Question 1

The Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice was developed by the two largest organizations supporting the computing field: .

Accepted Answer

the IEEE Computer Society and the Association for Computing Machinery ACM

Question 2

A principal factor contributing to the loss of the space shuttle Challenger was that

Accepted Answer

The cold weather in Florida caused the O-ring seals on the solid rocket boosters to fail, leading to the explosion of the Challenger.

Question 3

According to Aristotle, moral virtue results from

Accepted Answer

Aristotle believed that moral virtue is developed through habituation, or the repetition of the appropriate acts. This means that doing good deeds repeatedly can lead to the development of virtuous habits, which in turn lead to the development of moral virtue. Education, a happy marriage, and a long life may all contribute to one's overall well-being and happiness, but they are not essential for the development of moral virtue.

Question 4

What is the stance of the ACM regarding the licensing of software engineers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the stance of the ACM...

Question 5

According to Aristotle, when people with strong character face a moral problem, they know the right thing to do, because

Accepted Answer

According to Aristotle, people with strong character know the right thing to do in a moral problem because their action is consistent with their character. This means that their decision is based on their virtues and values, which are ingrained in their character. They act in a way that aligns with their moral compass and principles, which they have developed through consistent practice and habituation. Thus, their decision is not based on external factors like consequences, care for others, or impartiality, but rather on their internal integrity and sense of right and wrong.

Question 6

According to the textbook, which of the following careers is not an example of a mature profession?

Accepted Answer

The textbook lists five characteristics of a mature profession: specialized knowledge, formal education and training, code of ethics, self-regulation, and a commitment to service. While software engineering may require specialized knowledge, formal education and training, and a code of ethics, the field does not have the same level of self-regulation or commitment to service as the other professions listed. Therefore, E is the best answer.

Question 7

According to Aristotle, deriving pleasure from a virtuous act is a sign that .

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Aristotle, deriving pleasure from a...

Question 8

The Principles and Clauses in the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice

Accepted Answer

The Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice provides general guidelines and principles to help software engineers navigate ethical issues, but it does not address every possible ethical dilemma, nor does it provide algebraic formulas for decision-making.

Question 9

Roger Boisjoly provided a Presidential commission with documents supporting his hypothesis about how the cold temperature had causes the failure of an O-ring on the Space Shuttle Challenger. For this action, Boisjoly was labeled a .

Accepted Answer

The answer of Roger Boisjoly provided a Presidential commission with...

Question 10

The Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice was developed by

Accepted Answer

The Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice was developed jointly by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Question 11

The process by which candidates are evaluated to determine their readiness to enter the profession is called .

Accepted Answer

The answer of The process by which candidates are evaluated...

Question 12

According to Michael McFarland, a team of engineers

Accepted Answer

Michael McFarland argues that a team of engineers, due to the collective expertise and the ability to foresee consequences that individual members might not see, has more moral accountability than any of its individual members.

Question 13

Which of the following is not one of the characteristics of a mature profession?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory drug testing is not a characteristic of a mature profession. The other options listed (code of ethics, licensing, mandatory professional development, and professional education) are all commonly associated with mature professions.

Question 14

Licensing gives the members of a profession the right to practice the profession.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Licensing gives the members of a profession...

Question 15

Whistleblowers

Accepted Answer

Whistleblowers make disclosures about harmful situations or fraudulent activities that are usually not authorized by their organizations. They often face backlash and risk their reputation and careers in doing so. They are not necessarily rewarded financially or through promotions and may not always receive respect and admiration from colleagues.

Question 16

According to Aristotle, deriving pleasure from a virtuous act is a sign that you

Accepted Answer

Aristotle believed that virtuous actions were inherently pleasurable because they were in accordance with reason and morality. Therefore, deriving pleasure from a virtuous act is a sign that one has successfully developed the corresponding virtue.

Question 17

In The Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle writes that happiness results from .

Accepted Answer

The answer of In The Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle writes that...

Question 18

Unlike most professionals, the typical software engineer

Accepted Answer

The other options are not accurate descriptions of typical software engineers. Most software engineers have a college education, make important decisions, and earn a salary well above minimum wage. However, it is common for software engineers to work on projects for companies or organizations instead of working directly with individual clients.

Question 19

A mature profession insists that its members complete an initial professional education. The process by which the profession assures that this formal course work meets its standards is called .

Accepted Answer

The answer of A mature profession insists that its members...

Question 20

The process giving someone the legal right to practice a profession is called

Accepted Answer

The process giving someone the legal right to practice a profession is called licensing. Certification typically refers to a process where an individual meets certain standards in their field and may earn a certificate. Matriculation refers to enrollment in a college or university. Professional ethics and professional development are related to maintaining and improving professional skills and behavior, but do not involve the initial legal right to practice a profession.

Quiz 9: Professional Ethics