Engineering Ethics: Moral Issues & Responsibilities

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Questions and Answers

An engineer discovers a critical flaw in a bridge design that, while not immediately dangerous, could lead to structural failure under specific extreme weather conditions, and the project manager insists on proceeding without modifications to meet the deadline. Which ethical framework would best support the engineer's decision to prioritize public safety over contractual obligations?

Utilitarianism, seeking to maximize overall happiness by completing the project on time and within budget.
Egoism, prioritizing the engineer's career advancement by avoiding conflict.
Virtue ethics, focusing on the engineer's personal character and integrity in fulfilling contractual duties.
Duty ethics, emphasizing the engineer's obligation to adhere to professional standards and protect public welfare. (correct)

In the context of 'Engineering as Experimentation', what is the primary ethical consideration that differentiates engineering projects from traditional scientific experiments?

The potential for widespread and immediate impact on human lives and the environment. (correct)
The strict adherence to controlled variables and repeatable testing procedures.
The reliance on established theories and proven methodologies to ensure predictable outcomes.
The absence of a formal hypothesis and the lack of peer-reviewed publication of results.

An engineer working on a sustainable energy project discovers that a component sourced from a foreign supplier does not meet the advertised environmental standards. The supplier insists on maintaining confidentiality about the component's specifications. What should be the engineer's most ethical course of action?

Attempt to reverse engineer the component to independently verify its specifications without directly confronting the supplier.
Privately negotiate with the supplier to obtain more accurate component specifications while keeping the issue internal to avoid project delays.
Ignore the discrepancy to maintain the project timeline and budget, as the component still meets minimal safety requirements.
Disclose the issue to relevant stakeholders, including the project team, client, and potentially regulatory agencies, despite the supplier's confidentiality request. (correct)

An engineer is offered a significant ownership stake in a startup company that she is currently contracted to provide consulting services. The startup's technology directly competes with her primary employer. Which ethical principle is most directly challenged by this situation?

<p>Conflict of Interest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An engineering firm is bidding on a large infrastructure project in a developing country. To secure the contract, a local official requests a 'facilitation fee,' which is a common practice in the country but violates the firm's code of ethics and anti-bribery laws in their home country. Which approach best reflects an ethically sound response for the engineering firm?

<p>Report the request to the firm's legal department and relevant international anti-corruption agencies, while withdrawing from the bidding process if necessary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Engineering Ethics

Deals with moral problems and ethical standards in engineering practice.

Engineering as Experimentation

Treating engineering projects as experiments with potential but unknown outcomes.

Engineer’s Safety Responsibility

Ensuring designs and projects meet safety standards to protect the public.

Engineering Responsibilities and Rights

Obligations an engineer has and the protections they are afforded in their profession.

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Global Engineering Ethics

Ethical issues that cross national borders in engineering projects, like environmental impact.

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Study Notes

Engineering ethics involves moral issues and ethical theories.

Moral issues

Focus on dilemmas and conflicts that arise in engineering practice.
Requires engineers to make decisions based on principles.

Ethical Theories

Provide frameworks for analyzing moral issues.
Help engineers justify their decisions.
Include utilitarianism, duty ethics, and virtue ethics.

Engineering as Experimentation

Engineering projects are experiments with potential risks and benefits.
Engineers have a responsibility to minimize risks.
Code of ethics guides engineers to act responsibly.
It emphasizes honesty, integrity, and public welfare.

Engineer’s Responsibility for Safety

Safety is paramount in engineering.
Engineers must consider safety in design, testing, and implementation.
They must also communicate risks to the public.

Responsibilities

Engineers are responsible for their actions.
They need to be accountable for the consequences of their work.

Rights

Engineers have rights as professionals.
They have the right to express their opinions.
They also have the right to refuse unethical requests.

Global Issues of Engineering Ethics

Engineering projects often have global impacts.
Ethical issues include environmental sustainability, social justice, and cultural sensitivity.
Engineers must consider these issues in their work.

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Description

Explore engineering ethics, covering moral dilemmas, ethical theories like utilitarianism, and the concept of engineering as experimentation. Understand engineers' responsibilities for safety and the importance of codes of ethics in guiding responsible actions. Learn how engineers must be accountable for their work's consequences.