Ethics in Engineering: What is Ethics? - Interactive Learning Quiz

Question 1

In engineering ethics, what is the best definition of 'moral autonomy'?

Accepted Answer

Engineers' ability to make ethical decisions independently, guided by their values and reasoning.

Answer

Engineers prioritizing personal interests over professional obligations.

Answer

Engineers disregarding ethical guidelines and standards in their work.

Answer

Moral autonomy is unrelated to engineering ethics.

Question 2

Which ethical theory places emphasis on the outcomes of actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Teleology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 3

Explain the distinction between moral and ethical behaviour.

Accepted Answer

Moral behaviour is guided by personal values, while ethical behaviour is based on universal principles.

Answer

Ethical behaviour is guided by personal values, while moral behaviour is based on universal principles.

Answer

Moral and ethical behaviour are interchangeable terms.

Answer

There is no distinction between moral and ethical behaviour.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of engineering ethics?

Accepted Answer

To assist engineers in making informed ethical decisions

Answer

To provide a strict set of rules for engineers to follow

Answer

To guarantee that engineers always act in the best interests of their businesses

Answer

To promote ethical behavior solely within engineering

Question 5

What is the fundamental distinction between an ethical dilemma and a moral problem?

Accepted Answer

An ethical dilemma presents conflicting ethical principles, while a moral problem does not

Answer

A moral problem presents conflicting ethical principles, while an ethical dilemma does not

Answer

Ethical dilemmas are more prevalent in engineering than moral problems

Answer

There is no distinction between an ethical dilemma and a moral problem

Question 6

What is the essential difference between a virtue and a value?

Accepted Answer

Virtues are ethical character traits, while values are ethical principles

Answer

Values are ethical character traits, while virtues are ethical principles

Answer

Virtues and values are essentially the same

Answer

There is no difference between a virtue and a value

Question 7

How can engineers navigate the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies like AI and genetic engineering in their professional practice?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize ethical considerations in developing and deploying emerging technologies.

Answer

Ignore ethical implications and prioritize technological advancements.

Answer

Consider ethical implications too complex for engineers to address.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle in the context of engineering?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 9

Virtue ethics primarily emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Developing virtuous character traits

Answer

Adhering to universal moral rules

Answer

Performing duty for its own sake

Answer

Maximizing overall well-being

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed financial success

Answer

Enhanced reputation and trust

Answer

Reduced legal liability

Answer

Increased personal fulfillment

Question 11

Which ethical theory places the greatest emphasis on maximizing overall happiness?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Question 12

When applying ethical theories to engineering practice, what is a key limitation to consider?

Accepted Answer

Ethical theories may not fully account for the influence of human emotions and cognitive biases.

Answer

Ethical theories are directly applicable to all engineering dilemmas without adaptation.

Answer

Ethical theories are only relevant to large-scale engineering projects.

Answer

Applying ethical theories guarantees a perfect outcome in any engineering situation.

Question 13

How do professional engineering organizations help engineers act ethically?

Accepted Answer

By setting ethical standards and offering guidance.

Answer

By ensuring legal compliance.

Answer

By providing financial rewards for ethical behavior.

Answer

By investigating ethical breaches.

Question 14

In engineering projects, engineers often face ethical dilemmas due to competing responsibilities to stakeholders and financial or technical constraints. How can engineers navigate this ethical challenge?

Accepted Answer

Involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to address ethical concerns.

Answer

Prioritize stakeholder interests, even if it means compromising project goals.

Answer

Focus only on meeting technical and financial objectives, regardless of ethical concerns.

Answer

Always prioritize maximizing company profits, even if it means sacrificing ethical values.

Question 15

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with ethics?

Accepted Answer

Objective and absolute

Answer

Concerned with right and wrong

Answer

Subjective and relative

Answer

Based on values and principles

Question 16

Which ethical theory focuses on the outcomes and consequences of actions?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Ethical relativism

Answer

Deontology

Question 17

According to the principle of beneficence, engineers have an ethical duty to:

Accepted Answer

Promote well-being and do good

Answer

Avoid harm

Answer

Be impartial

Answer

Respect autonomy

Question 18

Which key concept is central to virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Development of moral character

Answer

Maximizing happiness

Answer

Assessing consequences

Answer

Following universal rules

Question 19

What is a primary ethical concern in the context of data privacy?

Accepted Answer

Protecting individual autonomy and privacy

Answer

Complying with government regulations

Answer

Maximizing corporate profits

Answer

Ensuring data accuracy

Question 20

Which potential ethical issue is commonly associated with artificial intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Bias and discrimination

Answer

Lack of user acceptance

Answer

Software bugs

Answer

High maintenance costs

Question 21

What is the primary role of ethics in sustainable engineering?

Accepted Answer

Guiding responsible and equitable environmental practices

Answer

Meeting technical specifications

Answer

Ensuring cost-effectiveness

Question 22

Which action is NOT a recommended step in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the perspectives of stakeholders

Answer

Identifying ethical issues

Answer

Evaluating alternative actions

Answer

Making a decision

Question 23

What is the main purpose of professional codes of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Establishing ethical standards for professionals

Answer

Enforcing industry regulations

Answer

Promoting innovation

Answer

Protecting engineers from legal liability

Question 24

Which factor poses a challenge in promoting ethical behavior in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Peer pressure and organizational culture

Answer

Absence of ethical guidelines

Answer

Lack of knowledge about ethics