Objective 2.2 Given an Ethically Challenging Dilemma, Identify and Select an Ethical Framework to Understand the Issue CERTIFIED-ETHICAL-EMERGING-TECHNOLOGIST Practice Questions (Page 2)

Questions 6–10

1. 6expert · hard

   A city is deploying an AI system to allocate limited affordable housing. The system uses a scoring model that considers income, family size, and employment status. A council member proposes using a utilitarian framework to maximize the number of families housed, which would deprioritize larger families because they consume more resources per unit. A housing advocate counters that this violates the rights of larger families to fair consideration. The city manager must choose a framework to guide the final policy. Which approach BEST reconciles the competing concerns?

   • AUse virtue ethics to encourage the city manager to be compassionate, letting the decision rest on their personal character.
   • BAdopt utilitarianism and accept that larger families may wait longer, as the total number of housed families is the primary metric.
   • CApply a hybrid framework that uses rights-based ethics to set a floor of fair consideration, then uses utilitarian principles to optimize within that constraint.
   • DAdopt rights-based ethics and guarantee each family an equal chance, regardless of size or resource use.
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2. 7expert · hard

   A tech company is building an AI recruitment tool. The tool is designed to screen resumes, but it has learned to penalize candidates who have gaps in their employment history, which disproportionately affects women who took time off for childcare. The company's leadership is divided. The CEO wants to use the tool because it reduces hiring costs. The HR director wants to discard it because it is unfair. The board asks for a recommendation that acknowledges both the cost savings and the fairness concern. What is the most ethically sound recommendation?

   • ADeploy the tool as-is, because the cost savings benefit the company and its shareholders.
   • BModify the tool to ignore employment gaps, then deploy it, accepting slightly higher costs.
   • CUse the tool but only for initial screening, and have human recruiters make the final decision.
   • DDiscard the tool entirely, because any bias is unacceptable.
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4. 8foundation · easy

   After identifying the stakeholders and core ethical issue in a dilemma, what is the next step in the ethical framework selection process?

   • AEvaluate candidate frameworks against the specifics of the dilemma.
   • BAsk a colleague which framework they would use.
   • CSkip directly to writing a justification for the first framework considered.
   • DImplement the solution that maximizes overall happiness.
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5. 9foundation · easy

   What is the first step in the ethical framework selection process when confronted with an ethically challenging dilemma?

   • ADocument the final decision without considering alternatives.
   • BIdentify the stakeholders and the core ethical issue at hand.
   • CImmediately apply the first framework that comes to mind.
   • DChoose the framework that is most popular among peers.
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6. 10application · medium

   A nonprofit organization is developing an AI chatbot to provide mental health support to teenagers. The chatbot is designed to detect signs of severe depression and suggest professional help. However, there is a risk that the chatbot might miss subtle signs of distress, leading to a failure to intervene. The team is debating whether to launch the chatbot now or wait for further testing. Which ethical framework would emphasize the duty to prevent harm, even if it means delaying the launch?

   • ADeontology, because the developers have a duty to avoid causing harm through negligence.
   • BRights-based ethics, because teenagers have a right to access mental health support.
   • CVirtue ethics, because the developers should be courageous in launching new technology.
   • DUtilitarianism, because the chatbot could help many teenagers if launched quickly.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first