Ethics Chapter 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of ethics as a discipline?

To standardize societal norms

To define personal beliefs about morality

To recommend concepts of right and wrong behavior (correct)

To establish laws governing behavior

How do ethics and morals differ from each other?

Ethics is an absolute code while morals vary by culture

Ethics is subjective while morals are objective

Ethics is static whereas morals are dynamic

Ethics refers to societal norms while morals are individual beliefs (correct)

Which element is NOT commonly listed as an influencer of ethics in our lives?

Religion/Spirituality

Family

Community/Society

Technology (correct)

What aspect does business ethics primarily address?

Revenue generation practices Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main concerns of environmental ethics?

Balancing human needs with environmental preservation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a way ethics challenges our actions?

By encouraging personal reflection on choices Signup and view all the answers

In which area do business ethics often draw criticism?

Employee benefits distribution Signup and view all the answers

Which social factor is NOT explicitly mentioned as influencing ethics?

Peer pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of ethical codes in professional conduct?

To deter and discipline unethical behavior Signup and view all the answers

How do ethical codes contribute to the public image of the engineering profession?

By conferring a positive image of ethical commitment Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of codes of ethics mentioned in the content?

They are broad guidelines and cannot be applied directly to all situations Signup and view all the answers

Why are ethical conventions established by codes of ethics considered necessary?

To suppress disputes and promote acceptable conduct Signup and view all the answers

What role do ethical codes play in educational institutions?

They emphasize the significance of moral values Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary purposes of a code of ethics for professionals?

To provide guidelines for ethical judgment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a dimension of ethics according to the 3 'R's of Ethics?

Reputation Signup and view all the answers

What role do ethical codes play in relation to public image?

They contribute to a positive public image Signup and view all the answers

How do codes of ethics provide support for engineers in their professional duties?

By offering guidelines for ethical conduct Signup and view all the answers

Which quote emphasizes the relationship between law and ethical conduct?

An unjust law is itself a species of violence. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the positive roles of codes of ethics?

Deterring and disciplining unethical conduct Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of ethical codes serves as legal support for professionals?

Providing a framework for ethical judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the function of codes of ethics?

They restrict the creative process in engineering. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of justice in the context provided?

Meeting individual needs fairly Signup and view all the answers

How does integrity manifest in a professional setting?

Consistency between actions and professional values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals should not have access to confidential information in intelligence work?

Competitor Signup and view all the answers

What does the term veracity refer to?

The act of being straightforward and truthful Signup and view all the answers

Which principle relates to enabling individuals to make their own decisions?

Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

What does objectivity in journalism primarily emphasize?

Separating facts from values Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary aims in seeking beneficial outcomes?

Producing maximum benefits and avoiding harm Signup and view all the answers

Respectfulness can be demonstrated through which of the following actions?

Using honorifics in communication Signup and view all the answers

In the context provided, how is fairness related to justice?

Fairness involves providing benefits and distributing burdens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of law in society?

To govern behavior and establish rights Signup and view all the answers

What does fidelity represent in a professional relationship?

A commitment to maintaining a relationship over time Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a common misconception about respect?

Respect is only necessary in formal situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the concept of autonomy?

Autonomy refers to independent decision-making abilities Signup and view all the answers

How does the law adapt to society's needs?

Through regular amendments and changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of actions that indicate contempt instead of respect?

They damage relationships and trust Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to the principle of objectivity in journalism?

Segregation of facts and values Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Ethics

Ethics, or moral philosophy, systematizes, defends, and recommends concepts of right and wrong behavior.
Ethics refers to behavior and function within society, prompting reflection on actions and decisions.

Distinguishing Ethics and Morals

Ethics are personal decisions about right and wrong, while morals reflect broader societal beliefs about good and bad.

Influences on Ethics

Influences include role models, community, politics, laws, professional bodies, education, workplace, friends, family, and religion.

Types of Ethics

Business Ethics: Focuses on a company's daily operations, often critiquing disparities in pay and treatment between executives and lower-level workers.
Environmental Ethics: Addresses concerns like deforestation and resource depletion, challenging the balance between immediate harm and long-term benefits.

Justice and Fairness

Justice means treating equals equally and recognizing individual needs.
Fairness is connected to justice, involving equitable distribution of resources and responsibilities.

Key Ethical Concepts

Autonomy: Individuals should have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding what is done to or for them.
Integrity: Acting in accordance with professional values, such as maintaining confidentiality and prioritizing clients' best interests.
Result-oriented Ethics: Aims to maximize benefits while minimizing harm in outcomes of decisions.

Veracity: Emphasizes honesty and clear communication, ensuring information is comprehensible.
Fidelity: Focuses on trust in professional relationships, emphasizing confidentiality.

Objectivity and Respectfulness

Objectivity in journalism promotes neutrality and fact-based reporting.
Respectfulness involves esteem and regard for others, reflecting a fundamental principle in interpersonal interactions.

Obedience to Law

Law establishes frameworks for rights and obligations, adapting to societal changes.
Laws serve as mediators in social relations, impacting economics, politics, and community structure.

Dimensions of Ethics

The "3 R's" of ethics: Rules, Responsibility, Respect guide ethical behavior in professional settings.

Code of Ethics

Provides a framework for ethical judgment and professional conduct.
Offers guidance, inspiration, and support for professionals facing ethical dilemmas.

Positive Roles of Code of Ethics

Inspiration: Motivates professionals to uphold moral principles.
Guidance: Offers structured approaches to ethical situations.
Support: Assists in navigating conflicts and obligations.
Deterrence and Discipline: Enforces standards to prevent unethical behavior.
Education: Enhances awareness of moral values.
Public Image: Promotes a positive perception of professions.
Status Quo Protection: Establishes minimal acceptable ethical conduct.
Business Interest Promotion: Facilitates morally acceptable business practices.

Limitations of Codes of Ethics

Codes are general and may not apply universally to all situations.
Internal conflicts within codes can lead to moral dilemmas.
They cannot serve as the absolute authority on professional conduct.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of ethics in this quiz based on Chapter 2. Understand the definitions and differences between ethics and morals as essential components of moral philosophy. Test your knowledge on these crucial ideas that influence decision-making.