NPTEL Ethics in Engineering week 1 A

What are ethical theories?

• Ethical theories are subjective opinions about what is morally right or wrong.

• Ethical theories are frameworks that provide principles or guidelines for determining what is morally right or wrong.

• Ethical theories are religious beliefs about what is morally right or wrong.

• Ethical theories are scientific theories that explain human behavior.

Define moral decision-making.

• The process of making choices based on personal preferences and desires.

• The process of making choices based on societal norms and expectations.

• The process of making choices based on random chance and luck.

• The process of making choices based on ethical principles and values.

What are professional codes of ethics?

• A set of rules that professionals must follow to avoid legal consequences

• Sets of guidelines and principles that outline expected behavior and conduct for professionals

• A set of guidelines that professionals can choose to follow or ignore

• A list of suggestions for professionals to consider

Explain the concept of whistleblowing.

• Whistleblowing is the act of promoting illegal activities within an organization.

• Whistleblowing is the act of protecting illegal activities within an organization.

• Whistleblowing is the act of ignoring illegal activities within an organization.

• Whistleblowing is the act of exposing or reporting illegal, unethical, or fraudulent activities within an organization to the appropriate authorities or the public.

What are conflicts of interest?

• Conflicts of interest are agreements made to ensure fair and unbiased actions or decisions.

• Conflicts of interest are competing interests that could potentially bias actions or decisions.

• Conflicts of interest are unrelated interests that have no impact on actions or decisions.

• Conflicts of interest are personal preferences that have no influence on actions or decisions.

Name one ethical theory and explain its principles.

• deontology

• virtue ethics

• existentialism

• utilitarianism

How does moral decision-making differ from ethical decision-making?

• Moral decision-making is based on religious beliefs, while ethical decision-making is based on secular principles.

• Moral decision-making is based on personal beliefs and values, while ethical decision-making is based on societal norms and standards.

• Moral decision-making is influenced by emotions, while ethical decision-making is rational.

• Moral decision-making is subjective, while ethical decision-making is objective.

Provide an example of a professional code of ethics in the field of engineering.

• Code of Ethics of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

• Code of Ethics of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

• Code of Ethics of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• Code of Ethics of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

What are the potential consequences of whistleblowing?

• Protection from retaliation, legal immunity, increased social support

• Retaliation, legal consequences, social isolation, damage to reputation

• Improved workplace culture, increased trust in management, enhanced reputation

• Financial rewards, career advancement, increased job security

How can conflicts of interest impact ethical decision-making in engineering?

• Conflicts of interest have no impact on ethical decision-making in engineering.

• Conflicts of interest can compromise objectivity and integrity in ethical decision-making.

• Conflicts of interest can enhance objectivity and integrity in ethical decision-making.

• Conflicts of interest can lead to better decision-making in engineering.