2) The Dilemma
In this scenario, aerospace software engineer Emmett Brown has to decide whether to sign off on sending a new air traffic control system to their client, the FAA. The dilemma that Emmett faces is that the project's deadline has come up before his team will be able to fix a bug that he found. The bug is that when too many airplanes are in the system, some of them will be lost in the system and disappear from the screen and the collision avoidance system, due to memory problems in the software.
If they delay the project, many jobs and even the whole business may be at stake, but if they allow it to go through, lives could be lost, and the company may suffer as well.
Emmett's decision is made easier when his boss tells him that even after sending it to the FAA, the FAA will do small-scale testing, in which the system will not be overloaded enough for the bug to occur, and in that time, Emmett's team can complete the bug fix and deliver the update when testing is done.
In Scenario A, this works as planned, and Emmett's company receives several more contracts with the FAA.
However, in Scenario B, something goes wrong and even in a small test, the bug shows up, and two planes collide with two deaths and several injuries. The company ends up filing for bankruptcy, leaving many without jobs. Emmett, however, had been uncomfortable with the testing and left the company, and so does not get accused of any wrongdoing.
The dilemma is mainly whether Emmett should sign off on testing, demand more time before delivery, or simply leave the company as he did in Scenario B.
Our group has met to discuss the topic and come up with a plan to analyze it from each of the ethical frameworks covered and come up with our own position(s).
If they delay the project, many jobs and even the whole business may be at stake, but if they allow it to go through, lives could be lost, and the company may suffer as well.
Emmett's decision is made easier when his boss tells him that even after sending it to the FAA, the FAA will do small-scale testing, in which the system will not be overloaded enough for the bug to occur, and in that time, Emmett's team can complete the bug fix and deliver the update when testing is done.
In Scenario A, this works as planned, and Emmett's company receives several more contracts with the FAA.
However, in Scenario B, something goes wrong and even in a small test, the bug shows up, and two planes collide with two deaths and several injuries. The company ends up filing for bankruptcy, leaving many without jobs. Emmett, however, had been uncomfortable with the testing and left the company, and so does not get accused of any wrongdoing.
The dilemma is mainly whether Emmett should sign off on testing, demand more time before delivery, or simply leave the company as he did in Scenario B.
Our group has met to discuss the topic and come up with a plan to analyze it from each of the ethical frameworks covered and come up with our own position(s).
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