6.Ethics Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the objective of ethics training for engineers?
To apply ethical principles, understand responsibilities, resolve dilemmas, and learn from real cases.
What was the main ethical failure in the Challenger disaster?
Engineers’ concerns were ignored under pressure; poor communication and ethical deliberation.
What is the ‘trolley problem’ used to illustrate?
Moral dilemmas involving sacrificing one to save many, linked to utilitarian ethics.
What is the utilitarian approach in ethics?
Choosing actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
Give an example of utilitarianism in engineering today.
Autonomous vehicles deciding who to save in crash scenarios.
What is the definition of professional ethics?
Special standards of conduct governing members of a profession.
What are engineers’ multiple duties according to Johnson (1992)?
Duties to society, employers, clients, co-professionals, and professional organisations.
What can conflict with an engineer’s duties?
Risk tolerance, organisational pressure, whistleblowing, and limits to personal authority.
List key moral principles from Patankar et al.
Respect, non-malevolence, benevolence, integrity, justice, utility, double effect.
What are the four ethical principles from the Engineering Council?
Honesty and integrity, respect for life/law/environment, accuracy and rigour, leadership and communication.
Describe the moral decision-making process by Patankar.
Evaluate intent, motive, circumstance, decision, action, and outcome.
What is ‘normalisation of deviance’?
Accepting unsafe practices as normal due to repeated non-catastrophic outcomes.
What ethical issue was raised by Morton Thiokol before Challenger’s launch?
Engineers objected due to cold weather, but were overruled by management.
What does teaching ethics aim to develop?
Students’ capacity to meaningfully and responsibly deliberate about ethical issues.
What is one danger of poor group dynamics in organisations?
Silencing dissenting voices, leading to unethical or unsafe decisions.
What kinds of topics are in a typical engineering ethics course?
Professionalism, responsibility, risk, safety, loyalty, codes of conduct, whistleblowing.
Why are case studies like Challenger used in ethics?
To explore real-world dilemmas, team dynamics, and societal impacts of engineering.
What question should engineers consider about new technologies?
Is it safe and does it benefit society?
What ethical question surrounds engineers and weapons design?
Should engineers contribute to products or industries that may cause harm?
