National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

In ethical considerations, what does situational ethics focus on?

1. Fixed moral standards

2. Values of society

3. Individual cases and uniqueness

4. Religious beliefs

The correct answer is: Individual cases and uniqueness

Situational ethics emphasizes the consideration of individual cases and their unique contexts when making moral decisions. This approach asserts that ethical principles should not be applied rigidly or universally, but rather adapted to fit the specific circumstances and complexities of each situation. It acknowledges that what might be ethical in one context may not be in another, thus making flexibility and personal judgment paramount. This perspective allows counselors to consider the nuances of each client's situation, leading to more individualized and humane responses to ethical dilemmas. The other options represent more rigid frameworks that do not align with the core tenets of situational ethics. Fixed moral standards suggest adherence to absolute rules without consideration for context. Values of society imply a reliance on collective norms, which may not effectively address individual situations. Religious beliefs root ethics in doctrine rather than in situational assessment. Each of these alternatives lacks the emphasis on individual uniqueness that situational ethics prioritizes.