Ethicist: The most advanced kind of moral motivation is based
solely on
abstract principles. This form of motivation is in
contrast with calculated self interest or the desire to adhere to societal norms and conventions. The actions of which one of the following individuals exhibit the most advanced kind of moral motivation, as described by the ethicist?
(A) Bobby contributed money to a local charity during a charity drive at work because he worried that not doing so would make him look stingy. -
Bobby is driven by saving his reputation, not by helping the local charity. Although reputation is an abstract principle, however doing something only to protect your reputation is an act of calculated self interest. This goes against the definition of moral motivation given above. The passage does not say that every abstract principle forms the basis of moral motivation.(B) Wes contributed money to a local charity during a charity drive at work because he believed that doing so would improve his employer’s opinion of him.-
Wes is driven by self interest(C) Donna’s employers engaged in an illegal but profitable practice that caused serious damage to the environment. Donna did not report this practice to the authorities, out of fear that her employers would retaliate against her.-
Donna is driven by fear of retaliation by her employers (self interest)(D) Jadine’s employers engaged in an illegal but profitable practice that caused serious damage to the environment. Jadine reported this practice to the authorities out of a belief that protecting the environment is always more important than monetary profit.-
the motivation is solely abstract. No self interest involved. Hence D is the correct option.(E) Leigh’s employers engaged in an illegal but profitable practice that caused serious damage to the environment. Leigh reported this practice to the authorities only because several colleagues had been pressuring her to do so.-
motivation is adherence to societal norms and convention.