Introduction to Engineering Ethics Lecture 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the distinguishing feature of a moral right compared to an obligation?

A moral right can be exercised or waived. (correct)

A moral right always requires action.

A moral right can be legally enforced.

A moral right is determined by institutional definitions.

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between rights and obligations?

An obligation may exist without a corresponding right. (correct)

Rights and obligations are synonymous terms.

All obligations are moral rights.

Every right has a corresponding obligation.

Why is informed consent necessary in human experiments?

Because it respects the participants' rights to refuse. (correct)

Because participants need to be financially compensated.

Because it guarantees successful outcomes for the study.

Because it minimizes the researcher's liability.

What do moral rights derive their justification from?

Ethical considerations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the differences between moral rights and legal rights is true?

Moral rights are grounded in ethics, whereas legal rights are grounded in law. Signup and view all the answers

What does exercising a right imply?

The person can choose to act or not act. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is fundamental to ensuring informed consent in research?

Giving participants complete information about the study. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding rights and their justifications?

A right can simultaneously be moral, legal, and institutional. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in resolving ethical dilemmas?

Moral clarity Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on maximizing benefits while minimizing harm?

Utilitarian approach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a key term for ethics in engineering?

Public health Signup and view all the answers

The respect for persons approach insists on treating individuals as what?

Free and equal moral agents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of virtue ethics?

Moral character Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in resolving ethical dilemmas?

Emotional response analysis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'conceptual issues' refer to in ethical reasoning?

Questions about the meanings of terms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a practical application of the utilitarian approach?

Conducting a cost-benefit analysis on a proposed engineering project. Signup and view all the answers

What is a human right?

A right that all people possess by virtue of being human. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a civil right?

The right to vote. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an alienable right from an inalienable right?

Alienable rights can be traded away; inalienable rights cannot. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the U.S. Declaration of Independence's view on rights?

It recognizes some rights as inalienable. Signup and view all the answers

How is an absolute right defined?

A right that is never morally outweighed by other considerations. Signup and view all the answers

What does prima facie mean in the context of rights?

Rights that can be morally outweighed under certain circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason society may temporarily override an individual's right to travel freely?

If there is a risk of spreading a dangerous disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of right may vary based on the enacting government?

Civil rights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 2: Moral Reasoning & Codes of Ethics

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

Importance of Moral Reasoning in Engineering

Right: A justified claim or assertion of what a rights-holder is due.
Moral rights: Justifications based on ethical principles.
Legal rights: Justifications based on legal principles.
Institutional rights: Justifications based on the definitions of the offices or institutions.
A right can be moral, legal, and institutional at the same time, but one type of justification doesn't necessarily imply another.
Rights and obligations/rules: Rights share similarities with obligations and rules, but an obligation or rule may not have a corresponding right.
Exercising or waiving rights: A right can be exercised or waived (intentionally not exercised). If a right is required to be exercised, it becomes an obligation rather than a right.
Moral Right vs Moral Rule/Obligation: A has a right to do X. This implies a corresponding moral rule or obligation (on others), like "Do not interfere with A doing X."
Connections exist between moral rights and moral/legal/institutional rules and obligations, but not every rule requires a corresponding right.
Informed consent: When competent human beings are recruited for an experiment, seeking their informed consent is an ethical standard, even if risks are minimal. This includes providing full information about the study and the participant's ability to withdraw at any time , giving them freely consent to participate. Respecting the right to refuse is important and a fundamental human right.

Human, Special, Civil, and Alienable Rights

Human right: A right that all people have simply by virtue of being people.
Special right: A right that is possessed only by some people (due to special characteristics, agreements, relationships, work/knowledge, actions of others, privileges).
Civil rights: Legal rights of citizens (or members of a civil society). Not all civil rights are human rights.
Alienable right: A right that can be traded or given away.
Inalienable right: A right that cannot be traded or given away. The U.S. Declaration of Independence asserts some rights (like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) as inalienable.
Absolute right: A right that cannot be morally outweighed by other factors.
Prima facie right: A right that may be morally outweighed by other important factors.

Steps in Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

Bases for moral values: Human safety, environmental protection, product usefulness/convenience, meeting financial needs.
Steps in resolving ethical dilemmas: Moral clarity (identifying relevant moral values), conceptual clarity (understanding key concepts), informed about the facts, informed about options (considering realistic options), well-reasoned (making a reasonable decision).
Utilitarian approach: Choose the action that maximizes overall well-being for the majority.
Respect for persons approach: Treat individuals as free and equal moral agents, respecting their dignity and rights.
Virtue ethics approach: Focus on cultivating moral character (honesty, courage, compassion) in decision-making.
Clarifying concepts (Conceptual issues): Fact Issues, Conceptual Issues, Application Issues, Moral Issues.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts of moral reasoning and the various codes of ethics discussed in the second lecture of the course. Understand the difference between moral, legal, and institutional rights and their implications in engineering practice. Assess your knowledge of how rights, obligations, and rules interact within ethical frameworks.