Real Estate Council of Alberta Fundamentals Practice Exam

What does a belief in a universal moral system support in ethical reasoning?

1. Only personal beliefs matter

2. Actions must align with universal ethical principles

3. That the end justifies the means

4. Ethics is subjective to the individual's situation

The correct answer is: Actions must align with universal ethical principles

A belief in a universal moral system supports the idea that actions must align with universal ethical principles because it posits that there are objective standards of morality that apply to all individuals, regardless of personal beliefs or circumstances. This perspective maintains that ethical truth exists independently of individual opinions and that these universal principles should guide decision-making and behavior. In this context, adhering to a universal moral system means that individuals are expected to assess their actions against these overarching principles. For example, actions such as honesty, justice, and respect for others would be considered ethically right across different cultures and situations, suggesting that moral reasoning is grounded in shared values rather than subjective interpretations. This concept stands in contrast to other options, which suggest more relativistic views. Options that emphasize personal beliefs, situational ethics, or the idea that outcomes can justify the choices made, do not align with the principles of a universal moral system, which seeks consistency and integrity in moral reasoning regardless of individual circumstances or desired outcomes.