Ethical Theories and Frameworks for Engineers: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

A company is developing a new product that could potentially harm the environment. The engineers must decide whether to proceed or abandon the project. Which ethical framework prioritizes the greatest good for the largest number of people in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Relativism

Question 2

A bridge engineer discovers a design flaw that could potentially cause the bridge to collapse. The engineer knows that reporting the flaw will significantly delay the project but also prevent potential loss of life. Which ethical framework would strongly advocate for reporting the flaw despite the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Egoism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 3

A team of engineers is tasked with developing a new energy-efficient technology. Which action aligns with the principles of virtue ethics in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing the development of a sustainable solution that benefits the community.

Answer

Maximizing profits by using cheaper, less sustainable materials.

Answer

Focusing solely on meeting project deadlines regardless of potential environmental impact.

Question 4

An engineer is designing a new safety system for a factory. They face a trade-off between a more expensive but safer system and a cheaper but less effective system. What is a key ethical consideration for the engineer in this dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the potential risks and benefits of each option.

Answer

Choosing the cheapest option regardless of safety concerns.

Answer

Ignoring the potential consequences of the decision.

Question 5

A company plans to build a new factory in a developing country. Which ethical framework emphasizes respecting the cultural and social norms of the local community?

Accepted Answer

Cultural Relativism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 6

A young engineer faces a decision that could potentially harm the environment. Their supervisor pressures them to prioritize project deadlines over environmental concerns. What best describes the engineer's ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest between professional obligations and personal values.

Answer

Lack of knowledge about ethical frameworks.

Answer

Inability to make independent decisions.

Question 7

What is a key characteristic of a strong ethical framework for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Provides clear guidance for navigating ethical dilemmas.

Answer

Is easily adaptable to any situation.

Answer

Is based on personal opinions and beliefs.

Question 8

Which statement best describes the relationship between ethical theories and frameworks?

Accepted Answer

Ethical theories provide foundational principles, while frameworks offer practical guidelines for applying those principles.

Answer

Ethical theories and frameworks are interchangeable concepts.

Question 9

An engineer is designing a new transportation system and must consider the potential environmental impact. Which ethical framework would be most relevant to this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Ethics

Answer

Bioethics

Answer

Computer Ethics

Answer

Business Ethics

Question 10

A car company is developing a new safety feature that could significantly reduce accidents. However, implementing this feature would increase the car's price. Which ethical framework would likely prioritize the safety of passengers over the cost increase?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 11

A chemical engineer discovers a new production process that is highly efficient but generates a toxic byproduct. The engineer decides to proceed with the process, believing the overall benefits outweigh the risks. Which ethical framework is most likely influencing this decision?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Question 12

An engineer is working on a project for a client who demands a design that compromises safety standards. The engineer knows this could lead to harm. Which ethical framework would strongly emphasize the engineer's duty to uphold safety regulations regardless of client pressure?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 13

A software engineer discovers a vulnerability in a popular online platform that could expose user data. Reporting the issue might cause significant disruption, but the engineer understands the potential harm if the vulnerability is exploited. Which ethical framework would prioritize the engineer's duty to uphold professional integrity and protect users, even at the cost of inconvenience?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 14

A civil engineer is designing a bridge in a sensitive ecosystem. The engineer chooses a design that minimizes environmental impact, even though it's more expensive and time-consuming. This decision reflects which ethical framework?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Question 15

Which ethical framework emphasizes the inherent rights and dignity of all individuals and would likely be used to oppose a technology that exploits or endangers certain groups?

Accepted Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 16

An engineer working on a government project notices the agency is using faulty data to justify a project with negative environmental impacts. Which ethical framework would likely guide the engineer to speak out and expose the flawed data, even if it jeopardizes the project?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 17

A team of engineers is designing a new water resource management system. The system could improve efficiency but might displace some communities. Which ethical framework would prioritize the well-being of affected communities, even if it means sacrificing some efficiency gains?

Accepted Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 18

An engineer designing a new prosthetic limb aims to create a device that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This commitment to both aspects reflects which ethical framework?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism