Question

In the context of principles of ethical decision making, the _____ states that the law represents the minimal moral standards of society, so one should never take any action that violates the law.

a) Ethical maxim
b) Legal principle
c) Moral obligation
d) Legalistic approach

Answer 1

The answer to the question about the principle stating one should never take any action that violates the law is the 'Legalistic approach'. It aligns with deontological ethics, where duty and rule adherence are critical, reflecting Kant's categorical imperative. option (D)

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of principles of ethical decision making, the correct answer is d) Legalistic approach. The legalistic approach states that the law represents the minimal moral standards of society, and therefore, one should never take any action that violates the law. According to this approach, legality is seen as a floor for ethical behavior, and it is a basic ethical obligation to follow the law.

This is consistent with the deontological framework, where duty and adherence to rules are paramount, as advanced by philosophers like Immanuel Kant with his categorical imperative. Kant argued that morality consists of rules that rational beings should follow categorically, not just to achieve a particular end, but because they are inherently the right things to do.