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 4)

Questions 16–20

1. 16foundation · easy

   What is a key trade-off when applying a utilitarian framework compared to a deontological framework?

   • AUtilitarianism focuses on character, while deontology focuses on consequences.
   • BDeontology is easier to apply in practice, while utilitarianism is purely theoretical.
   • CUtilitarianism always produces fair outcomes, while deontology often leads to unfair results.
   • DUtilitarianism may justify violating individual rights for the greater good, while deontology may uphold duties even if outcomes are suboptimal.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first
2. 17application · medium

   An e-commerce company is developing an AI recommendation system. The system is designed to maximize sales by showing customers products they are likely to buy. However, the system also learns to show higher-priced products to customers in wealthy neighborhoods and lower-priced products to customers in poorer neighborhoods. The company's ethics board is reviewing this behavior. Which ethical framework would be MOST critical of this practice?

   • AVirtue ethics, because the company should be honest in its dealings.
   • BRights-based ethics, because customers have a right to the best prices.
   • CUtilitarianism, because the practice maximizes total sales.
   • DDeontology, because the company has a duty to treat all customers equally.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first
4. 18foundation · easy

   In a justification for selecting a deontological framework over a utilitarian one, what would be a valid reason?

   • AThe utilitarian framework is too complex to calculate.
   • BThe majority of stakeholders prefer deontology.
   • CThe dilemma involves a fundamental duty not to deceive, which should be upheld regardless of potential benefits.
   • DDeontology always produces the best outcomes.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first
5. 19application · medium

   A financial services firm is developing a credit-scoring AI that uses alternative data, including social media activity, to predict loan default. The compliance team is concerned about potential discrimination against protected groups. The project sponsor wants to proceed quickly to market. What is the FIRST step the team should take to select an appropriate ethical framework for this dilemma?

   • AIdentify all stakeholders and the specific ethical concerns raised by the use of social media data.
   • BConsult legal counsel to determine if the use of social media data is permissible under current regulations.
   • CRun a pilot study to measure the accuracy of the model before considering ethical implications.
   • DChoose utilitarianism because it is the most common framework used in business decisions.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first
6. 20application · medium

   A healthcare startup is developing an AI triage system that prioritizes patients based on predicted severity. The system's algorithm inadvertently assigns lower priority to patients from lower-income neighborhoods because their historical data shows they delay seeking care. The product manager wants to adjust the algorithm to ensure equitable treatment, but the data science lead argues this would reduce overall triage accuracy. Which ethical framework would BEST support the product manager's position in this dilemma?

   • AUtilitarianism, because maximizing overall health outcomes justifies the adjustment.
   • BVirtue ethics, because the developers should embody the character trait of compassion in their design choices.
   • CDeontology, because the algorithm must follow the universal rule of treating all patients equally.
   • DRights-based ethics, because every patient has an equal right to receive care based on need, not on demographic factors.
   Reveal Solution Discussion Select an answer first