Ethics are shared moral principles that guide the behavior of individuals and groups.Unlike personal morals, ethics aresocially developed and often formalized in professional codes.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Ethics:

Ethics areprinciples of right and wrong behavioraccepted by asociety or profession.

They help individualsmake decisions based on fairness, justice, and integrity.

Why Ethics Are Important in Engineering & Technology:

Ethical rules ensurepublic safety, fairness, and professionalism.

Example: Engineers mustavoid conflicts of interestandalways act in the public interest.

Example in Professional Practice:

A technologist mustrefuse a bribeto approve substandard materials in a construction project.

Thisdecision aligns with professional ethicsbecause it upholdspublic safety and integrity.

Why Option C Is Correct:

Ethics aredefined by society, professional organizations, and industries.

TheOACETT Code of Ethicsoutlinesethical behavior for engineering technologists.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Government rules)– Ethicsare not always enforced by law(e.g., lying is unethical but not always illegal).

B (Personal morals only)– Ethics aresocietal and professional standards, not just personal beliefs.

D (Fair treatment only)– Ethicsinclude fairness, but alsohonesty, responsibility, and integrity.