7 Engineering Ethics and Responsibility Free Online FlashCards

What is an engineer’s paramount ethical duty?

Protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare is engineers’ paramount duty.

What does competent and honest engineering practice require?

Engineers should accept work only within their expertise, state limitations, and report results accurately.

How should engineers manage potential conflicts of interest?

Disclose interests that could affect—or appear to affect—professional judgment.

How do engineers demonstrate accountability?

Correct errors, document important decisions, and raise concerns through appropriate channels.

What can a professional code of ethics not replace?

Codes guide professional conduct but do not replace applicable laws, regulations, standards, or sound judgment.

What should an engineer do when a deadline conflicts with needed technical review?

Explain the technical concern and its possible consequences, document its basis, and escalate it if necessary.

What should an engineer do if an overruled judgment leaves life or property at risk?

If an overruled judgment creates danger to life or property, notify the employer or client and appropriate authorities when warranted.

Across which stages of a system’s life should engineers consider safety?

Consider safety throughout planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and retirement.

Why might a design that meets its specification still be dangerous?

Meeting a specification does not guarantee safety if the specification overlooks foreseeable conditions or affected users.

How do engineers help manage risk?

Identify hazards, check assumptions, use suitable standards and tests, communicate uncertainty, and respond to new evidence.

What should engineers examine when a project affects communities unevenly?

Assess who benefits, who bears costs or risks, whether people can access the system, and how community history and needs shape outcomes.

How can community engagement improve engineering decisions?

Listening to affected communities and explaining trade-offs can reveal overlooked risks and improve decisions.