Engineering Ethics: Professional Responsibility

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Questions and Answers

What should engineers and architects avoid accepting to maintain ethical integrity?

Promotional material from clients

Feedback on their work performance

Gift, money, or any favor that might affect relationships (correct)

Advice from experienced colleagues

Which of the following is a potential moral problem identified in engineering ethics?

Over-regulation of construction sites

High employee turnover rates

Inadequate technical training of staff

Lack of vision and tunnel vision (correct)

What is meant by the term 'silo mentality' in engineering management?

Keeping information compartmentalized instead of sharing (correct)

Integrating different departments for problem-solving

A collaborative approach to projects

Regularly conducting cross-department meetings

Why should engineers refrain from making political donations related to their profession?

It may compromise their objectivity and integrity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions could indicate incompetence among engineers?

Failing to meet technical specifications Signup and view all the answers

What ethical principle is compromised when engineers disclose technological secrets without permission?

Confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of poor management in engineering ethics?

Pressure to take shortcuts Signup and view all the answers

What mindset could lead engineers to overlook critical safety issues during decision-making?

Tunnel vision and groupthink Signup and view all the answers

What does the charter of the Institution of Civil Engineers define engineering as?

The art of directing the great sources of power in nature for the use and convenience of man. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the primary obligation of engineers according to the NSPE?

Protecting the safety, health, property, and welfare of the public. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the TMMOB emphasize for engineers and architects?

Using science and technology for the benefit of humanity while preserving natural balance. Signup and view all the answers

According to the fundamental canons, what should engineers do if their professional judgment is overruled?

Notify appropriate authorities if public welfare is endangered. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society do engineers and architects have a responsibility to respect according to the social responsibilities outlined?

Human rights, peace, democracy, and society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the social responsibilities of engineers and architects?

Promoting technological innovation at all costs. Signup and view all the answers

What obligation do engineers have towards the natural environment according to the TMMOB?

To preserve it while utilizing it for human benefit. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of their professional obligations, what should engineers prioritize above all else?

The welfare and safety of the public. Signup and view all the answers

What is moral awareness in the context of engineering?

Recognition of moral problems and issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes moral communication?

Precision in using a common ethical language. Signup and view all the answers

What does moral coherence emphasize in ethical reasoning?

Forming consistent viewpoints based on relevant facts. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does moral reasonableness include?

Willingness and ability to engage in moral dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

How is moral imagination applied in the context of ethical dilemmas?

By discerning alternative responses to moral issues. Signup and view all the answers

Why is integrity important for professionals, especially in engineering?

It helps maintain moral integrity and align professional life with personal convictions. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept encourages respect for diversity within moral perspectives?

Tolerance of diversity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obligation of engineers regarding public welfare?

To promote the public good and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage in the development of professional identity focuses on conformity to the expectations of peers?

Team-Oriented Idealist Signup and view all the answers

What does the social contract account of professionalism imply about the agreement between professionals and the public?

Professionals must provide competent service in exchange for social recognition Signup and view all the answers

According to Michael Davis's account, what characterizes a profession?

Voluntary organization serving a moral ideal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Independent Operator stage in professional identity development?

Meeting external guidelines and expectations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the sociological account of professionalism?

It defines professionalism through specific characteristics associated with certain roles Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome expected from professionals in the social contract account?

To uphold ethical standards in their practices Signup and view all the answers

The Self-Defining or Integrated Professional stage is characterized by which of the following?

Integration of personal values with professional values Signup and view all the answers

What role does the public play in the social contract account of professionalism?

The public agrees to grant professionals certain privileges Signup and view all the answers

What is prioritized by engineers and architects in their responsibilities towards nature and the environment?

Future generations Signup and view all the answers

According to the TMMOB guidelines, what should take precedence over personal interests?

Common interests of society Signup and view all the answers

What action should engineers and architects take if requested work poses a serious danger to society?

Notify opinions in writing to the client Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility of engineers regarding technical issues of societal interest?

Explain opinions objectively and correctly Signup and view all the answers

In terms of occupational safety, what should engineers ensure in workplaces?

Protect the health of workers Signup and view all the answers

How should engineers treat everyone in society, including employers and colleagues?

Fairly and honestly Signup and view all the answers

What is an expected outcome of ensuring society understands technology?

Increased technological and engineering talent Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for engineers and architects to research and examine technical subjects thoroughly?

To provide adequate and factual reports Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the engineering profession compared to other professions like law and medicine?

There is no requirement for engineers to be registered to practice. Signup and view all the answers

Which profession prioritizes the good of the public in their ethical code, significantly differentiating them from engineers?

Physicians Signup and view all the answers

In the context of professional conduct, what is stated as the primary obligation for engineering professionals?

To the public good. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ethical obligation of accountants differ from that of engineers?

Accountants list clients before broader public responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of engineers in the United States are registered with their state licensing boards?

Only one-third. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the autonomy of engineers compared to nonprofessionals?

Engineers generally have more autonomy than most nonprofessionals. Signup and view all the answers

What governs the conduct of engineers to ensure they serve the public interest?

Professional ethical codes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the ethical responsibilities of engineers?

Engineers must balance the needs of clients and the public. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

Course Title: Introduction to Engineering and Ethics
Course Code: 1400111011
Instructor: Asst. Prof. Mete Öğüç

What is a Profession?

Middle Ages: Profession associated with monks' public declarations of strict moral life.
Late 17th Century: Profession secularized, applying to those with qualifications for services.
Three Approaches to Professionalism:
- Sociological account: Characteristics defining a profession.
- Social contract account: Implicit agreement between professionals and the public, including expertise, ethical standards, and public recognition.
- Michael Davis's account: Profession as individuals organized to serve a moral ideal beyond legal/market/moral expectations.

Characteristics of a Profession (Box 1.2)

Extensive training period (usually at a university)
Possession of knowledge/skills vital to society
Monopoly or near-monopoly on services
Considerable control over professional education
Significant autonomy in the workplace
Ethical standards (code of ethics) promoting public good

Stages of Professional Identity Development

Independent Operator: Adherence to external guidelines/expectations.
Team-Oriented Idealist: Professionalism based on peer expectations, especially exemplary figures.
Self-Defining/Integrated Professional: Integration of professional and personal values.

Registration of Engineers

Not all countries require registration for engineering practice.
In the United States, only a third of engineers are registered.
Registration can increase costs and make certain types of cooperation difficult.

Primacy of Public Good

Engineering's core obligation is to the public good (as opposed to employer/client interests).
Examples of codes emphasizing public good:
- Model Rules of Professional Conduct (American Bar Association)
- Code of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Code of Medical Ethics (American Medical Association)
Engineering codes emphasize safety, health, property, and welfare of the public.

Potential Moral Problems in Engineering

Lack of Vision: Tunnel vision towards traditional pursuits, lacking critical thinking.
Incompetence: Lack of technical skill among engineers.
Poor Management: Insufficient resources or time.
Silo Mentality: Lack of information sharing across departments.
Positivity Bias: Belief that safety/quality control exists elsewhere.
Unwariness: Misuse/misunderstanding by end-users.
Dishonesty/Pressure: Management pressure to cut corners.
Inattention: Lack of monitoring of product post-release.

Why Study Engineering Ethics?

Moral Awareness: Recognizing moral issues in engineering.
Moral Reasoning: Comprehending opposing sides of ethical issues.
Moral Coherence: Forming consistent moral viewpoints.
Moral Imagination: Finding creative solutions to moral dilemmas.
Moral Communication: Expressing and supporting ethical views.
Moral Reasonableness: Willingness and ability to be morally reasonable.
Respect for Persons: Genuine concern for others.
Tolerance of Diversity: Respect for different moral viewpoints.
Moral Hope: Belief that moral conflicts can be resolved.
Integrity: Maintaining personal and professional integrity.

Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

Personal Identity: Profession is part of one's identity.
Requirement for Registration: Registration impacts professional standing.
Public Good Emphasis: Obligation to promote public well-being.
Critical Attitude: Considering the social impact of technology.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of professional responsibility and the ethical dilemmas faced in engineering. It explores the historical context and various approaches to professionalism, emphasizing the moral obligations of engineers. Engage with core concepts that define a profession and its societal impact.