various places and times is known as what?
Which theory holds as its basic tenet that different groups of people should have different
ethical standards for evaluating acts as right or wrong because of differences in culture, and that
these different beliefs are not instances of a basic moral principle?
Essay Type Questions:
1. What is the “Euthyphro Dilemma” and why is it often seen as an objection to Divine
Command Theory?
2. According to Bernard Williams and other critics of ethical relativism, in what way is ethical
relativism inconsistent with itself (in what way is it internally inconsistent)?
Applied Ethics Questions:
1. Solve the following dilemma using one of the following theories: utilitarianism, deontology, or
ethical objectivism. Explain the basics of the theory you are using, and clearly show how that theory
prescribes a certain action for the person involved in the dilemma. Be as thorough and complete as
possible. Remember, this is not a test of your opinion; it is a test of correct application of moral
theories. You must give a precise answer to the bolded questions at the end of each passage.
Bob’s Dilemma
Bob and John are good friends. As Bob and John are walking through a parking lot late one evening, they see the
car of an acquaintance, Richard. John hates Richard because Richard has recently started dating John’s ex-girlfriend,
and there is reasonable evidence to support John’s belief that Richard was actively pursuing the woman while she was
still dating John. Unlike John, Bob does not hate Richard. John, in a moment of crazed anger, picks up a heavy rock,
runs away from Bob and toward the car, and throws the rock at Richard’s car, breaking the front window. The car alarm
immediately goes off, and John runs away from the scene as quickly as possible.
However, someone else who is in the parking lot recognizes Bob, and runs up to Bob before Bob has a chance to
escape the parking lot. The eyewitness knows that Bob had nothing to do with throwing the rock, but the eyewitness
wants Bob to stay and report the crime to the police, and give the name of the person who threw the rock. Should Bob
stay at the scene of the crime and give John’s name to the police?
2. Same instructions as number one, but use a different theory from what you used in number one:
Walter’s Dilemma:
George has a piece of heavy equipment and needs an operator to do a certain job with it. But the equipment has not
had a legally required safety inspection in the last ten years. Walter is able to operate the equipment, and he badly
needs a job. So Walter signs a document that says, if there is any harm done as a result of the equipment not meeting
safety standards, he assumes responsibility for the harm and that George is not to be held responsible.
Walter goes to work, an accident happens, and Walter is injured. George refuses to pay for Walter’s medical costs,
indicating that Walter signed a contract. But Walter feels that George was negligent in allowing the equipment to be
used illegally. Should Walter file a lawsuit against George for those costs?