Engineering Ethics

What is the primary focus of engineering ethics?

• Studying the history of engineering failures

• Understanding the financial aspects of engineering projects

• The study of values, issues, and decisions involved with the work of engineers

• Developing new engineering technologies

What was the critical design flaw that led to the collapse of the Kansas City Hyatt-Regency walkways?

• The use of substandard building materials

• The walkways were designed to be supported by a single long rod, but were modified to use two shorter rods, doubling the load on the upper rod

• Insufficient number of support beams for the walkways

• The hotel was built on unstable ground

What is the first and most paramount principle in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Code of Ethics?

• Act as a faithful agent

• Hold safety paramount

• Service with competence

• Issue true statements

In the Kansas City Hyatt-Regency collapse, which principle of the ASCE Code of Ethics was violated when the engineer approved the modified design without proper calculations or personal checking?

• Act as a faithful agent

• Uphold professional honor

• Hold safety paramount

• Treat all persons fairly

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Why is consequentialism considered an insufficient ethical framework for engineering?

• It prioritizes individual rights over collective well-being.

• It focuses too much on intentions rather than outcomes.

• It can lead to ethical gray areas where the end justifies harmful means.

• It is too rigid and does not allow for flexibility in design.

What is the primary principle of utilitarianism in engineering ethics?

• Ensuring all actions adhere to strict moral rules, regardless of outcome.

• Maximizing the overall good and benefit for the majority of people affected by an action.

• Prioritizing the rights and autonomy of individual stakeholders above all else.

• Focusing on the duties and obligations of the engineer rather than the consequences.

What is the core tenet of Rights Ethics in engineering?

• Actions are ethical if they lead to the greatest good for the greatest number.

• Engineers should always prioritize their professional duties over personal beliefs.

• Respecting the fundamental rights of others is necessary, even if it doesn't maximize overall good.

• The ethicality of an action is determined by the intentions behind it.

How does Duty Ethics expand upon Rights Ethics in an engineering context?

• It emphasizes that engineers have a duty to ensure their actions respect others' autonomy, rather than just focusing on others' rights.

• It suggests that duties are only important if they lead to the best possible outcome for society.

• It focuses on the legal obligations of engineers, separate from moral considerations.

• It argues that engineers should always prioritize profit over their duties to the public.