Question 1

When does a gift become a bribe? Explain.

Accepted Answer

A gift becomes a bribe when it is given with the intention of influencing someone's behavior or decision-making in an improper or unethical way. This can occur when the gift is given in exchange for special treatment, favors, or preferential treatment. In many cases, the line between a gift and a bribe can be blurry, but the key factor is the intention behind the gift. If the giver expects something in return for the gift that goes beyond normal social etiquette or professional courtesy, it can be considered a bribe. It is important to be mindful of the ethical implications of giving and receiving gifts in professional and personal relationships to avoid crossing this line.

Question 2

Does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act permit a US citizen to bribe foreign officials in country X, if doing so in legal in country X?

Accepted Answer

A)  Yes, if the bribe is worth less than $1000. 
B)  Yes, if the bribe is reported to the IRS. 
C)  No, never. 
D)  No, to pay bribes is illegal, although it is sometimes permitted to pay "grease money" to a foreign official if that helps one to obtain something to which one is entitled. 
A)  Yes, if the bribe is worth less than $1000. 
B)  Yes, if the bribe is reported to the IRS. 
C)  No, never. 
D)  No, to pay bribes is illegal, although it is sometimes permitted to pay "grease money" to a foreign official if that helps one to obtain something to which one is entitled. D

Question 3

Alice and Bob are utilitarian engineers working in the oil and gas industry in Houston. They are currently seeking permission to drill for gas in Siberia, Russia. The only way to obtain all the required permissions, to which they are not entitled, is to bribe the Mayor of Krasnovgorod. Would it be ethically and legally permissible to do so?

Accepted Answer

A)  While it would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, this might still be the morally right thing to do, if the total consequences for everyone concerned would be optimal. 
B)  It would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, and according to all versions of the utilitarian theory, this would also be morally wrong. 
C)  The legal status of this act is unclear, but it would certainly be morally right to pay the bribe. 
D)  None of the above (All answers are incorrect.) 
A)  While it would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, this might still be the morally right thing to do, if the total consequences for everyone concerned would be optimal. 
B)  It would certainly be illegal to bribe foreign government officials, and according to all versions of the utilitarian theory, this would also be morally wrong. 
C)  The legal status of this act is unclear, but it would certainly be morally right to pay the bribe. 
D)  None of the above (All answers are incorrect.) D

Question 4

What is the difference between bribery and extortion?

Accepted Answer

A)  Extortion refers to payments made in exchange for something one is not entitled to; a bribe is a payment made to obtain something one is entitled to. 
B)  A bribe is a payment made in exchange for something one is not entitled to; extortion refers to payments made to obtain something one is entitled to. 
C)  While some types of bribes are legally permitted under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, extortion is always prohibited. 
D)  There is no difference between bribery and extortion. 
A)  Extortion refers to payments made in exchange for something one is not entitled to; a bribe is a payment made to obtain something one is entitled to. 
B)  A bribe is a payment made in exchange for something one is not entitled to; extortion refers to payments made to obtain something one is entitled to. 
C)  While some types of bribes are legally permitted under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, extortion is always prohibited. 
D)  There is no difference between bribery and extortion.

Question 5

When a conflict of interest arises, an engineer must

Accepted Answer

A)  trust his or her conscience. 
B)  make a cost-benefit analysis. 
C)  disclose and resolve it. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  trust his or her conscience. 
B)  make a cost-benefit analysis. 
C)  disclose and resolve it. 
D)  None of the above

Question 6

Kantians might determine that conflicts of interests are to be avoided by recognizing that

Accepted Answer

A)  there is a contradiction in conception when we try to universalize the maxim that embraces conflicts of interest. 
B)  there is a contradiction between the purpose of engineering contracts and accepting conflicts of interest. 
C)  we could never will a world where people consistently and universally embraced conflicts of interest. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  there is a contradiction in conception when we try to universalize the maxim that embraces conflicts of interest. 
B)  there is a contradiction between the purpose of engineering contracts and accepting conflicts of interest. 
C)  we could never will a world where people consistently and universally embraced conflicts of interest. 
D)  None of the above

Question 7

Which of the following is one condition the NSPE holds for acting as a faithful trustee or agent?

Accepted Answer

A)  Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project. 
B)  Engineers shall never accept gifts of any kind, even of a value less than $20 from an interested party. 
C)  Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or quality of services. 
D)  Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration from other engineers. 
A)  Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project. 
B)  Engineers shall never accept gifts of any kind, even of a value less than $20 from an interested party. 
C)  Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or quality of services. 
D)  Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration from other engineers.

Question 8

Oskar Schindler's behavior toward his client illustrates

Accepted Answer

A)  that what often are taken to be universal rules may be subject to exceptions. 
B)  that duty always requires disclosing conflicts of interest. 
C)  the failure of utilitarian accounts. 
D)  the necessity of the FCPA. 
A)  that what often are taken to be universal rules may be subject to exceptions. 
B)  that duty always requires disclosing conflicts of interest. 
C)  the failure of utilitarian accounts. 
D)  the necessity of the FCPA.

Question 9

How can the TeliaSonera case can be used to criticize the FCPA?

Accepted Answer

A)  The jurisdiction is too large because the agent committing the crime need only have a minor connection to the United States. 
B)  It amounts to the United States imposing corruption laws on the world. 
C)  The fines paid are not paid to the true victims but to the United States. 
D)  All of the above 
A)  The jurisdiction is too large because the agent committing the crime need only have a minor connection to the United States. 
B)  It amounts to the United States imposing corruption laws on the world. 
C)  The fines paid are not paid to the true victims but to the United States. 
D)  All of the above

Question 10

Must a virtue ethicist always avoids conflicts of interests? Explain.

Accepted Answer

A virtue ethicist, who adheres to a phil

Question 11

Which of the following gives the FCPA jurisdiction over a bribe paid in a foreign country?

Accepted Answer

A)  An agreement exists with the foreign country. 
B)  The bribe must have been paid by a US citizen. 
C)  The transaction was wired through US banks. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  An agreement exists with the foreign country. 
B)  The bribe must have been paid by a US citizen. 
C)  The transaction was wired through US banks. 
D)  None of the above

Question 12

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for US citizens (and certain other groups of legal entities) to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business

Accepted Answer

A)  if such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made. 
B)  if such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made, and they violate the NSPE Code of Ethics. 
C)  irrespective of whether such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made. 
D)  irrespective of whether such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made, but only if they violate the NSPE Code of Ethics. 
A)  if such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made. 
B)  if such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made, and they violate the NSPE Code of Ethics. 
C)  irrespective of whether such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made. 
D)  irrespective of whether such payments are illegal in the country in which they are made, but only if they violate the NSPE Code of Ethics.

Question 13

How does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act distinguishes between bribes and extortion payments?

Accepted Answer

A)  Both bribes and extortion payments are fine so long as they are legal in the foreign country. 
B)  Both bribes and extortion payments are illegal in a foreign country so long as they would be illegal by American law. 
C)  While both are illegal even if legal in the foreign country, bribes are a felony and extortion payments are not. 
D)  Paying for access to business is a bribe and illegal; paying to avoid loss of something one has a prior right to is an extortion payment and not illegal. 
A)  Both bribes and extortion payments are fine so long as they are legal in the foreign country. 
B)  Both bribes and extortion payments are illegal in a foreign country so long as they would be illegal by American law. 
C)  While both are illegal even if legal in the foreign country, bribes are a felony and extortion payments are not. 
D)  Paying for access to business is a bribe and illegal; paying to avoid loss of something one has a prior right to is an extortion payment and not illegal.

Question 14

One of the acceptable "customs" in Country X is for consultants to give substantial gifts to public officials in connection with the awarding of public works contracts. Engineer A recognizes that the giving of such gifts may be a violation of US law, although they may not technically be a violation of the law in Country A.

Accepted Answer

A)  Engineer A does not violate any US law by giving the gift, because country X is outside US jurisdiction. 
B)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case, but as long as the value of the gift is declared to the IRS it is legal to give the gift. 
C)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case: It would not be legal for Engineer A to give the gift. 
D)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case: it is legal for Engineer A to give the gift only if it is distributed via a non-US courier. 
A)  Engineer A does not violate any US law by giving the gift, because country X is outside US jurisdiction. 
B)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case, but as long as the value of the gift is declared to the IRS it is legal to give the gift. 
C)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case: It would not be legal for Engineer A to give the gift. 
D)  The Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts is applicable to this case: it is legal for Engineer A to give the gift only if it is distributed via a non-US courier.

Question 15

A manager assessing the work performance of her spouse would be

Accepted Answer

A)  an apparent conflict of interest. 
B)  a potential conflict of interest. 
C)  an actual conflict of interest. 
D)  not a conflict of interest. 
A)  an apparent conflict of interest. 
B)  a potential conflict of interest. 
C)  an actual conflict of interest. 
D)  not a conflict of interest.

Question 16

Is it morally wrong to make extortion payments in foreign countries in which such payments are very common? Explain.

Accepted Answer

Making extortion payments in foreign cou

Question 17

Why might rule utilitarians have difficulty justifying Schindler's embracing of a conflict of interest to save Jews?

Accepted Answer

A)  Rule utilitarians justify policies according to consequences of general obedience, not consequences specific to situation. 
B)  It is not clear which moral rule is the most salient in this situation. 
C)  Extraordinary situations cannot be captured by rules. 
D)  None of the above 
A)  Rule utilitarians justify policies according to consequences of general obedience, not consequences specific to situation. 
B)  It is not clear which moral rule is the most salient in this situation. 
C)  Extraordinary situations cannot be captured by rules. 
D)  None of the above

Question 18

Why might it be unethical for a public official to accept a gift of a discounted trip to Paris from a company that his agency regulates?

Accepted Answer

A)  A reasonable person would conclude that there had been a quid pro quo. 
B)  It is wrong to enjoy luxurious vacations. 
C)  No one could go on such a trip and not be permanently biased in favor of the giver. 
D)  A neutral observer could reasonably doubt that the official's treatment of all airlines is fair and without preference. 
A)  A reasonable person would conclude that there had been a quid pro quo. 
B)  It is wrong to enjoy luxurious vacations. 
C)  No one could go on such a trip and not be permanently biased in favor of the giver. 
D)  A neutral observer could reasonably doubt that the official's treatment of all airlines is fair and without preference.

Question 19

A prosecutor attempting to prove a public official is guilty of bribery must show which of the following about the acceptance of a gift or money?

Accepted Answer

A)  The acceptance of the gift by the public official created a conflict of interest between his or her public duties and the interest of the donor. 
B)  The gift was not officially reported. 
C)  There is a direct connection between the giving of the bribe and some specific past or future action by the official. 
D)  The voting record of the official aligns with the political views of the one giving the money. 
A)  The acceptance of the gift by the public official created a conflict of interest between his or her public duties and the interest of the donor. 
B)  The gift was not officially reported. 
C)  There is a direct connection between the giving of the bribe and some specific past or future action by the official. 
D)  The voting record of the official aligns with the political views of the one giving the money.

Question 20

Acceptance of the right for a client to be informed about a conflict of interest on grounds that this rule leads to optimal consequences over time is consistent with

Accepted Answer

A)  rule utilitarianism. 
B)  social constructivism. 
C)  consequentialism. 
D)  All of the above 
A)  rule utilitarianism. 
B)  social constructivism. 
C)  consequentialism. 
D)  All of the above

When does a gift become a bribe? Explain.

Does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act permit a US citizen to bribe foreign officials in country X, if doing so in legal in country X?

What is the difference between bribery and extortion?

When a conflict of interest arises, an engineer must

Kantians might determine that conflicts of interests are to be avoided by recognizing that

Which of the following is one condition the NSPE holds for acting as a faithful trustee or agent?

Oskar Schindler's behavior toward his client illustrates

How can the TeliaSonera case can be used to criticize the FCPA?

Must a virtue ethicist always avoids conflicts of interests? Explain.

Which of the following gives the FCPA jurisdiction over a bribe paid in a foreign country?

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for US citizens (and certain other groups of legal entities) to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business

How does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act distinguishes between bribes and extortion payments?

A manager assessing the work performance of her spouse would be

Is it morally wrong to make extortion payments in foreign countries in which such payments are very common? Explain.

Why might rule utilitarians have difficulty justifying Schindler's embracing of a conflict of interest to save Jews?

Why might it be unethical for a public official to accept a gift of a discounted trip to Paris from a company that his agency regulates?

A prosecutor attempting to prove a public official is guilty of bribery must show which of the following about the acceptance of a gift or money?

Acceptance of the right for a client to be informed about a conflict of interest on grounds that this rule leads to optimal consequences over time is consistent with

Introduction

Professional Codes of Ethics

A Brief History of Engineering

A Methodological Toolbox

Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism

Duties, Virtues and Rights

Whistle-Blowing: Should You Ever Break With Protocol

Costbenefit Analysis: Do the Ends Justify the Means

Risk and Uncertainty: How Safe Is Safe Enough

Privacy: What Is It and Why Should It Be Protected

The Problem of Many Hands: Who Is Responsible and Should Anyone Be Blamed

Technology Assessments and Social Experiments

A Critical Attitude to Technology

The Ethics of Artifacts

Sustainability

Filters

Exam 8: Conflicts of Interest: When Is It Permissible to Influence the Actions of Others

When does a gift become a bribe? Explain.

Does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act permit a US citizen to bribe foreign officials in country X, if doing so in legal in country X?

What is the difference between bribery and extortion?

When a conflict of interest arises, an engineer must

Kantians might determine that conflicts of interests are to be avoided by recognizing that

Which of the following is one condition the NSPE holds for acting as a faithful trustee or agent?

Oskar Schindler's behavior toward his client illustrates

How can the TeliaSonera case can be used to criticize the FCPA?

Must a virtue ethicist always avoids conflicts of interests? Explain.

Which of the following gives the FCPA jurisdiction over a bribe paid in a foreign country?

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes it unlawful for US citizens (and certain other groups of legal entities) to make payments to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business

How does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act distinguishes between bribes and extortion payments?

A manager assessing the work performance of her spouse would be

Is it morally wrong to make extortion payments in foreign countries in which such payments are very common? Explain.

Why might rule utilitarians have difficulty justifying Schindler's embracing of a conflict of interest to save Jews?

Why might it be unethical for a public official to accept a gift of a discounted trip to Paris from a company that his agency regulates?

A prosecutor attempting to prove a public official is guilty of bribery must show which of the following about the acceptance of a gift or money?

Acceptance of the right for a client to be informed about a conflict of interest on grounds that this rule leads to optimal consequences over time is consistent with

Introduction

Professional Codes of Ethics

A Brief History of Engineering

A Methodological Toolbox

Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism

Duties, Virtues and Rights

Whistle-Blowing: Should You Ever Break With Protocol

Costbenefit Analysis: Do the Ends Justify the Means

Risk and Uncertainty: How Safe Is Safe Enough

Privacy: What Is It and Why Should It Be Protected

The Problem of Many Hands: Who Is Responsible and Should Anyone Be Blamed

Technology Assessments and Social Experiments

A Critical Attitude to Technology

The Ethics of Artifacts

Sustainability

Filters