Ethics

1. When making an ethical decision in everyday life, which of the following provides the most useful guideline?

• a. Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you.
• b. Don't cry over spilled milk.
• c. Consider your own wants and needs above those of others.
• d. A stitch in time saves nine.

2. Why are ethical problems different than math problems? Choose the best answer.

• a. Math problems can be solved without effort; ethics problems can’t be
• b. Math problems only involve one or two variables; ethical problems have dozens of variables
• c. Math problems usually have a single correct answer; ethical problems often don’t
• d. Math problems are useless in everyday life; ethical problems are important in everyday life.

3. Which is most likely the best solution to an ethical problem?

• a. The option that benefits you the most
• b. The option that benefits the most people
• c. The option that punishes bad people severely
• d. The option that benefits the people you like the most

4. When might stealing a loaf of bread be ethically justifiable?

• a. When the bread tastes very good
• b. When the bread is overpriced
• c. When the person selling the bread is mean
• d. When people will starve to death if they don’t get the bread

5. Which of the following is usually considered unethical?

• a. Punching someone you’re angry with
• b. Competing against someone in a boxing match
• c. Punching a mugger who’s robbing an old woman
• d. Punching a wall when you’re angry

6. Based on the description of ethical dilemmas in the movie, what can you infer about the meaning of the word “dilemma”?

• a. It refers to a situation in which rules or laws are broken
• b. It refers to a situation that involves a difficult choice
• c. It refers to a difficult situation
• d. It refers to a situation involving morality

7. Which of the following is a moral statement, not an ethical statement?

• a. “It’s against the law to lie in court.”
• b. “Most religions frown on lying.”
• c. “Lying is fundamentally wrong.”
• d. “Lying can ruin friendships.”

8. Who is the ultimate authority on ethical issues?

• a. The President of the United States
• b. The Pope
• c. The International Criminal Court
• d. There is no “ultimate authority” on ethical issues

9. What can you infer from the fact that so many newspapers, magazines, and websites run columns that offer ethical advice?

• a. Many people have difficulty resolving ethical issues
• b. There are a lot of professional ethicists working today
• c. Different areas of the United States have different ethical systems
• d. Most ethical problems cannot be resolved

10. Most professions have their own sets of ethics. What might be in the code of ethics followed by college professors?

• a. Always give students good grades, so they don’t flunk out of school
• b. Don’t play favorites with the students in your class
• c. Don’t speak to students if you see them outside of class
• d. Grade all your students harshly