Class Activity

17-EE-032
Usama Bin Ali(D)

Question
An engineer notified his firm that for a relatively minor cost, a flashlight could be made to
last several years longer by using a more reliable bulb. The firm decides that it would be in
its interests not to use the new bulb, both keep cost lower and to have the added
advantage of "buiti-in obsolescence" so that consumers would need to purchase new
flashlight more often. Identify moral values, issues, and dilemmas, if any, involved in it and
explain why you consider them moral values and dilemmas.
Answer
As far as concern the decision taken by the Engineer is good and ethical there is no mistake in it
because we have to make a good and reliable product for a customer on a cheap rate and that
product should last longer. You should have a much reliable good quality products. It is wrong
to sell a low quality product such minor cost though you can buy a much reliable item. The
dilemma here is even if the firm is being notified, they still not follow it so the consumers would
purchase their product more often instead of having a good quality product that will last
several years longer. and it was dilemma for the firm as both alternatives have different
benefits or issues and moral value says that the reliable bulb will make the goodwill of the
company and is ethical.