Challenger Launch Ethics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary concern of the engineers at Morton Thiokol regarding the Challenger launch?

The structural integrity of the booster rockets.

The pressure from NASA to proceed with the launch.

The potential failure of the O-rings due to low temperatures. (correct)

The lack of a new contract with NASA.

What was the initial recommendation of the engineers at Morton Thiokol concerning the launch?

To delay the launch until the temperature rose to 53 degrees.

To proceed with the launch as scheduled.

To conduct further testing before making a decision.

Not to launch due to the risk posed by low temperatures. (correct)

What crucial role did the O-rings play in the Space Shuttle's booster rockets?

Sealing the segments of the booster rockets to prevent gas leaks. (correct)

Providing structural support to the rocket segments.

Serving as the primary ignition mechanism for the rockets.

Regulating the flow of fuel to the engines.

Why did NASA question Morton Thiokol's initial recommendation against launching?

Because they were under pressure to complete a successful flight. Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence did the engineers foresee if the O-rings failed?

A fatal explosion due to the ignition of fuel. Signup and view all the answers

What factor made the predicted launch temperature particularly concerning for the engineers?

It was significantly lower than the temperature at which worst leakage had been observed. Signup and view all the answers

What concern did Jerald Mason, the senior vice-president at Morton Thiokol, have regarding the launch?

The potential impact of a no-launch recommendation on future contracts. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the teleconference temporarily suspended during the launch discussion?

NASA requested a reevaluation after questioning Morton Thiokol's recommendation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the core justification used by the lawyers for not disclosing the burial location of the victim?

They were bound by lawyer-client confidentiality. Signup and view all the answers

According to the cases presented in the text, which profession is LEAST likely to face conflict between personal and professional ethics?

Engineering Signup and view all the answers

What primary ethical dilemma did the physician face in the example detailed in the text?

Balancing patient confidentiality with warning the patient's partner. Signup and view all the answers

Which professions, out of those listed, are mentioned as having standards that are subject to change?

Law, Medicine, and Engineering. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who is Roger Boisjoly?

An engineer facing a conflict between personal and professional ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What can sometimes be impeded by analytical skills?

Moral analysis involving concepts like justice and rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the consideration of environmental issues in engineering?

Only some engineering codes include environmental considerations. Signup and view all the answers

In the highway safety engineer scenario, what is the primary difference between the two intersections that are being compared?

The urban intersection handles four times the amount of traffic with the same number of fatalities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the perceived moral responsibility lawyers have to their clients?

Lawyers must always act in the interest of their clients, even if it conflicts with personal beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical view is represented by the idea of choosing the urban intersection over the rural intersection in the example?

Utilitarian, focusing on maximizing overall good Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of contention when considering environmental obligations for engineers?

Whether or not engineers should impose additional environmental responsibilities upon themselves above the law. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main arguments made for prioritizing the rural intersection improvement over the urban one?

It will address the more dangerous situation for the individual drivers using that intersection. Signup and view all the answers

What can numerical data alone not provide in a moral analysis?

A definitive answer to what is morally correct Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the relationship between numerical analysis and philosophical considerations in ethical decision-making?

That numerical analysis can be enhanced and informed by philosophical considerations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key piece of information Bryan needs to present regarding alternatives to dumping?

The financial cost of each alternative. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial response of most engineering students regarding this ethical decision?

They favor the urban intersection based on the principle of maximizing overall good. Signup and view all the answers

What initial step should Bryan take if he wants to persuade Max against dumping the toxins?

Gather data showing the illegal activity and health hazards of dumping. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the David Weber highway safety engineer case study?

To illustrate the challenge of applying rational, numerical analysis to complex ethical dilemmas. Signup and view all the answers

If Max refuses to take Bryan's advice seriously, what should Bryan consider doing next?

Appeal to company resources, such as the ethics hotline. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it suggested that Bryan should try to make Max his ally?

To make it easier to persuade company superiors of the need for alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

When should Bryan consider taking his case outside the company?

Only if he is prepared to quit his job first. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest Bryan may gain from confronting this issue, even if it costs him his job?

Personal satisfaction and preparation for future ethical dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the approach Bryan should have when contacting company resources?

Be sincere and non-confrontational to be best received. Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential consequence for Bryan if he takes his case public?

The likelihood of losing his job. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brenda's initial position at XYZ, before her promotion?

Research management staff Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mike refuse to support Brenda's application for a process chemist position?

He thought the factory environment would be too stressful for a woman. Signup and view all the answers

What reason did Mike give for excluding Brenda from the department's annual planning meeting?

She would feel uncomfortable as the only woman and the discussion would get crude. Signup and view all the answers

How did Mike primarily criticize Brenda in her first performance appraisal?

Due to her poor attendance record from child illness. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brenda's initial reaction to warnings about Mike's attitude towards women?

She didn't believe they were telling the truth and decided to wait and see. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma does Brenda face at the end of the text?

Whether to report Mike's behaviour or seek a lateral transfer. Signup and view all the answers

What was Brenda's reaction when Mike stated she would find the factory atmosphere too demanding for a woman?

She was upset at his refusal to put her application through. Signup and view all the answers

What did coworkers warn her of when she was thinking of transferring to technical service?

That Mike was unfair to women. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial concern Paul had regarding his relationship with Duncan when discussing vendor recommendations?

That his golf relationship with Duncan might compromise his objectivity. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the other engineers reassure Paul about his friendship with Duncan?

They had also formed friendships with vendors and needed to eliminate some. Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul's internal conflict regarding Duncan's vendor status?

Whether to openly recommend Duncan's elimination despite their friendship. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Paul initially decide not to express his opinion about Duncan to the other engineers?

He hoped they would recommend different vendors for elimination. Signup and view all the answers

What did the engineers ultimately decide regarding Duncan's company, without Paul voicing any opposition?

To recommend the company for elimination. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Paul decide to tell Duncan about the likely vendor decision before it was finalized?

To prepare Duncan for the bad news because they were good friends. Signup and view all the answers

What was Duncan's initial reaction when presented with the information that his company was likely to be eliminated?

He expressed that he had always been pleased with their working relationship, especially with Paul. Signup and view all the answers

When explaining his position to Duncan, what did Paul emphasize?

That personal relationships should not interfere with good business decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Engineering Ethics Introduction

Roger Boisjoly, a Morton Thiokol engineer, faced a major ethical dilemma regarding the January 27, 1986, Challenger Space Shuttle launch.
Engineers at Morton Thiokol expressed concerns about the O-rings' ability to seal at low temperatures, recommending a launch delay.
NASA questioned Morton Thiokol's recommendation and asked for reconsideration.
Morton Thiokol management reversed the initial no-launch decision, despite the inconclusive engineering data.
The Challenger exploded 73 seconds into the flight, killing all seven crew members.

Ethical Issues in Engineering

The case illustrates the importance of engineering knowledge to public safety and well-being.
Boisjoly's concern for the astronauts and the public, combined with his professional obligation to protect safety, was overridden in favor of perceived business interests.
The case highlights the potential conflict between professional obligations and personal values in engineering.

Importance of Engineering Ethics

A key principle is the obligation to protect the public against potentially harmful engineering designs and products.
Engineers should consider long-term consequences and not just short-term gains.

Professional Ethics

Professional ethics are governed by codes of conduct adopted by professional communities, including engineering societies.
Ethical codes typically emphasize public safety, honesty, and integrity.
The case raises ethical questions to consider as a student pursuing an engineering degree.

Role Morality

Professional roles carry specific obligations and responsibilities that can conflict with personal values.
Professionals are often presented with difficult choices where ethical considerations weigh heavily on their decision-making processes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the ethical concerns and engineering decisions that surrounded the Challenger launch disaster. This quiz covers key issues raised by Morton Thiokol engineers about O-rings and launch temperatures. Explore the complexities of professional ethics faced by engineers and other professionals involved.