Ethical Issues in Engineering: Quizzes and Practice Questions

Question 1

Which of the following is considered the primary ethical obligation of engineers?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the safety, health, and well-being of the public

Answer

Maximizing profits for shareholders

Answer

Complying with all laws and regulations

Answer

Advancing the field of engineering without regard to ethical consequences

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a code of ethics for engineers?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance and principles for ethical decision-making in engineering practice

Answer

To punish engineers who violate ethical principles

Answer

To promote the interests of the engineering profession above all else

Answer

To limit the legal liability of engineers

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of ethical behavior in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Increased profits and financial gain

Answer

Enhanced public trust and confidence in the engineering profession

Answer

Improved reputation and credibility for engineers

Answer

Reduced risk of legal liability

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the ethical principle that requires engineers to refrain from causing harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 5

What is the primary ethical obligation of engineers regarding public safety?

Accepted Answer

To minimize potential harm

Answer

To follow industry regulations

Answer

To prioritize economic interests

Answer

To avoid personal liability

Question 6

What is the ethical responsibility of engineers who witness unethical or illegal activities?

Accepted Answer

To report these activities (whistleblowing)

Answer

To ignore them to protect their careers

Answer

To confront the perpetrators directly

Answer

To remain silent to avoid retaliation

Question 7

What is the purpose of whistleblowing in engineering?

Accepted Answer

To disclose unethical or illegal practices within an organization

Answer

To ensure compliance with safety regulations

Answer

To protect engineers from legal liability

Answer

To resolve conflicts between engineers and managers

Question 8

What is the first step in the ethical decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Considering the available options

Answer

Evaluating the consequences of each option

Answer

Making a decision

Question 9

Which fundamental principle of engineering ethics prioritizes the well-being of society?

Accepted Answer

Public welfare

Answer

Profitability

Answer

Convenience

Answer

Individual autonomy

Question 10

What term describes the ethical obligation of engineers to minimize environmental harm caused by their designs?

Accepted Answer

Environmental stewardship

Answer

Sustainable development

Answer

Corporate social responsibility

Answer

Risk assessment

Question 11

Which ethical dilemma commonly arises when engineers face competing interests between safety and cost?

Accepted Answer

Balancing safety and cost

Answer

Protecting client confidentiality

Answer

Addressing conflicts of interest

Answer

Prioritizing innovation over regulation

Question 12

Which ethical framework emphasizes the importance of respecting human rights and promoting inclusivity?

Accepted Answer

Feminist ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 13

What is the ethical responsibility of engineers to report unethical practices they witness or encounter?

Accepted Answer

To promptly report any suspected violations

Answer

To remain silent to avoid conflicts

Answer

To only speak out if directly affected

Answer

To consult with their superiors first

Question 14

Which ethical principle places a primary emphasis on minimizing harm to others?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 15

An engineer is designing a product that involves potential safety risks. Which of the following actions would demonstrate a proactive approach to ethical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards

Answer

Ignoring potential risks to meet project deadlines

Answer

Relying solely on external experts for safety analysis

Answer

Waiting for customer feedback before addressing safety concerns

Question 16

In the context of whistle-blowing, which of the following is a valid justification for an engineer to report unethical or illegal practices within their organization?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the safety or well-being of others

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality to avoid damaging the organization's reputation

Answer

Seeking personal recognition for whistleblowing

Answer

Advancing one's career prospects

Question 17

Which fundamental ethical principle should guide engineering practice, prioritizing the well-being of individuals and the planet?

Accepted Answer

Protecting Human Life and the Environment

Answer

Maximizing Profits

Answer

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Answer

Complying with All Applicable Laws

Question 18

Sustainable development aims to balance present and future needs. Which characteristic is essential to this approach?

Accepted Answer

Integrating environmental protection, social equity, and economic prosperity

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth without regard for environmental impact

Answer

Utilizing non-renewable resources to meet current demands

Answer

Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions

Question 19

Which international organization provides guidance on ethical engineering practices?

Accepted Answer

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Answer

World Health Organization (WHO)

Answer

United Nations (UN)

Answer

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Question 20

The ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Obligation to minimize harm

Answer

Duty to maximize benefits

Answer

Importance of respecting autonomy

Answer

Need for promoting justice

Question 21

Which fundamental ethical principle is NOT applicable to engineers?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing profits for personal gain

Answer

Protecting the public's safety and welfare

Answer

Respecting the environment and promoting sustainability

Answer

Maintaining honesty, integrity, and transparency

Question 22

In the context of environmental impact, a major ethical dilemma faced by engineers is:

Accepted Answer

Balancing technological advancement and innovation with the preservation of the environment

Answer

Ensuring the durability and longevity of engineering projects

Answer

Protecting intellectual property rights of companies and individuals

Question 23

When faced with an ethical conflict, an engineer should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Public safety and well-being above any other consideration

Answer

Employer's demands and project deadlines

Answer

Personal reputation and career advancement

Answer

Financial gain and personal benefit

Question 24

Which of the following is a potential severe consequence of unethical engineering practices?

Accepted Answer

Catastrophic failures, harm to the public, and loss of life

Answer

Greater financial profits and bonuses for engineering firms

Answer

Enhanced reputation and credibility of the engineering profession

Answer

Increased public trust in engineers and the profession

Question 25

What is a key role of 'whistleblowers' in promoting ethical conduct within engineering?

Accepted Answer

Reporting unethical behavior or practices to appropriate authorities or the public

Answer

Negotiating with unethical parties to reach a compromise

Answer

Ignoring unethical behavior to avoid conflict or retaliation

Question 26

Which of the following is a benefit of ethical engineering practices?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced public confidence, trust, and respect for the engineering profession

Answer

Reduced costs and expenses for engineering projects

Answer

Complete protection from legal liability and lawsuits

Answer

Increased demand for unethical engineering services

Question 27

What is the fundamental purpose of engineering codes of ethics?

Accepted Answer

To provide a framework for engineers to make ethical decisions and guide their conduct

Answer

To restrict competition and protect the monopoly of the engineering industry

Answer

To ensure that engineers are adequately qualified and licensed for their work

Answer

To promote the commercial interests and profits of engineering firms

Question 28

Which of the following is a major challenge in addressing ethical issues in engineering?

Accepted Answer

Balancing and prioritizing competing ethical obligations and values

Answer

Developing clear, comprehensive, and enforceable ethical guidelines

Answer

Identifying and predicting all potential ethical issues that may arise

Answer

Finding a sufficient number of qualified engineers who are committed to ethical behavior