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Esd Model Question

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
85 views2 pages

Esd Model Question

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© All Rights Reserved
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ENGINEERING ETHICS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

MODEL QUESTIONS (UCHUT347)

1. A social media platform's new algorithm prioritizes engagement and outrage, leading
to increased polarization and online abuse. Marginalized groups, particularly women
and LGBTQ+ individuals, report a rise in harassment.
Question:
How does the design of this algorithm reflect a failure of civic virtue and respect for
others? What ethical responsibilities do tech designers have to promote respectful
discourse? Suggest ways to balance freedom of expression with civic responsibility in
online platforms.
2. A postgraduate student publishes a research paper using large portions of another
researcher’s work without proper citation. The paper receives acclaim and is submitted
for an academic award.
Question:
Discuss the ethical implications of plagiarism in academic and research settings. How
does it undermine integrity and trust in professional communities? What policies and
practices can institutions implement to prevent such misconduct?
3. A leading AI startup consistently assigns female engineers to documentation and
interface design tasks, while male engineers are assigned to core algorithm
development. This pattern has been justified informally based on "natural aptitudes."
Question:
How do gender stereotypes influence workplace roles and opportunities? What ethical
violations are present here? Propose strategies to address discrimination and ensure
equity and inclusion in team assignments.
4. Software engineers at a tech company form a union to negotiate for better work-life
balance, pay equity, and ethical project vetting. Management responds by threatening
layoffs and outsourcing.
Question:
What ethical principles are involved in the conflict between management and
employees? How does collective bargaining support workplace justice? Discuss
constructive ways to manage conflict while upholding fairness and transparency.
5. A biomedical engineer discovers during a routine test that a celebrity patient has a
rare genetic disorder. A media outlet offers a large sum of money for this information.
Question:
Discuss the role of confidentiality in maintaining moral and professional integrity.
What ethical principles must guide the engineer's decision? How do professional
codes protect both individuals and society in such cases?
6. A city rolls out a smart public transport system that uses QR codes and mobile apps
for access. Elderly citizens and those without smartphones find it difficult to use.
Question:
What are the ethical challenges in designing inclusive high-tech public services? How
can designers ensure accessibility across different social groups? Suggest approaches
to improve technological access and equity.
7. Despite equal qualifications, female scientists in a research institute receive fewer
project leadership roles and publication opportunities. Their contributions are often
minimized in collaborative work.
Question:
Analyze how gender disparity manifests in scientific research environments. What
structural and ethical changes are necessary to recognize and empower women and
gender minorities in science and technology?
8. What is 'Collective Bargaining'?
9. How does 'Ingenuity' contribute to professionalism in engineering?
10. List any two key components typically found in a 'Code of Ethics' for engineers.
11. Briefly explain the role of 'Confidentiality' in maintaining moral integrity for an
engineer.
12. Distinguish between 'Data', 'Information', and 'Knowledge'.

Common questions

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Gender disparity in research environments is evidenced by unequal distribution of leadership roles and publication opportunities for women, whose contributions are frequently minimized . This inequality is compounded by systemic biases and lack of support for career advancement. Necessary changes include implementing equitable hiring practices, providing mentorship and sponsorship for women, and fostering an institutional culture that values diversity and merit over traditional gender roles .

Ethical challenges in designing inclusive high-tech public services include balancing technological innovation with the accessibility needs of diverse user groups, such as the elderly or those without smartphones . Designers can ensure inclusivity by employing user-centered design approaches, conducting accessibility audits, and involving diverse stakeholders from the planning stages. Providing alternative user-friendly solutions, such as physical tickets or hotline access, can improve technological equity across different social groups .

Gender stereotypes in tech companies often dictate roles and opportunities by assigning tasks based on assumed 'natural aptitudes,' such as assigning women to roles perceived as requiring less technical skill . This practice violates ethical norms of equity and discrimination, as it restricts access to advancement opportunities for female engineers. Addressing these violations requires implementing diversity training, equitable assignment practices, and fostering an inclusive culture that values skills over stereotypes .

Plagiarism undermines integrity and trust as it involves intellectual theft and misrepresentation of another's work as one's own . This behavior violates academic honesty and can damage reputations and devalue genuine work. It creates a culture of dishonesty, discouraging innovation and collaboration. Institutions can prevent plagiarism by promoting educational programs on academic integrity, implementing plagiarism detection software, and enforcing strict disciplinary measures to deter misconduct .

Collective bargaining supports workplace justice by enabling employees to negotiate for fair conditions, such as work-life balance and ethical project handling, especially in tech companies . It embodies principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for workers' rights. Conflicts between employees and management often involve ethical considerations of power dynamics and respect for worker autonomy. Constructive conflict management can involve open dialogue, compromise, and adherence to fair labor practices .

When a biomedical engineer faces a potential confidentiality breach, ethical principles such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect for autonomy must guide their decision . The obligation to maintain patient confidentiality is paramount, as breaching trust could harm the individual and undermine societal trust in medical professionals. Professional codes of ethics protect both individuals and society by upholding these principles, preventing misuse of sensitive information for personal gain .

The social media algorithm's prioritization of engagement and outrage reflects a failure of civic virtue and respect as it promotes division and harassment, particularly affecting marginalized groups . This design choice prioritizes profit and engagement metrics over the social responsibility to foster respectful discourse. Tech designers hold ethical responsibilities to ensure their designs promote positive interactions and protect vulnerable communities from harm . Balancing freedom of expression with civic responsibility can involve implementing features that promote de-escalation of conflicts, fact-checking, and user-reporting mechanisms for abusive behavior .

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