Posted: May 15th, 2023

A Volkswagen engineer was directed to create defeat device software

Consider the following factual scenario which was faced by the Volkswagen Automaker:

A Volkswagen engineer was directed to create defeat device software to temporarily cheat on emissions tests by turning pollution controls on only when being inspected by regulators. The engineer’s moral consciousness did not originally object and an intention formed to do as directed. But assume that before acting on the intention, the VW engineer becomes aware that the U.S. government was taking a much tougher approach to corporate wrongdoing and a company was harshly punished recently for violating government environmental regulations. Because of the new inconsistency between anticipated and actual outcomes, the engineer begins to have second doubts about the intention.

Select and define three ethical theories. Distinguish the differences between each and explain how each might be used as you recommend a course of action to be taken by the Volkswagen engineer.

Your analysis as to each ethical theory should be one page in length.

Use and cite at one additional authoritative source for each ethical theory other than the text materials.

In addition to fulfilling the specifics of the assignment, a successful memo must also meet the following criteria:

Length should be 3 pages, excluding your title and references page.
Viewpoint and purpose should be clearly established and sustained.
Assignment should follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.).
Writing should be well ordered, logical and unified, as well as original and insightful.
Cite all sources on a separate reference page at the end of your paper and cited within the body of your paper using APA format.
Your work should display superior content, organization, style, citation, and mechanics in accordance with APA.

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An analysis of three ethical theories that could be used to recommend a course of action for the Volkswagen engineer in the given scenario:

Deontology

Deontology is a theory of ethics that focuses on the duty of the individual to act morally. According to deontology, an action is right if it is done out of a sense of duty, regardless of the consequences. In the case of the Volkswagen engineer, a deontological approach would lead to the conclusion that the engineer should not create the defeat device software, even if it means disobeying their supervisor. This is because the engineer would be violating their duty to act honestly and to protect the environment.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a theory of ethics that focuses on the consequences of actions. According to utilitarianism, an action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In the case of the Volkswagen engineer, a utilitarian approach would lead to the conclusion that the engineer should create the defeat device software, if it is believed that doing so will produce more good than harm. For example, if the engineer believes that the software will help Volkswagen sell more cars, which will lead to more jobs and economic growth, then a utilitarian might argue that the engineer has a duty to create the software.

Virtue ethics

Virtue ethics is a theory of ethics that focuses on the character of the individual. According to virtue ethics, an action is right if it is done by a virtuous person. In the case of the Volkswagen engineer, a virtue ethics approach would lead to the conclusion that the engineer should not create the defeat device software, because doing so would be a sign of a lack of honesty and integrity. A virtuous person would be honest and would not cheat, even if it meant disobeying their supervisor or losing their job.

Recommendation

The three ethical theories discussed above offer different perspectives on the right course of action for the Volkswagen engineer. Ultimately, the engineer must decide what they believe is the right thing to do, based on their own personal values and beliefs. However, the three theories can provide a framework for making this decision.

If the engineer believes that it is important to act out of a sense of duty, then they should not create the defeat device software. This is because doing so would violate their duty to act honestly and to protect the environment.

If the engineer believes that it is important to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, then they may need to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of creating the defeat device software. If the engineer believes that the software will produce more good than harm, then they may have a duty to create it.

If the engineer believes that it is important to be a virtuous person, then they should not create the defeat device software. This is because doing so would be a sign of a lack of honesty and integrity. A virtuous person would be honest and would not cheat, even if it meant disobeying their supervisor or losing their job.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to create the defeat device software is a difficult one. The Volkswagen engineer must weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of creating the software, and they must also consider their own personal values and beliefs. However, the three ethical theories discussed above can provide a framework for making this decision.