Theories of Engineering Ethics

Description: This quiz covers the various theories of engineering ethics, including their key concepts, principles, and applications.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: engineering ethics moral theories ethical decision-making
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Which theory of engineering ethics emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy of individuals and their right to make their own decisions?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Care Ethics


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Deontology, particularly Kantian ethics, places a strong emphasis on respecting individual autonomy and the inherent worth of persons, requiring engineers to act in ways that respect people's rights and choices.

According to utilitarianism, the morally right action is the one that:

  1. Produces the most good for the greatest number of people

  2. Conforms to universal moral principles

  3. Develops the best virtues in individuals

  4. Promotes the well-being of the community


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Utilitarianism, as formulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, holds that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest amount of happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people affected by the action.

Virtue ethics focuses on:

  1. Maximizing utility

  2. Fulfilling duties and obligations

  3. Developing good character traits

  4. Promoting social harmony


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Virtue ethics, as expounded by Aristotle, emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits, such as honesty, integrity, courage, and compassion, as a foundation for ethical decision-making and action.

Care ethics, as developed by feminist ethicists, emphasizes:

  1. Individual rights and autonomy

  2. Universal moral principles

  3. Developing virtues and character traits

  4. Relationships, interdependence, and empathy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Care ethics places central importance on relationships, interdependence, and empathy, recognizing the significance of caring for others and promoting their well-being in ethical decision-making.

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of engineering decisions on future generations?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Sustainability Ethics


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sustainability ethics, a relatively recent development in engineering ethics, focuses on the ethical responsibilities of engineers to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions, particularly their impact on future generations and the environment.

According to the principle of non-maleficence, engineers should:

  1. Maximize benefits and minimize harms

  2. Always tell the truth

  3. Respect individual autonomy

  4. Promote justice and fairness


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The principle of non-maleficence, often considered a fundamental ethical principle, requires engineers to avoid causing harm or injury to others through their actions or decisions.

The principle of beneficence requires engineers to:

  1. Avoid causing harm

  2. Maximize benefits for stakeholders

  3. Respect individual autonomy

  4. Promote justice and fairness


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The principle of beneficence, complementary to non-maleficence, requires engineers to actively seek to benefit others and promote their well-being through their actions and decisions.

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of promoting justice and fairness in engineering decision-making?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Distributive Justice Theory


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Distributive justice theory, a branch of social and political philosophy, focuses on the ethical principles and criteria for distributing benefits, burdens, and opportunities fairly and equitably among individuals and groups in society, including in engineering contexts.

According to the principle of autonomy, engineers should:

  1. Respect individual rights and choices

  2. Maximize benefits for stakeholders

  3. Promote justice and fairness

  4. Develop good character traits


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting individual rights, choices, and self-determination, requiring engineers to involve stakeholders in decision-making processes and to consider their preferences and values.

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of considering the cultural and social context of engineering decisions?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Contextual Ethics


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Contextual ethics, also known as situation ethics or particularism, emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context and circumstances of engineering decisions, including cultural, social, and environmental factors, rather than relying solely on universal moral principles.

According to the principle of accountability, engineers should:

  1. Be responsible for their actions and decisions

  2. Maximize benefits for stakeholders

  3. Respect individual autonomy

  4. Promote justice and fairness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of accountability requires engineers to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and decisions, acknowledging their role in shaping the outcomes of engineering projects and technologies.

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of considering the potential risks and benefits of engineering decisions?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Risk-Benefit Analysis


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Risk-benefit analysis is a systematic approach to evaluating the potential risks and benefits of engineering decisions, considering both the positive and negative consequences of various options and seeking to make informed choices that minimize risks and maximize benefits.

According to the principle of transparency, engineers should:

  1. Be open and honest about their actions and decisions

  2. Maximize benefits for stakeholders

  3. Respect individual autonomy

  4. Promote justice and fairness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of transparency requires engineers to be open and honest about their actions, decisions, and the information they have, fostering trust and accountability in engineering practice.

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term consequences of engineering decisions?

  1. Utilitarianism

  2. Deontology

  3. Virtue Ethics

  4. Sustainability Ethics


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sustainability ethics, as mentioned earlier, focuses on the ethical responsibilities of engineers to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions, particularly their impact on future generations and the environment.

According to the principle of integrity, engineers should:

  1. Act in accordance with their values and beliefs

  2. Maximize benefits for stakeholders

  3. Respect individual autonomy

  4. Promote justice and fairness


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The principle of integrity requires engineers to act in accordance with their values, beliefs, and ethical principles, even when faced with difficult choices or pressures to compromise their integrity.

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