Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

People's ethical beliefs are largely influenced by which of the following?

1. Their social media interactions

2. Their financial standing

3. Their religious background, family, and education

4. Their professional experiences

The correct answer is: Their religious background, family, and education

The correct choice highlights that ethical beliefs are significantly shaped by an individual's religious background, family influences, and educational experiences. Each of these factors plays a vital role in forming one's worldview and moral framework. Religious background often instills foundational values and ethical teachings, influencing what individuals consider right or wrong based on their faith. Family, as one of the primary units of socialization, imparts values, norms, and behavioral expectations from an early age, guiding individuals' ethical perspectives as they grow. Education further refines these beliefs by exposing individuals to various philosophies, cultural perspectives, and critical thinking skills, encouraging them to evaluate and articulate their ethical stances. While other options may have a degree of influence, they do not encapsulate the foundational and comprehensive nature of the factors listed in the correct choice. Social media interactions and professional experiences can shape opinions, but they often do so in a more superficial or transient way compared to the deep-rooted influence of family, religion, and education. Financial standing can also affect ethical decision-making, particularly concerning resource allocation and priorities, but it is less influential in shaping core ethical principles.