Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

When an SLP observes that only a few members will not benefit maximally from a selected intervention in a group, what principle are they demonstrating?

1. Utilitarian ethics

2. Justice ethics

3. Deontological ethics

4. Virtue ethics

The correct answer is: Utilitarian ethics

The principle being demonstrated in this scenario is utilitarian ethics. This ethical approach focuses on maximizing overall good or benefit for the greatest number of people involved. When an SLP identifies that most members of a group will benefit significantly from a specific intervention, while only a few may not benefit maximally, they are applying a utilitarian perspective by prioritizing the greatest overall benefit for the majority. Utilitarian ethics operates on the premise that the rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by their consequences. In this case, the SLP's decision-making aligns with promoting the welfare of the majority, which is a core concept of utilitarianism. This rationale supports the choice of an intervention that provides the most positive outcome for the group, even if it means that a small number may not experience the same level of benefit. Other ethical principles, such as justice ethics, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics, focus on different aspects of ethical decision-making. Justice ethics would emphasize fairness and equality among all individuals, potentially leading to a different approach that does not allow for the imbalance in benefit observed here. Deontological ethics centers on adherence to rules and duties, while virtue ethics focuses on the character and moral virtues of the individual practitioner. However, none of