Exam 1: Unwrapping the Gift

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Yes, there are instances in which a legal act might not be an ethical act. This can occur when a law is unjust or discriminatory, but still technically legal. For example, there have been historical laws that allowed for segregation or discrimination based on race, which were legal at the time but widely considered unethical. Additionally, there may be situations where a law is outdated or does not adequately address a complex ethical issue, leading to legal actions that are not in line with widely accepted ethical standards. In these cases, individuals and organizations may choose to act in an ethical manner even if it means going against the letter of the law. It is important to remember that legality and ethics are not always synonymous, and individuals should strive to act in a way that is both legal and ethical.

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Deontological theories of ethics, such as those proposed by Immanuel Kant, focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, rather than the consequences of those actions. These theories emphasize the importance of following moral rules and duties, regardless of the outcomes. In deontological ethics, certain actions are considered inherently right or wrong, and individuals have a duty to act in accordance with these moral rules.

On the other hand, utilitarian theories of ethics, as advocated by philosophers like John Stuart Mill, prioritize the consequences of actions. According to utilitarianism, the moral worth of an action is determined by its ability to produce the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people. This means that in utilitarian ethics, the ends justify the means, and actions are evaluated based on their overall impact on well-being.

In summary, the main difference between deontological and utilitarian theories of ethics lies in their focus. Deontological ethics emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties, while utilitarian ethics prioritizes the consequences of actions and the overall impact on well-being.