MH Religious Studies and Ethics 1

Question 1

Which ethical theory holds that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences for overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Consequentialism, including utilitarianism, evaluates actions based on outcomes, aiming to maximize well-being or minimize harm across all affected parties.

Question 2

Immanuel Kant's 'categorical imperative' in its first formulation states that one should act only according to maxims that could be:

Accepted Answer

Universalized as laws for all rational beings

Answer

Kant's first formulation of the categorical imperative requires that moral actions must be based on principles one could will to be universal laws.

Question 3

In the academic study of religion, Mircea Eliade's concept of 'hierophany' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A manifestation of the sacred in the profane world

Answer

Eliade defined hierophany as any appearance of the sacred in ordinary reality — a stone, tree, or event that reveals something holy.

Question 4

The 'is-ought' problem, articulated by David Hume, argues that:

Accepted Answer

Moral claims cannot be logically derived from factual statements alone

Answer

Hume observed that arguments frequently slip from descriptions of what 'is' the case to prescriptions of what 'ought' to be, without justifying the transition.

Question 5

The concept of 'theodicy' in religious studies refers to the attempt to reconcile:

Accepted Answer

The existence of evil with the existence of an all-good, all-powerful God

Answer

Theodicy addresses the philosophical problem of why a benevolent, omnipotent God permits suffering and evil in the world.

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH - Master of Humanities Practice Test

MH Religious Studies and Ethics 1