CEA Ethical Principles & Moral Reasoning 5

Question 1

Which term refers to the unconscious tendency to make ethical judgments that favor oneself or one's in-group?

Accepted Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Self-serving bias causes individuals to interpret situations in ways that protect their own interests, distorting moral reasoning.

Question 2

A company donates to charity only to improve its public image with no genuine concern for beneficiaries. This is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

Instrumental altruism or ethics washing

Answer

When ethical or charitable actions are taken purely for reputational gain without sincere concern for those served, it is considered instrumental altruism or 'ethics washing.'

Question 3

The principle of 'justice as fairness' requires that inequalities in society be arranged so that they:

Accepted Answer

Benefit the least advantaged members of society

Answer

Rawls' difference principle holds that social and economic inequalities are only just if they benefit the worst-off members of society.

Question 4

Which ethical concept describes the gradual erosion of moral sensitivity through repeated exposure to questionable practices?

Accepted Answer

Ethical fading

Answer

Ethical fading refers to the process by which ethical considerations gradually become less salient as individuals adapt to a culture of small ethical compromises.

Question 5

An auditor discovers fraud at a client company. Reporting it will end the business relationship. Which ethical framework most strongly supports mandatory disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Deontology — the duty to report wrongdoing is absolute

Answer

A deontological framework holds that certain duties, such as reporting fraud, are obligatory regardless of personal consequences.

(CEA) Certified Ethics Associate Practice Test

(CEA) Certified Ethics Associate Practice Test

CEA Ethical Principles & Moral Reasoning 5