CEA Ethical Principles & Moral Reasoning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which moral theory emphasizes the development of character traits such as courage, honesty, and compassion?
- Utilitarianism
- Virtue ethics (Correct answer)
- Social contract theory
- Natural law theory
Correct answer: Virtue ethics
Virtue ethics, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, focuses on cultivating virtuous character as the foundation of moral behavior.
Question 2: A researcher omits unfavorable data from a study to increase the chance of publication. Which ethical concept does this violate?
- Beneficence
- Scientific integrity (Correct answer)
- Professional loyalty
- Confidentiality
Correct answer: Scientific integrity
Scientific integrity requires complete and accurate reporting; selective omission of data is a form of research misconduct.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of an organizational code of ethics?
- To replace personal moral judgment with rules
- To provide guidance that aligns employee behavior with organizational values (Correct answer)
- To shield the organization from legal liability in all circumstances
- To rank employees based on their ethical performance
Correct answer: To provide guidance that aligns employee behavior with organizational values
A code of ethics articulates shared values and standards to guide employee decision-making in alignment with the organization's mission.
Question 4: Which term describes the tendency to rationalize unethical behavior because 'everyone else does it'?
- Moral licensing
- Normalization of deviance (Correct answer)
- Ethical fading
- Diffusion of responsibility
Correct answer: Normalization of deviance
Normalization of deviance occurs when repeated acceptance of small deviations from standards makes unethical behavior seem normal.
Question 5: According to social contract theory, the source of moral obligations among individuals is:
- Divine authority
- Natural law embedded in the universe
- Mutual agreements that rational people would consent to (Correct answer)
- The decisions of elected government bodies
Correct answer: Mutual agreements that rational people would consent to
Social contract theory (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) grounds moral and political obligations in agreements rational individuals would make to secure mutual benefit.
Question 6: A colleague asks you to keep silent about a billing error that benefits the company. Keeping silent would make you:
- Loyal, which is always ethically required
- Complicit, because silence enables the wrongdoing (Correct answer)
- Prudent, because intervention could cause greater harm
- Autonomous, because you chose not to act
Correct answer: Complicit, because silence enables the wrongdoing
Remaining silent about a known billing error makes one complicit in the misconduct, violating duties of honesty and professional integrity.
Question 7: Which ethical principle requires professionals to act in the best interests of the people they serve, even at personal cost?
- Non-maleficence
- Autonomy
- Fidelity (Correct answer)
- Justice
Correct answer: Fidelity
Fidelity refers to the duty of loyalty and faithfulness to those one serves, requiring the professional to prioritize the client's best interests.
CEA Ethical Principles & Moral Reasoning 3
Which moral theory emphasizes the development of character traits such as courage, honesty, and compassion?