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In which ethical viewpoint are decisions made based on the uniqueness of the situation?
Situational ethics
Humanistic ethics
Religious ethics
Dual relationship
The correct answer is: Situational ethics
Situational ethics is an ethical viewpoint that emphasizes the significance of context in ethical decision-making. It posits that moral principles are not absolute and can vary depending on the particular circumstances of a situation. This approach encourages flexibility and responsiveness to the nuances of each individual case, rather than adhering strictly to predefined rules or regulations. In practical terms, when practitioners apply situational ethics, they assess the specifics of a scenario—including the people involved, the potential consequences, and the unique factors at play—before determining what action is the most ethical. This adaptability is especially vital in fields like addiction counseling, where clients may have diverse backgrounds and experiences that influence their needs and the appropriateness of different interventions. The other viewpoints mentioned focus more on fixed principles or values, such as humanistic ethics, which emphasizes human dignity and self-actualization, and religious ethics, which relies on the tenets of a particular faith. Dual relationship refers specifically to a scenario in which a counselor has more than one type of relationship with a client, and while it raises important ethical considerations, it does not inherently pertain to the flexibility present in situational ethics.