Ethical Frameworks for Decision-Making in Engineering: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

According to Deontology, which type of action is inherently morally right?

Accepted Answer

Actions that conform to established moral rules.

Answer

Actions that result in the greatest amount of happiness.

Answer

Actions that benefit the actor personally.

Question 2

Which ethical framework emphasizes the cultivation and practice of virtuous character traits?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 3

In a scenario where an engineer faces two equally consequential options, which ethical framework would guide the decision based on moral obligation?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 4

In a society that emphasizes individualism, how should engineers navigate the balance between individual rights and community well-being?

Accepted Answer

Strive for a just distribution of benefits and burdens.

Answer

Prioritize individual rights in all situations.

Answer

Follow directives issued by government authorities.

Question 5

Which principle underpins Utilitarianism?

Accepted Answer

Actions are ethical if they maximize overall happiness

Answer

Actions are ethical if they follow predetermined moral rules

Answer

Actions are ethical if they conform to social norms

Answer

Actions are ethical if they have no negative consequences

Question 6

Identify a defining characteristic of Deontology:

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions

Answer

It focuses solely on the consequences of actions

Answer

It requires considering the intentions behind actions

Answer

It allows for exceptions to moral rules

Question 7

Which ethical framework places emphasis on developing virtuous character traits?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Casuistry

Question 8

In engineering, an ethical dilemma arises when:

Accepted Answer

There is no clear right or wrong choice

Answer

There is a clear right and wrong choice

Answer

The decision has no potential ethical implications

Answer

The stakeholders involved have identical values

Question 9

What is the overarching goal of ethical decision-making in engineering?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to a just and sustainable society

Answer

To ensure that engineering projects are profitable

Answer

To uphold the reputation of the engineering profession

Answer

To avoid legal liability

Question 10

What is a key advantage of using ethical frameworks in engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Offers a structured approach to decision-making.

Answer

Eliminates all ethical challenges.

Answer

Ensures the best possible outcome.

Question 11

In Deontology, which action is universally considered morally wrong, regardless of any potential positive outcome?

Accepted Answer

Breaking a previously made promise.

Answer

Saving a life through deception.

Answer

Stealing to alleviate severe hunger.

Question 12

In the context of ethical decision-making, a 'moral agent' refers to:

Accepted Answer

An individual or group capable of making moral choices.

Answer

A set of ethical principles that guide decision-making.

Answer

The consequences that result from an action.

Question 13

How do emerging technologies affect the ethical frameworks used in engineering decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Ethical frameworks should be regularly updated to include the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Answer

Emerging technologies mostly support existing ethical frameworks, requiring only minor changes.

Answer

Engineers should only rely on their personal beliefs when making ethical decisions involving emerging technologies.

Question 14

How does Virtue Ethics stand out from other ethical frameworks by prioritizing the development of character traits?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics prioritizes cultivating personal virtues and shaping one's character.

Answer

Virtue Ethics solely relies on abstract principles, disregarding the development of virtues.

Answer

Virtue Ethics emphasizes the outcomes of actions over the intentions of the actor.

Question 15

Identify the key principle of Utilitarianism:

Accepted Answer

Actions are ethically right if they maximize happiness and minimize harm for the greatest number of those affected.

Answer

Actions are ethically right if they are consistent with the virtues of the agent.

Answer

Actions are ethically right if they comply with universal moral rules.

Question 16

Virtue Ethics primarily emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating and acting in accordance with ethical character traits.

Answer

Applying universal moral rules.

Answer

Calculating the potential consequences of actions.

Question 17

When might a consequentialist approach to ethics be less appropriate than a non-consequentialist one?

Accepted Answer

When the consequences of an action are uncertain or involve potential harm to a specific individual.

Answer

When the decision affects a large number of people over an extended period.

Question 18

The ethical concept of 'double effect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A situation where an action has both intended and unintended outcomes, and the unintended outcome is not the intended purpose of the action.

Answer

A situation where the same action can have different ethical implications depending on the context.

Question 19

Ethical pluralism refers to the view that:

Accepted Answer

There is no single, universally accepted ethical framework.

Answer

Ethical decisions can only be made by experts.

Answer

All ethical frameworks are equally valid.

Question 20

The primary purpose of professional codes of ethics is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance to engineers on ethical conduct and professional responsibilities.

Answer

Establish absolute rules that must be followed in all circumstances.

Answer

Instill a sense of superiority among engineers.

Question 21

Which ethical framework prioritizes maximizing overall happiness or utility?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 22

In the context of Deontology, the categorical imperative states that an action is morally right if:

Accepted Answer

It can be universally applied as a moral law for all rational beings.

Answer

It is consistent with the virtues of a good person.

Answer

It results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Question 23

Which ethical framework focuses on developing virtues and character traits to guide ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Egoism

Question 24

In Deontology, the fundamental moral principle that guides decision-making is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Categorical imperative

Answer

Principle of utility

Answer

Principle of autonomy

Answer

Principle of beneficence

Question 25

How do ethical frameworks assist engineers in making responsible decisions?

Accepted Answer

They provide a structured approach for analyzing ethical issues and guiding decision-making based on ethical principles.

Answer

They guarantee that all decisions will be ethically correct.

Answer

They remove the need for personal judgment in ethical decision-making.

Question 26

In engineering practice, a key advantage of using ethical frameworks to guide decision-making is:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.

Answer

Eliminating the possibility of ethical dilemmas.

Answer

Guaranteeing morally correct decisions in all cases.