Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Practice Test

What ethical standpoint is reflected in the belief that the end justifies the means?

1. Utilitarianism

2. Deontological ethics

3. Virtue ethics

4. Social contract theory

The correct answer is: Utilitarianism

The belief that the end justifies the means is characteristic of utilitarianism. This ethical framework evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. In utilitarianism, the primary focus is on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Therefore, if a particular action leads to a beneficial outcome, it can be deemed acceptable, even if the means of achieving that outcome might be morally questionable. In contrast, other ethical theories like deontological ethics prioritize rules and duties, suggesting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their consequences. Virtue ethics centers on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than the morality of the action itself or its outcomes. Social contract theory asserts that moral and political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among individuals in a society. Thus, utilitarianism is distinctly aligned with the notion that the results of actions can justify the methods used to achieve them.