Chapter 6
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What was the primary cause of the ICE train disaster in 1998?

  • Operator error
  • Bad weather conditions
  • Bridge failure
  • Faulty wheel design (correct)

    • The new wheel design was tested at high speed before it was introduced into service.

    False

    What was the outcome for the three engineers charged with manslaughter in connection with the ICE disaster?

    The case was dismissed on the condition that each defendant paid a fee of 10,000 Euros.

    The design process begins with problem analysis and _____ formulation.

    <p>problem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following stages of the design process with their descriptions:

    <p>Problem analysis = Formulating the design problem and requirements Conceptual design = Generating alternative conceptual solutions Detail design = Finalizing specifications and details Prototype development = Creating and testing a working model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stage of the design process is the decision made to choose one conceptual solution from a set of possible solutions?

    <p>Decision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ethical considerations are irrelevant during the design process.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant aspect was missing in the certification of the new wheel design for the ICE train?

    <p>It was not tested at high speed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered crucial during the conceptual design stage?

    <p>Creativity of designers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Moral considerations solely determine the reliability of predictions in the design process.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the four criteria for decision-making suggested by Davis Collingridge?

    <p>Flexibility of the decision</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the simulation stage in the design process?

    <p>To check if the concept designs meet the design requirements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ is a compromise between design criteria, such as safety and sustainability.

    <p>trade off</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Organizational deviance refers to norms perceived as legitimate within an organization but seen as unethical outside of it.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of a cost-benefit analysis in engineering?

    <p>To express all relevant considerations in one common unit for comparison.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario requires a higher reliability in predictions about accidents?

    <p>Designing a nuclear power plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The stage in which a chosen design is elaborated on and detailed is known as the ______ design.

    <p>detail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Design Criteria = Requirements used to evaluate concept designs Simulation = Checking designs against requirements using models Trade Off = Compromise between conflicting design criteria Concept Design = Initial creative ideas for a product design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Computer models used in simulations are always reliable.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following ethical issues to their respective stages:

    <p>Decision-making = Inclusivity of stakeholders Prototype development = Systematic data gathering Manufacture and construction = Labor conditions Cost-benefit analysis = Common unit for considerations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue is associated with construction work according to the content?

    <p>Dangerous working conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key factor that affects the reliability of predictions in design?

    <p>The moral stakes involved in the design.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prototyping involves creating a model that will always function the same as the final product.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant risk involved with the use of uranium stabilizers in airplanes?

    <p>Health and safety risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of cost-benefit analysis?

    <p>To maximize the difference between benefits and costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cost-benefit analysis requires all criteria to be expressed in monetary units.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ethical theory is cost-benefit analysis related to when it considers moral values?

    <p>utilitarianism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In multiple criteria analysis, the highest value option is selected using the formula _____ = _____ * _____.

    <p>wj = cgi * vij</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts to their descriptions:

    <p>Cost-Benefit Analysis = Monetary comparison of benefits and costs Contingent Validation = Willingness to pay for certain values Multiple Criteria Analysis = Comparison based on multiple non-monetary criteria Threshold Setting = Establishing limits for specific criteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential limitation of multiple criteria analysis?

    <p>It may lead to vague comparisons of options.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Thresholds in decision-making are used to simplify all criteria into one value.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is contingent validation used for in the context of cost-benefit analysis?

    <p>To express values like safety or sustainability in monetary terms based on people's willingness to pay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a threshold in the context of design criteria?

    <p>The acceptable level for a design criterion that must be met.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Setting thresholds allows for direct trade-offs between different design requirements.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential disadvantage of setting design thresholds?

    <p>It limits the engineer's ability to achieve higher values or performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Value Sensitive Design aims to address conflicts between values through _______.

    <p>engineering design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which investigation focuses on understanding the experiences of people affected by technological designs?

    <p>Empirical investigations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of investigations with their focus areas:

    <p>Empirical investigations = Understanding user experiences Conceptual investigations = Clarifying values at stake Technical investigations = Analyzing designs Regulatory frameworks = Rules governing technology design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Regulatory frameworks can be considered a part of morality.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the reasoning approach when dealing with value conflicts?

    <p>Identifying relevant values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered radical design?

    <p>Changing either the configuration or working principle of an existing product</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Regulatory frameworks are more common in radical design than in normal design.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one ethical issue that engineers may encounter during the design process?

    <p>Problem analysis and formulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A framework must be free of __________ to be effective.

    <p>contradictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following strategies to their purposes when facing an unacceptable regulatory framework:

    <p>Change the framework = Get involved in formulating technical codes Inform other parties = Report problems with the framework Deviate from the framework = Modify certain elements in design Opt for radical design = Use creativity without regulatory restrictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a condition for judging a regulatory framework?

    <p>The framework is cost-effective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Ethical decisions during design are primarily made in the prototype development stage.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the steps involved in the engineering design process?

    <p>Problem analysis, conceptual design, simulation, decision, detail design, prototype development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Engineering Ethics: Ethical Questions in the Design of Technology

    • This chapter examines ethical issues in engineering design.
    • A focus case study is the 1998 German high-speed train (ICE) derailment, where a redesigned wheel, not adequately tested at high speed, contributed to the disaster.
    • Key figures involved includes three engineers charged with manslaughter.
    • Important issues identified included adequately testing new technologies, implementing proper safety procedures, and a critical analysis of engineering design mistakes.
    • The initial expert opinion and public opinion were contradictory on certain issues related to the case.
    • The chapter introduces stages of design, outlining a sequential process, encompassing problem analysis, formulation, conceptual design, simulation through computer models (which have potential drawbacks), decision-making, detail design, prototype testing, manufacturing, and construction.

    Chapter Outline

    • The core of the chapter is summarized in an outline including introduction, ethical issues during design processes, trade-offs and value conflicts, regulatory frameworks, and brief summaries.
    • The chapter will cover multiple approaches to ethical design including cost-benefit analysis, multiple criteria analysis, thresholds, reasoning about values, and value-sensitive design.

    Introduction

    • The 1998 incident details a train accident involving the German high-speed train (ICE) that resulted in significant loss of life.

    • Investigations into the reasons for the accident pointed to a newly designed wheel not being adequately tested, leading to its failure.

    • The case highlights the importance of thorough testing and safety precautions in engineering design.

    • The three engineers involved in certifying the wheel were charged with manslaughter.

    • Three objections were raised -First, no clear objection by experts on the design overall -Second, adequate inspection procedures may have failed in preventing accident. -Third, engineers did not exhibit gross error in their calculations of wheels' stress.

    Stage 1: Problem Analysis and Formulation

    • This initial stage entails defining the design problem, including identifying relevant requirements and aspects to consider for its solution.
    • Ethical considerations, based on established professional and corporate codes, need to be integrated into the initial stages.

    Stage 2: Conceptual Design

    • This phase focuses on generating various design concept ideas for the problem.
    • The focus is on an integral approach to the design problem, not on realizing each requirement independently (such as a combination of multiple considerations)

    Stage 3: Simulation

    • Concept designs are assessed to ensure compliance with requirements in simulation stage.

    • Key questions include the reliability of predictions about the product's later behavior.

    • Ethical considerations about potential outcomes and impact are crucial in simulation and design.

    • Example: The reliability of predictions about a nuclear plant accident must be far greater than those for a relatively safe product like a can opener.

    • Different computer model-based simulations can contain unexpected errors or assumptions that require validation to evaluate their reliability (and moral implication), to provide a clearer understanding and acceptable evaluation.

    Stage 4.3: Decision-Making

    • The decision stage entails selecting the specific design that will be brought further in the design process.

    • Comparison and evaluation of various concepts are based on design requirements established in the analysis phase.

    • Important terms:

      • Design criteria: specific requirements for design elements.
      • Trade-offs: compromises between different design criteria (such as safety vs. sustainability).

    • Ethical Considerations in Decision-Making:

      • Who should be involved in the decision-making process (relevant stakeholders)?
      • What are the potential ethical implications of various decisions?
        • Difference between explicit and implicit decisions
        • Norms in organizations regarding deviance or unethical behavior

    • Davis Collingride identified four important elements: - Corrigibility of decision - Ease of system modification - Decision malleability -Insensitivity of decision

    Stage 5: Detail Design

    • Detailed elaboration of a chosen design concept, considering risks, health effects, and environmental impacts.

      • Example: Uranium stabilizers in airplanes.

    Stage 6: Prototype Development and Testing

    • Testing of a prototype under controlled conditions.
    • Differentiating actual circumstances from test conditions is critical for thorough evaluation.

    Stage 7: Manufacture and Construction

    • Ethical considerations related to manufacturing and construction, including labor conditions, worker safety, environmental sustainability, and potential dangers associated with construction practices.
      • Example statistics on construction worker death rates can help understand risks.

    Cost-Benefit Analysis

    • Method that balances costs and benefits of different design options using monetary terms for all values.
    • Can be limited to costs/profits of a specific company.
    • Often used in engineering design.
    • Potentially overlooks important values

    Multiple Criteria Analysis

    • Method to compare different options considering multiple criteria without necessarily translating them into a single monetary unit.
    • Allows for simultaneous assessment of criteria.
    • Compared to cost-benefit analysis, this method more accurately assess the multi-faceted issues of product design

    Thresholds

    • Establishing minimal acceptable criteria or minimum levels in design criteria for various features (e.g., safety, environmental impact).
    • Separate thresholds for each criterion allow for greater objectivity, independence, and clear focus on the particular concern.

    Reasoning

    • Focuses on justification and reasoning behind values considered in design trade-offs.
    • Steps involve identifying stakeholders, articulating the values at risk, and finding potential common ground between stakeholders to resolve inherent values conflicts

    Value Sensitive Design

    • A design method focused on understanding and integrating the values of all stakeholders in design decisions.
      • It includes empirical investigations to understand users, conceptual investigations for clarification of values, and further analysis for technical design aspects.

    Regulatory Frameworks

    • Overall rules influencing the design and development of various technologies.
    • Can be considered part of a moral responsibility, including judgments about appropriate actions.
    • Importance of public participation and discussion as part of the regulatory framework.

    Summary of Method Comparison

    • Different comparison methods are described and evaluated in terms of strengths and weakness.

    • Comparing the different methods

    • Cost-benefit analysis

    • Multiple criteria analysis

    • Thresholds

    • Reasoning

    • Value Sensitive design

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    Description

    This quiz explores the ethical questions surrounding engineering design, focusing on real-world case studies like the 1998 German high-speed train derailment. Key points include the importance of testing new technologies, safety procedures, and understanding the sequential design process. Delve into the consequences of engineering mistakes and ethical accountability in design decisions.

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