Engineering Ethics & Integrity (S2, 2025)

Why is it important for engineers to adhere to professional ethics?

• Adhering to professional ethics is essential to maintain the reputation of the engineering profession.

• Professional ethics ensure that engineers prioritize safety and integrity in their work.

• Professional ethics are unnecessary and do not impact engineering practices.

• Following professional ethics is crucial to uphold the trust and well-being of society.

Discuss the importance of following safety protocols in a construction project.

• Adhering to safety protocols is essential to prevent accidents, protect workers, and ensure the successful completion of the project.

• Safety protocols are unnecessary in construction projects.

• Following safety protocols slows down construction progress.

• Construction workers can overlook safety protocols without any repercussions.

Explain the concept of ethical decision-making in engineering using a real-world scenario.

• Ethical decision-making in engineering is solely based on personal beliefs

• Ethical decision-making in engineering is not necessary

• Ethical decision-making in engineering involves choosing the most profitable course of action

• Ethical decision-making in engineering is the process of evaluating the moral implications of engineering actions and choosing the most ethical course of action.

How can engineers ensure ethical behavior in their professional practice?

• By engaging in unethical behavior to gain a competitive advantage

• By avoiding seeking advice from colleagues or mentors

• By following established codes of ethics, staying informed about ethical guidelines, seeking advice from colleagues or mentors, and prioritizing honesty, integrity, and transparency.

• By ignoring ethical considerations and focusing solely on technical skills

What are some common ethical dilemmas faced by engineers?

• Lack of technical skills

• Conflicts of interest, safety concerns, environmental impact, maintaining confidentiality

• Budgeting issues

• Time management problems

Describe the consequences of unethical behavior in engineering.

• Increased efficiency, improved reputation, positive impact on the profession

• No consequences, business as usual, no impact on reputation

• Compromised safety of products, damage to reputation, legal consequences, loss of trust, negative impact on the profession

• Enhanced safety of products, legal compliance, trustworthiness

Discuss the impact of engineering decisions on society and the environment in the context of a renewable energy project.

• Engineering decisions can influence public safety, resource consumption, pollution levels, and overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of considering long-term consequences and promoting sustainability.

• Engineering decisions do not require consideration of sustainability

• Engineering decisions always prioritize short-term gains over long-term consequences

• Engineering decisions have no impact on society or the environment

Explain the difference between personal ethics and professional ethics in engineering.

• Personal ethics are universal principles, while professional ethics in engineering are general guidelines.

• Personal ethics are subjective beliefs, while professional ethics in engineering are objective rules.

• Personal ethics are not relevant to engineering, while professional ethics are crucial for engineers.

• Personal ethics are individual moral principles, while professional ethics in engineering are specific standards for engineers' conduct.

How can engineers balance competing interests when making ethical decisions?

• By following the advice of only one stakeholder

• By considering all stakeholders involved, evaluating consequences, prioritizing safety, following ethical codes, seeking advice, and being transparent.

• By flipping a coin to decide

• By ignoring the consequences

Why is it important for engineers to consider the long-term effects of their work on society?

• To ignore ethical considerations and focus solely on technical aspects

• To ensure their creations are sustainable, safe, and beneficial for future generations.

• To maximize profits in the short term regardless of societal impact

• To speed up the development process without considering long-term consequences