Which ethical approach is guided by respect for the fundamental rights of human beings?

Which ethical approach is guided by respect for the fundamental rights of human beings?

• A. Individual Approach
• B. Moral-Rights Approach
• C. Justice Approach
• D. Directive Style of Decision Making

Answer: (B)

Respect for the fundamental rights of human beings is the guiding standard here. The Moral-Rights Approach evaluates decisions by whether they protect and uphold basic entitlements—like life, liberty, privacy, and due process—rather than focusing solely on outcomes or overall utility. It treats individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end, so actions are ethical if they respect these rights even if the results might be different. This makes it distinct from approaches that prioritize personal interests alone, or that judge ethics mainly by fairness or distributive outcomes, or that rely on directive authority without considering rights. In short, ethical choices are judged by whether they preserve and honor fundamental rights for everyone involved.

Respect for the fundamental rights of human beings is the guiding standard here. The Moral-Rights Approach evaluates decisions by whether they protect and uphold basic entitlements—like life, liberty, privacy, and due process—rather than focusing solely on outcomes or overall utility. It treats individuals as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end, so actions are ethical if they respect these rights even if the results might be different. This makes it distinct from approaches that prioritize personal interests alone, or that judge ethics mainly by fairness or distributive outcomes, or that rely on directive authority without considering rights. In short, ethical choices are judged by whether they preserve and honor fundamental rights for everyone involved.