Question 29
Domain 1: Ethical Foundations and Decision FrameworksAn AI product manager is deciding whether to use a customer data practice that could increase efficiency but would conflict with a standing obligation to treat users according to a fixed principle regardless of business results. Which ethical approach is most appropriate for evaluating this decision?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Duty-based reasoning is more appropriate when a decision should be judged by whether it follows an obligation or principle rather than by the results it produces. Outcome-based reasoning is used when the ethical focus is on comparing consequences. — Source material: Determine when duty-based reasoning is more appropriate than outcome-based reasoning. Key Terms: duty-based reasoning, outcome-based reasoning.
Why each option is right or wrong
A. Use duty-based reasoning because the decision turns on honoring an obligation even if the results seem beneficial.
The scenario states that the data practice conflicts with a standing obligation and asks which approach fits when a fixed principle should govern regardless of business results. Under the source material, duty-based reasoning is the appropriate framework when obligations or duties take priority over consequences.
B. Use outcome-based reasoning because any practice that improves efficiency should be judged mainly by its business results.
Outcome-based reasoning applies when consequences are the basis of evaluation, not when a fixed obligation controls the decision.
C. Use outcome-based reasoning because duties matter only after the likely consequences have been compared.
Duty-based reasoning can govern first when adherence to an obligation is the central ethical question.
D. Use duty-based reasoning only if the practice produces the best overall result for all affected users.
Duty-based reasoning focuses on following obligations or principles, not on selecting the option with the best overall consequences.