You are a rookie correctional officer at a state prison. The day is coming to an end and the inmates are in their cells. As you make your rounds to count heads, one of the inmates asks you if you'd bring him a piece of dental floss. He says he has an uncooked grain of rice from dinner stuck in his back teeth and it is very painful. He only needs a small piece, surely not enough to pose any problem. According to prison rules, dental floss may only be used in the shower area, under observation. It is apparent to you that the inmate is in discomfort, and you know this inmate to be well-behaved. To decide how you will act, you consider the ethical systems that might apply to the situation. If you decide to refuse the inmate's request because you believe your duty to your job requires you to follow the rules completely, which ethical system would this illustrate?
A)Ethical formalism
B)Utilitarianism
C)Ethics of care
D)Teleological ethics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ethical formalism emphasizes adherence to rules and duties above all else. By refusing the inmate's request to bring dental floss outside of the designated area, despite understanding his discomfort, you are prioritizing the strict following of prison rules, which is a key aspect of ethical formalism.

You Are a Rookie Correctional Officer at a State Prison