3.3.1 - Engineering Ethics

What is the primary purpose of engineering ethics?

• To increase profits for engineering firms

• To guide engineers in making responsible decisions

• To reduce the cost of engineering projects

• To limit the creativity of engineers

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of engineering ethics is to guide engineers in making responsible decisions, ensuring safety, integrity, and public welfare, rather than focusing solely on profits or limiting creativity.

Which of the following is a key component of engineering ethics?

• Maximizing project speed

• Upholding honesty and integrity

• Reducing environmental regulations

• Increasing competition among engineers

Answer explanation

Upholding honesty and integrity is essential in engineering ethics, as it ensures trust and accountability in the profession. The other options do not align with ethical standards.

What is one of the responsibilities of engineers according to engineering ethics?

• To prioritize public safety

• To focus solely on technical skills

• To ignore environmental concerns

• To compete with other engineers

Answer explanation

One of the key responsibilities of engineers, as outlined in engineering ethics, is to prioritize public safety. This ensures that their work does not harm individuals or communities, making it a fundamental ethical obligation.

Engineering ethics help engineers harmonize their technical skills with what?

• Financial goals

• Moral responsibilities

• Competitive strategies

• Marketing techniques

Answer explanation

Engineering ethics guide engineers to align their technical skills with moral responsibilities, ensuring that their work is not only effective but also ethical and socially responsible.

What is the primary responsibility of an engineer according to the text?

• Designing aesthetically pleasing structures

• Ensuring public safety

• Reducing construction costs

• Increasing project speed

Answer explanation

The primary responsibility of an engineer is to ensure public safety. This encompasses designing and constructing structures that are safe for use, which is more critical than aesthetics, cost, or speed.

What must engineers guarantee when constructing a bridge?

• Aesthetic appeal

• Structural integrity

• Cost efficiency

• Quick completion

Answer explanation

Engineers must guarantee structural integrity when constructing a bridge to ensure it can safely support loads and withstand environmental factors. Aesthetic appeal, cost efficiency, and quick completion are important but secondary to safety.

To what do engineers adhere to minimize risks?

• Cost-saving measures

• Stringent safety standards and regulations

• Innovative design trends

• Environmental guidelines

Answer explanation

Engineers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations to minimize risks, ensuring that designs and processes prioritize safety and compliance, thereby protecting lives and property.

What is reinforced by engineers' dedication to safety?

• The notion of quick project completion

• The notion of cost efficiency

• The notion of their crucial role in protecting society

• The notion of aesthetic design

Answer explanation

Engineers' dedication to safety emphasizes their vital role in protecting society, ensuring that structures and systems are safe for public use, rather than focusing solely on speed, cost, or aesthetics.

What is the role of honesty in engineering according to the text?

• It complicates communication with clients.

• It serves as a crucial foundation ensuring all aspects function correctly.

• It is not necessary for successful projects.

• It only applies to financial aspects.

Answer explanation

Honesty is essential in engineering as it ensures that all components and processes work correctly, fostering trust and reliability in projects. This makes the correct choice, as it highlights the foundational role of honesty.

What does being honest encompass according to the text?

• Ignoring mistakes.

• Acknowledging when one lacks knowledge or has made a mistake.

• Concealing flaws in designs.

• Avoiding communication with clients.

Answer explanation

Being honest involves acknowledging when one lacks knowledge or has made a mistake, as this reflects integrity and transparency. The other options suggest avoidance or concealment, which contradicts the essence of honesty.