ethics_summary_flashcards
What is the paramount obligation under the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics (2023)?
To prioritize public health, safety, and welfare, as well as to protect the environment.
How does the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics define professional integrity?
It requires members to act truthfully, honestly, and fairly while avoiding and disclosing conflicts of interest.
What does the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics mandate regarding legislative compliance?
Members must adhere to national and EU legislation, ensuring all practices meet relevant legal requirements.
What is the role of the Ethics Board under the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics?
To evaluate complaints of professional misconduct and impose penalties ranging from suspension to exclusion from membership.
What are the key components of the Total Ethical-Risk Analysis Method (TERA)?
Direct Ethical Risk, which identifies moral and social harms, and Negative-Feedback Risk, assessing reputational and legal damage.
How is TERA applied in engineering projects?
Through historical data, interviews, and scenario analyses to pinpoint risks and design systems that minimize harm.
What is the pragmatic approach to ethical decision-making?
A context-driven method focusing on balancing moral justification with actionable solutions.
What are the three dimensions of the Multidimensional Ethics Scale?
Moral Equity, Relativism, and Contractualism.
What were the key failures in the Volkswagen emissions scandal?
Deliberate falsification of emissions data, environmental harm, and non-compliance with regulations.
What lessons can engineers learn from the Volkswagen emissions scandal?
The importance of transparency, adherence to standards, and prioritizing societal impacts over short-term gains.
What ethical challenges arise in implementing new technologies?
Balancing innovation with safety, ensuring transparency, and managing societal impacts.
What is Direct Ethical Risk in TERA?
It identifies moral and societal risks to end-users resulting from engineering projects.
What is Negative-Feedback Risk in TERA?
It assesses potential reputational and legal damage to stakeholders and project sponsors.
What is the importance of competence under the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics?
Members must operate within their areas of expertise while maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge.
What does the Code of Ethics say about reporting unethical practices?
Members are responsible for reporting unethical or illegal practices encountered in their professional activities.
What steps are involved in the pragmatic approach to ethical decision-making?
Clarifying the situation, evaluating consequences, and selecting the least harmful action.
What is the role of fairness in professional integrity?
Ensuring equitable treatment in all professional dealings and decisions.
How does TERA enhance engineering projects?
By aligning projects with societal values and safeguarding user welfare.
What is Moral Equity in the Multidimensional Ethics Scale?
It assesses the fairness and justice of a decision.
What is Relativism in the Multidimensional Ethics Scale?
It evaluates alignment with cultural and societal norms.
What is Contractualism in the Multidimensional Ethics Scale?
It measures fulfillment of duties and obligations.
Why is transparency important in reporting risks?
To ensure informed decision-making and maintain public trust.
What does the Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics say about environmental protection?
Members must safeguard the environment as part of their professional responsibilities.
What are common ethical dilemmas in engineering?
Navigating conflicts of interest, balancing budgets against safety, and ensuring transparency.
