An approach that emphasizes the character of the person rather than the rules or consequences of specific acts is known as which ethical framework?

An approach that emphasizes the character of the person rather than the rules or consequences of specific acts is known as which ethical framework?

• A. Utilitarianism
• B. Virtue Ethics
• C. Natural Law
• D. Ethical Formalism

Answer: (B)

This item tests virtue ethics, which centers on character and virtue rather than rules or outcomes. In virtue ethics, what matters is the kind of person you strive to become—cultivating traits like honesty, courage, temperance, and fairness—through habit and reflection. Actions are judged by whether they express a virtuous disposition, not simply by whether they follow a rule or produce the best consequences. This differs from utilitarianism, which evaluates rightness by the overall good or happiness produced; natural law, which grounds morality in an objective order inherent in nature; and ethical formalism (Kantian ethics), which emphasizes duties and universal maxims regardless of outcomes. So the emphasis on character and virtue makes this framework the correct fit.

This item tests virtue ethics, which centers on character and virtue rather than rules or outcomes. In virtue ethics, what matters is the kind of person you strive to become—cultivating traits like honesty, courage, temperance, and fairness—through habit and reflection. Actions are judged by whether they express a virtuous disposition, not simply by whether they follow a rule or produce the best consequences.

This differs from utilitarianism, which evaluates rightness by the overall good or happiness produced; natural law, which grounds morality in an objective order inherent in nature; and ethical formalism (Kantian ethics), which emphasizes duties and universal maxims regardless of outcomes. So the emphasis on character and virtue makes this framework the correct fit.