DSST Ethics in America Practice Exam 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The philosophical idea that emphasizes the notion that humans are corrupted by society as they depart from their innate goodness is best represented by Social Contract Theory. This theory suggests that individuals in a natural state would act according to their intrinsic moral values and goodness, but as they form societies and establish social contracts, they can become corrupt or led astray by societal influences and norms that often prioritize collective needs over individual well-being.

Social contract theorists, such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argue that the development of society and its institutions can lead to moral degradation, moving individuals away from their innate virtues. Rousseau famously contended that "man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains," highlighting the restrictive nature of societal constructs that can inhibit an individual's inherent goodness.

Other philosophical ideas listed, such as determinism, utilitarianism, and moral egoism, address different implications about human behavior and ethics rather than focusing on the corruption brought about by societal influences. Determinism deals with the idea that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes. Utilitarianism emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, focusing on outcomes rather than innate goodness. Moral egoism posits that individuals should act in their own self-interest, which does