CARS CARS Ethical and Philosophical Reasoning

Question 1

A CARS passage argues that an action is morally wrong solely because it violates a long-standing social norm. Which philosophical criticism most directly challenges this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

The argument commits the appeal to tradition fallacy by equating age with moral correctness

Answer

The argument commits a false analogy

Answer

The argument relies on circular reasoning

Answer

The argument contains an ad hominem attack

Question 2

An author claims that a policy is ethical because it produces the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. Which ethical framework is this reasoning most consistent with?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian ethics

Answer

Deontological ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Divine command theory

Question 3

In a CARS passage on medical ethics, an author argues that a patient's informed consent must always be respected regardless of potential harm to the patient. Which ethical principle does this reflect?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

A passage argues that moral obligations arise from rational universal laws rather than consequences. This reasoning is most closely associated with which philosopher?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

David Hume

Question 5

An author argues that an action was unethical because it was performed with a self-serving motive, even though it produced good outcomes. Which ethical dimension is the author prioritizing?

Accepted Answer

The character and intent of the agent

Answer

The consequences of the action

Answer

The social contract governing the action

Answer

The relative harm versus benefit ratio

Question 6

A CARS passage discusses a philosopher who argues that there are no objective moral truths — only cultural preferences. This position is best described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Moral relativism

Answer

Moral realism

Answer

Moral absolutism

Answer

Moral rationalism