Deontology: An Introduction to Duty-Based Ethics

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a core principle of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Moral rules and duties should be strictly followed regardless of outcomes

Answer

Actions are to be judged based solely on their consequences

Answer

Personal intentions and circumstances should be considered when making ethical decisions

Answer

Cultural norms and social expectations determine what is morally right or wrong

Question 2

According to Deontology, an act is considered morally right if it:

Accepted Answer

Conforms to predetermined moral laws and principles

Answer

Leads to the most beneficial consequences

Answer

Is aligned with personal beliefs and values

Answer

Respects the autonomy and rights of others

Question 3

Deontology primarily emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Fulfillment of moral obligations and duties

Answer

Individual freedom and autonomy

Answer

Social utility and the greatest good for the majority

Answer

Adherence to religious doctrines and beliefs

Question 4

Which of the following is a potential criticism of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to overly rigid and inflexible moral judgments

Answer

It does not consider the consequences of actions

Answer

It is incompatible with modern ethical theories

Answer

It provides clear and straightforward guidance for moral decision-making

Question 5

The Categorical Imperative in Deontology requires that moral actions:

Accepted Answer

Be universalizable and applicable to all rational beings

Answer

Maximize happiness and pleasure for the greatest number

Answer

Follow personal preferences and desires

Answer

Conform to societal norms and customs

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a hypothetical imperative?

Accepted Answer

Act only according to the maxim that you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law

Answer

Always tell the truth

Answer

Help those in need

Answer

Respect the property of others

Question 7

In Deontology, the concept of 'duty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Actions that are morally obligatory and binding

Answer

Actions that are personally desirable or beneficial

Answer

Actions that produce positive outcomes or consequences

Answer

Actions that are socially acceptable or expected

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the application of Deontological ethics?

Accepted Answer

A doctor choosing to save a patient's life even if it means sacrificing their own

Answer

A politician making decisions based on public opinion polls

Answer

A teacher rewarding students for academic excellence

Answer

A citizen following the law to avoid penalties

Question 9

The Formula of Humanity states that it is unethical to use others solely as means to achieve our objectives.

(A) True

(B) False

Provide a reason for your choice.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 10

According to Kant's Categorical Imperative, an action is morally acceptable if it:

Accepted Answer

Conforms to universal moral principles

Answer

Produces desirable outcomes

Answer

Adheres to social norms

Answer

Promotes personal happiness

Question 11

Which action aligns with Deontological principles?

Accepted Answer

Choosing self-sacrifice for the benefit of others

Answer

Telling a lie to protect a friend

Answer

Stealing food to alleviate hunger

Answer

Ending an innocent life to avert a worse outcome

Question 12

Which criticism of Deontology is valid?

Accepted Answer

It can lead to inflexible and severe judgments

Answer

It disregards the impact of circumstances and intentions

Answer

It advocates for extreme individualism and selfishness

Answer

It underestimates the importance of predicting future outcomes

Question 13

In Deontology, what is the primary consideration in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Universal moral principles

Answer

Potential consequences

Answer

Agent's intentions

Answer

Individual happiness

Question 14

Which ethical dilemma is often used to illustrate Deontological principles?

Accepted Answer

The Trolley Problem

Answer

The Prisoner's Dilemma

Answer

The Ship of Theseus

Answer

The Veil of Ignorance

Question 15

Which of the following is the fundamental principle of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Actions are morally right if they are guided by moral rules

Answer

Actions are morally right if they maximize pleasure

Answer

Actions are morally right if they produce the least harm

Answer

Actions are morally right if they are approved by society

Question 16

Which philosopher is primarily associated with Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Question 17

Deontology places primary importance on:

Accepted Answer

Moral rules and obligations

Answer

Consequences of actions

Answer

Intentions of the actor

Answer

Cultural influences

Question 18

In a Deontological framework, the rightness or wrongness of an action is primarily determined by its:

Accepted Answer

Compliance with moral rules

Answer

Consequences

Answer

Intentions

Answer

Alignment with social norms

Question 19

Deontology shares some similarities with which other ethical theory?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Existentialism

Question 20

In Deontological ethics, the concept of 'duty' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A moral obligation to act in a certain manner

Answer

A desire to do what is right

Answer

A consequence of violating a moral rule

Answer

A personal preference for a particular course of action

Question 21

Deontology emphasizes following moral rules. Which action aligns with this principle?

Accepted Answer

Keeping a promise, even if it's difficult

Answer

Lying to protect someone from harm

Answer

Taking from the wealthy to help the needy

Question 22

In Deontology, how does the principle of universalizability promote the fairness and objectivity of moral rules?

Accepted Answer

It ensures that moral rules apply equally to all individuals in similar situations.

Answer

It allows individuals to disregard moral rules based on their personal preferences.

Answer

It suggests that the consequences of actions should be considered when determining their morality.

Answer

It permits moral rules to be altered according to evolving social norms.

Question 23

Which fundamental tenet of Deontology prioritizes adherence to moral principles over consequences?

Accepted Answer

Consequences are irrelevant in determining the rightness of an action.

Answer

Intentions always override the impact of actions.

Answer

Individual rights are paramount, regardless of societal benefit.

Answer

Moral rules are immutable and universally applicable.

Question 24

Which prominent philosopher is widely regarded as the father of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Question 25

Which of the following accurately describes the key principle of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Moral rules and duties should be upheld, regardless of the potential outcomes.

Answer

The goodness or wrongness of an action is solely determined by its consequences.

Answer

The rightness or wrongness of an action depends exclusively on the underlying intentions.

Answer

Virtue and character development are the primary objectives of ethical behavior.

Question 26

A common criticism leveled against Deontology is that it:

Accepted Answer

Lacks flexibility and may lead to rigid moral judgments.

Answer

Overemphasizes the role of intentions in ethical decision-making.

Answer

Is based on an unrealistic view of human nature.

Answer

Conflicts with fundamental principles of free will.

Question 27

Select the option that provides an example of a deontological rule:

Accepted Answer

One should always tell the truth.

Answer

Actions that maximize happiness are morally justifiable.

Answer

It is ethical to act in harmony with the laws of nature.

Answer

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Question 28

Who is widely regarded as the influential philosopher who formulated the principles of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Jeremy Bentham

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Question 29

Which scenario best exemplifies a moral dilemma faced within a deontological framework?

Accepted Answer

A soldier grappling with whether to obey an order that violates their moral compass.

Answer

A doctor contemplating breaking patient confidentiality to save a life.

Answer

A parent struggling with how to discipline their child.

Answer

A politician pondering support for a policy benefiting some but potentially harming others.

Question 30

Deontology can be a valuable tool for ethical decision-making primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides clear and consistent moral guidelines.

Answer

Emphasizes consideration of potential consequences.

Answer

Relies on personal intuition and subjective experience.

Answer

Offers specific directives from religious authorities.

Question 31

What is the primary difference between Deontological and Teleological ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

Deontology emphasizes following moral rules, while Teleology focuses on maximizing overall good.

Answer

Deontology is absolute, while Teleology is flexible.

Answer

Deontology considers individual actions, while Teleology considers community well-being.

Answer

Deontology relies on reason, while Teleology includes emotions.

Question 32

In the context of technology ethics, how can Deontological principles guide ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize duties to individuals and society.

Answer

Focus solely on potential consequences.

Answer

Embrace ethical subjectivism.

Question 33

Which principle is NOT central to Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Focus on intentions rather than outcomes

Answer

Emphasis on specific rules and duties

Answer

Irrelevance of consequences

Answer

Intrinsic goodness of moral actions

Question 34

Who is widely regarded as the founder of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Question 35

What is the primary distinction between Deontology and Utilitarianism? How do these differences influence the decision-making process in each theory?

Accepted Answer

Deontology prioritizes adhering to moral rules, while Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing overall well-being.

Answer

Deontology and Utilitarianism both prioritize long-term benefits over immediate consequences.

Answer

Deontology and Utilitarianism share the principle of respecting individual rights.

Answer

Both ethical theories prioritize the consequences of an action over the intention behind it.

Question 36

How can Deontological principles guide our decision-making on current ethical issues like climate change or artificial intelligence?

Accepted Answer

By providing a structured way to assess the moral implications of different actions and policies.

Answer

By providing specific solutions to complex ethical problems.

Answer

By setting up a universal moral code that everyone must follow.

Answer

By justifying the use of force or coercion to enforce moral rules.

Question 37

Which of the following is a central principle of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Moral duties should be fulfilled regardless of the consequences.

Answer

Moral actions should maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of people.

Answer

Moral decisions should consider the specific context and circumstances.

Question 38

Which influential philosopher is most closely associated with the development of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant

Answer

Aristotle

Answer

John Stuart Mill

Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Question 39

What is a major criticism often directed towards Deontology?

Accepted Answer

It may result in inflexible decision-making that conflicts with common sense or compassion.

Answer

It relies too heavily on abstract reasoning and ignores the role of emotions.

Answer

It is too impractical to be applied in real-world situations.

Question 40

Which of the following best exemplifies a hypothetical imperative in Kantian ethics?

Accepted Answer

Act only according to the maxim by which you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.

Answer

Treat others as you would want to be treated.

Question 41

Which action might be considered morally permissible from a Deontological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Honoring a promise, even if it involves personal sacrifice.

Answer

Breaking the law to prevent a greater harm.

Answer

Lying to protect someone's reputation.

Question 42

In Deontology, what does 'duty' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A moral obligation to act in a specific way, regardless of the outcome.

Answer

An action that brings the most happiness to the most people.

Answer

A personal opinion about what's right or wrong.

Question 43

According to Kant's categorical imperative, what does 'universalizability' mean?

Accepted Answer

We should only act based on rules that we believe everyone should follow.

Answer

We should follow rules that are most convenient for ourselves.

Answer

We should always act in ways that benefit ourselves.

Question 44

Which scenario best illustrates the Deontological principle of respecting autonomy?

Accepted Answer

A doctor respecting a patient's decision to refuse a medical procedure.

Answer

A parent disciplining their child for breaking curfew.

Answer

A teacher grading students based on their academic performance.

Question 45

Which ethical theory is most closely related to Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Pragmatism

Question 46

What is the key difference between Deontology and Teleological ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

Deontology focuses on the rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, while teleological theories focus on the consequences.

Answer

Deontology emphasizes intentions, while teleological theories emphasize outcomes.

Answer

Deontology uses absolute rules, while teleological theories are flexible based on situations.

Question 47

Which action would be considered morally permissible according to Deontology?

Accepted Answer

Telling the truth, even if it has negative consequences.

Answer

Breaking a promise to avoid embarrassment.

Answer

Stealing food to feed a hungry person.

Question 48

What is the core principle of deontology?

Accepted Answer

Actions are right or wrong based on their own nature, not their consequences.

Answer

Happiness is the ultimate goal of ethical decision-making.

Answer

The morality of an action is determined by its results.

Question 49

What does Kant's categorical imperative say?

Accepted Answer

We should only follow rules that we could apply universally to everyone.

Answer

Moral rules are based on natural law.

Answer

We should always aim to make the most people happy.

Question 50

Which statement would a deontologist most likely agree with?

Accepted Answer

Lying is always wrong, even if it could save a life.

Answer

The ends justify the means.

Answer

Moral rules can change depending on the situation.

Question 51

What is a common criticism of deontology?

Accepted Answer

It can be hard to decide what to do when moral duties conflict.

Answer

It focuses too much on the results of actions.

Answer

It doesn't provide clear guidance for making moral choices.

Question 52

According to deontology, what makes an action morally good?

Accepted Answer

The intention to act in line with moral duty.

Answer

The amount of happiness the action creates.

Answer

The good things that happen as a result of the action.

Question 53

Which of these is NOT a key concept in deontology?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Duty

Answer

Universalizability

Answer

Moral absolutes

Question 54

Deontology is most similar to which ethical framework?

Accepted Answer

Duty-based ethics

Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Ethical egoism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 55

If someone lies to protect a friend from harm, what would a deontologist likely say?

Accepted Answer

Lying is wrong, even though it had a good outcome.

Answer

Lying is okay because it protected someone from harm.

Answer

The person's good intentions make the action morally right.

Question 56

What is the main difference between deontology and consequentialism?

Accepted Answer

Deontology focuses on whether actions are right or wrong in themselves, while consequentialism focuses on the results of actions.

Answer

Deontology values individual rights, while consequentialism prioritizes the good of everyone.

Question 57

Which of these is an example of a moral duty according to Kant?

Accepted Answer

Keeping a promise

Answer

Getting rich

Answer

Becoming famous

Answer

Seeking pleasure