Professional Ethics ENGR 1100

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of engineering ethics?

To reflect the shared values of the engineering community (correct)

To serve as a guideline for personal conduct outside of engineering

To impose a strict set of rules on engineers' practices

To provide a detailed legal framework for engineers

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of ABET’s Code of Ethics for engineers?

Supporting technical societies

Ensuring compliance with legal standards only (correct)

Using knowledge for human welfare

Being honest and impartial

What is one obligation that a professional engineer has according to the Code of Ethics?

Avoiding interaction with other professionals

Having obligations to their employer and clients (correct)

Keeping all professional knowledge secret

Prioritizing their own interests over the public

Which statement about members' responsibilities under the ICE Rules of Professional Conduct is correct?

Members should develop their skills continuously. Signup and view all the answers

Which ICE Rule emphasizes the consideration of future generations?

Members shall show due regard for the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'shared values' refer to in engineering ethics?

Common principles that guide the engineering profession Signup and view all the answers

Which action must an engineer take if convicted of a criminal offense according to the ICE Rules?

Notify the Institution of the conviction Signup and view all the answers

An engineer who only undertakes work they are competent to do is adhering to which guideline?

ICE Rules of Professional Conduct Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a profession from a non-profession?

Special knowledge and intellectual skills Signup and view all the answers

Why do professionals have special responsibilities towards their clients?

Clients must trust professionals for their expertise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a profession?

Involves community sanction and licensing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of ethics as it pertains to decision-making?

To address how to make decisions in life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles is typically recognized as a profession?

Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of breaching a professional code of ethics?

Immediate expulsion from the profession Signup and view all the answers

What type of knowledge is essential for engineers according to the definition of engineering?

Knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences Signup and view all the answers

Which school of ethics primarily deals with moral principles guiding individual behavior?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of professional ethics in engineering?

Shared values and standards of the professional community Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ignorance in the context of professional ethics?

Not knowing what needs to be done in a specific situation Signup and view all the answers

What does negligence imply in the realm of professional engineering?

Understanding tasks but failing to execute them properly Signup and view all the answers

In which ethical framework is the concept of duty considered central?

Deontological ethics Signup and view all the answers

What principle does utilitarianism promote as a guide for conduct?

Achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would likely result from incompetence in a professional setting?

An engineer knowing what to do but unable to execute tasks correctly Signup and view all the answers

What role do virtues like justice and generosity play in professional ethics according to Aristotle's viewpoint?

They serve to benefit both the individual and society. Signup and view all the answers

How is professional ethics different from personal ethics?

Professional ethics are determined by the professional community rather than personal beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence for breaching the Code of Ethics?

A written rebuke Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves determining who has a vested interest in the outcome?

Define the stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

What should professionals do after evaluating proposed alternatives?

Seek additional assistance, as appropriate Signup and view all the answers

In which step does a professional take action based on their selected solution?

Implement the selected solution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in solving ethical dilemmas in professional practice?

Create a marketing strategy Signup and view all the answers

What should a professional record during the monitoring and assessment phase?

Improvements for future reference Signup and view all the answers

What is a combination of possible consequences for breaching the Code of Ethics?

Suspension, fine, and termination of membership Signup and view all the answers

Which step in solving ethical dilemmas uses effective communication and personality assessment?

Assess the motivations of the stakeholders Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course title: Professional Ethics
Course code: ENGR 1100
Instructor: Leighton A. Ellis

Lecture Outline

What is Engineering?
What is a Profession?
- Distinguishing characteristics of a profession
- Examples of professions and non-professions
Characteristics of Professions
- Special knowledge and intellectual skills
- Formal education (often postgraduate)
- Professional authority, judgment, and peer review
- Community sanction, accreditation, and licensing
- Professional associations (e.g., ICE, ASCE, CSCE, etc.)
Why do Professionals Have Special Responsibilities?
- Professionals have clients, not customers
- Clients must trust professionals
- Professions serve a public good
- Codes of ethics and special responsibilities of professionals
  - Engineers' responsibility for public safety.
Schools of Ethics
- Aristotelian ethics (virtues ethics)
- Kantian ethics (duty ethics)
- Utilitarianism (greatest happiness principle)
Professional Ethics
- Definition as a subset of broader ethics
- How engineers make decisions in professional life
- What constitutes right conduct in professional dealings
- What constitutes being a good engineer
Wrong done by professionals
- Ignorance
- Incompetence
- Negligence
Consequences for Breach of Code of Ethics
- Written rebuke
- Fine
- Suspension of membership
- Expulsion/termination of membership
- Combination of above
Solving Ethical Dilemmas
- Step-by-step guidelines: Determining facts, defining stakeholders, assessing motivations, formulating alternatives, evaluating alternatives, seeking assistance, selecting an action, implementing, and monitoring outcome.
Code of Ethics
- Rules of conduct in a particular group/culture
- Minimum obligations to profession, public, association, employer, client, and self
ABET's Code of Ethics of Engineers Fundamental Principles
- Using knowledge and skill for human welfare
- Honesty, impartiality, fidelity to public, employers, and clients
- Increasing engineering competence and prestige
- Supporting professional/technical societies
ICE Rules of Professional Conduct
- Conducting professional duties with integrity
- Only undertaking competent work
- Full regard for public interest, health, safety and future generations
- Due regard for the environment and sustainable use of natural resources
- Continuous professional development, skill enhancement, assisting education/training of others
- Notifying the institution about criminal offences, bankruptcy, disqualifications, breaches by other members
Assignment: Case Study Research
- Researching engineering ethics case studies online.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of Professional Ethics in engineering. This quiz covers topics such as the nature of professions, the responsibilities of professionals, and various ethical theories. Dive into the characteristics that distinguish professionals and their roles in serving public good.