Which term means moral goodness or adherence to ethical principles?

• A. Virtues
• B. Values
• C. Desires
• D. Norms

Answer: (A)

Virtues are positive character traits that embody moral goodness and guide our actions according to ethical principles. When someone acts with honesty, fairness, courage, or compassion, they’re expressing virtues that help them do what’s right and treat others well. In social studies, thinking about virtues helps explain why people and communities choose actions that uphold rights and the common good. Values are related but refer to beliefs about what matters, not the character trait itself. Desires are urges or wants that may push us in different directions, and norms are the shared expectations in a group about how members should behave. So the word that best captures moral goodness and adherence to ethical principles is virtues.