In ethics, what does rule-based ethical thinking involve?

• A. Creating flexible guidelines for decisions
• B. Establishing strict rules for everyone
• C. Forming personal opinions on morality
• D. Adopting a subjective perspective

Answer: (B)

Rule-based ethical thinking is characterized by the establishment of strict rules or principles that apply universally to guide behavior and decision-making. This approach emphasizes consistency and adherence to established norms, which is foundational in ethical frameworks like deontology that assess the morality of actions based on adherence to predefined rules.

The emphasis on strict rules is intended to reduce ambiguity and subjectivity in ethical decision-making, thereby fostering reliability and accountability. This contrasts with approaches that allow for flexibility, personal opinions, or subjective perspectives, which can lead to varied interpretations of what is considered ethical behavior. The commitment to strict rules helps ensure that individuals can make decisions based on a consistent ethical standard, promoting fairness and objectivity in moral judgments.