PASS 3: Temporal Dynamics
Case 19: Duty to Report Misconduct
Extraction Complete
Timeline Overview
Temporal Markers
- After joining XYZ Engineers 1 elements
- After observing proposals 1 elements
- After questioning ethics 1 elements
- After completing research 1 elements
- After Engineer B begins marketing 1 elements
- After research completion 1 elements
- During discussion analysis 1 elements
Temporal Consistency Check
ValidExtracted Actions (4)
Volitional professional decisions with intentions and ethical contextDescription: Engineer B included bridge/culvert designs from previous employment in XYZ Engineers' proposals with limited transparency about the work's origin.
Temporal Marker: After joining XYZ Engineers
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Strengthen proposal competitiveness
Guided By Principles:
- Business development
- Competitive advantage
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Wanted to quickly establish credibility and win contracts at new firm by leveraging proven design experience
Ethical Tension: Professional advancement vs intellectual property rights and transparency obligations
Learning Significance: Teaching moment about proper attribution of previous work and ownership of engineering designs
Stakes: Professional reputation, potential copyright infringement, client trust, firm liability
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Clearly attribute previous work to former employer
- Create entirely new designs for proposals
- Seek permission from former employer before using designs
Narrative Role: inciting_incident
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Marketing_Previous_Work_Experience",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Clearly attribute previous work to former employer",
"Create entirely new designs for proposals",
"Seek permission from former employer before using designs"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Wanted to quickly establish credibility and win contracts at new firm by leveraging proven design experience",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Reduced competitive advantage but maintained transparency",
"Longer proposal preparation time but original work",
"Possible approval or denial but ethical clarity"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Teaching moment about proper attribution of previous work and ownership of engineering designs",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Professional advancement vs intellectual property rights and transparency obligations",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "inciting_incident",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Professional reputation, potential copyright infringement, client trust, firm liability",
"proeth:description": "Engineer B included bridge/culvert designs from previous employment in XYZ Engineers\u0027 proposals with limited transparency about the work\u0027s origin.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Potential misrepresentation of firm capabilities"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Business development",
"Competitive advantage"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer B (Marketing Engineer)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Transparency vs Competitive Advantage",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Competitive advantage prioritized over full transparency"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Strengthen proposal competitiveness",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Marketing knowledge",
"Technical expertise"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After joining XYZ Engineers",
"proeth:violatesObligation": [
"Truthfulness in professional statements",
"Proper attribution of work"
],
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Marketing Previous Work Experience"
}
Description: Engineer A decided to question the ethics of Engineer B's marketing practice after observing the proposals.
Temporal Marker: After observing proposals
Mental State: concerned
Intended Outcome: Clarify ethical boundaries
Fulfills Obligations:
- Professional vigilance
- Ethical awareness
Guided By Principles:
- Professional integrity
- Ethical compliance
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Recognized potential ethical violations and felt professional obligation to address concerning behavior
Ethical Tension: Colleague loyalty vs professional ethics and public interest protection
Learning Significance: Teaching moment about speaking up when observing questionable professional conduct
Stakes: Workplace relationships, professional integrity, potential harm to clients and public
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Ignore the behavior and avoid confrontation
- Directly confront Engineer B privately first
- Immediately report to management without investigation
Narrative Role: rising_action
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Questioning_Marketing_Ethics",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Ignore the behavior and avoid confrontation",
"Directly confront Engineer B privately first",
"Immediately report to management without investigation"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Recognized potential ethical violations and felt professional obligation to address concerning behavior",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Enabled continued unethical behavior",
"Possible resolution without escalation or defensive response",
"Premature action without full understanding of obligations"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Teaching moment about speaking up when observing questionable professional conduct",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Colleague loyalty vs professional ethics and public interest protection",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "rising_action",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Workplace relationships, professional integrity, potential harm to clients and public",
"proeth:description": "Engineer A decided to question the ethics of Engineer B\u0027s marketing practice after observing the proposals.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Potential conflict with colleague"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Professional vigilance",
"Ethical awareness"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Professional integrity",
"Ethical compliance"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A (Observing Engineer)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Professional relationships vs Ethical concerns",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Ethical concerns took precedence over comfort"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "concerned",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Clarify ethical boundaries",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Ethical reasoning",
"Professional judgment"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After observing proposals",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Questioning Marketing Ethics"
}
Description: Engineer A decided to research NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both State Q and State Z to understand reporting obligations.
Temporal Marker: After questioning ethics
Mental State: diligent
Intended Outcome: Understand professional obligations
Fulfills Obligations:
- Due diligence
- Professional education
Guided By Principles:
- Informed decision-making
- Professional responsibility
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Needed to understand professional obligations and proper procedures before taking action
Ethical Tension: Urgency to act vs need for thorough understanding of complex multi-state regulations
Learning Significance: Teaching moment about importance of understanding applicable codes and jurisdictional requirements
Stakes: Making informed vs uninformed decisions about reporting, understanding professional obligations
Narrative Role: rising_action
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Researching_Ethics_Codes",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Consult with senior colleagues or mentors",
"Contact NSPE ethics hotline for guidance",
"Proceed based on general ethical intuition without research"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Needed to understand professional obligations and proper procedures before taking action",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Gained experienced perspective but potential bias",
"Received authoritative guidance but possible delay",
"Risked inappropriate action due to incomplete knowledge"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Teaching moment about importance of understanding applicable codes and jurisdictional requirements",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Urgency to act vs need for thorough understanding of complex multi-state regulations",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": false,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "rising_action",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Making informed vs uninformed decisions about reporting, understanding professional obligations",
"proeth:description": "Engineer A decided to research NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both State Q and State Z to understand reporting obligations.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Possible obligation to report"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Due diligence",
"Professional education"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Informed decision-making",
"Professional responsibility"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A (Investigating Engineer)",
"proeth:hasMentalState": "diligent",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Understand professional obligations",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Legal research",
"Code interpretation"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After questioning ethics",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Researching Ethics Codes"
}
Description: Engineer A considered whether to report Engineer B's conduct to licensing boards in either or both states based on research findings.
Temporal Marker: After completing research
Mental State: conflicted
Intended Outcome: Fulfill professional obligations appropriately
Fulfills Obligations:
- Professional deliberation
Guided By Principles:
- Professional accountability
- Due process
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Wanted to fulfill professional reporting obligations while navigating complex multi-jurisdictional requirements
Ethical Tension: Professional duty to report vs potential career and relationship consequences
Learning Significance: Teaching moment about navigating complex reporting obligations across multiple jurisdictions
Stakes: Professional standing, regulatory compliance, precedent for future ethical decisions, Engineer B's career
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Report to both states to ensure compliance
- Attempt mediation or direct resolution before reporting
- Report only to the state with clearer obligations
Narrative Role: climax
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Considering_Reporting_Obligations",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Report to both states to ensure compliance",
"Attempt mediation or direct resolution before reporting",
"Report only to the state with clearer obligations"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Wanted to fulfill professional reporting obligations while navigating complex multi-jurisdictional requirements",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Maximum compliance but potential over-reporting",
"Preserved relationships but risked continued violations",
"Partial compliance but incomplete resolution"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Teaching moment about navigating complex reporting obligations across multiple jurisdictions",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Professional duty to report vs potential career and relationship consequences",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "climax",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Professional standing, regulatory compliance, precedent for future ethical decisions, Engineer B\u0027s career",
"proeth:description": "Engineer A considered whether to report Engineer B\u0027s conduct to licensing boards in either or both states based on research findings.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Professional consequences for Engineer B",
"Potential retaliation"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Professional deliberation"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Professional accountability",
"Due process"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A (Deciding Engineer)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Reporting duty vs Potential harm",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Different standards require different approaches by state"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "conflicted",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Fulfill professional obligations appropriately",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Regulatory knowledge",
"Ethical judgment"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After completing research",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Considering Reporting Obligations"
}
Extracted Events (3)
Occurrences that trigger ethical considerations and state changesDescription: Engineer A's observation of Engineer B's marketing proposals triggers recognition of potential ethical violations regarding use of previous employment experience.
Temporal Marker: After Engineer B begins marketing
Activates Constraints:
- Professional_Integrity_Constraint
- Colleague_Responsibility_Constraint
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosEmotional Impact: Concern and uncertainty for Engineer A; potential defensiveness from Engineer B if aware; anxiety about professional relationships and obligations
- engineer_a: Burden of professional responsibility, potential conflict with colleague
- engineer_b: Potential exposure of unethical practices, professional reputation at risk
- xyz_engineers: Company practices under scrutiny, potential compliance issues
- profession: Standards enforcement and professional integrity at stake
Learning Moment: Demonstrates how professional obligations create responsibility to address observed ethical concerns, even when involving colleagues
Ethical Implications: Reveals tension between colleague loyalty and professional integrity; shows how individual actions affect broader professional standards; demonstrates duty to profession versus duty to workplace harmony
- What factors should influence Engineer A's decision to investigate further?
- How should professional relationships be balanced against ethical obligations?
- At what point does observation of potential violations create duty to act?
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Event_Ethics_Concerns_Identified",
"@type": "proeth:Event",
"proeth-scenario:crisisIdentification": false,
"proeth-scenario:discussionPrompts": [
"What factors should influence Engineer A\u0027s decision to investigate further?",
"How should professional relationships be balanced against ethical obligations?",
"At what point does observation of potential violations create duty to act?"
],
"proeth-scenario:dramaticTension": "medium",
"proeth-scenario:emotionalImpact": "Concern and uncertainty for Engineer A; potential defensiveness from Engineer B if aware; anxiety about professional relationships and obligations",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalImplications": "Reveals tension between colleague loyalty and professional integrity; shows how individual actions affect broader professional standards; demonstrates duty to profession versus duty to workplace harmony",
"proeth-scenario:learningMoment": "Demonstrates how professional obligations create responsibility to address observed ethical concerns, even when involving colleagues",
"proeth-scenario:narrativePacing": "escalation",
"proeth-scenario:stakeholderConsequences": {
"engineer_a": "Burden of professional responsibility, potential conflict with colleague",
"engineer_b": "Potential exposure of unethical practices, professional reputation at risk",
"profession": "Standards enforcement and professional integrity at stake",
"xyz_engineers": "Company practices under scrutiny, potential compliance issues"
},
"proeth:activatesConstraint": [
"Professional_Integrity_Constraint",
"Colleague_Responsibility_Constraint"
],
"proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Marketing_Previous_Work_Experience",
"proeth:causesStateChange": "Potential ethics violation identified; investigation phase initiated; professional relationship tension created",
"proeth:createsObligation": [
"Investigate_Further",
"Consider_Professional_Response",
"Research_Applicable_Standards"
],
"proeth:description": "Engineer A\u0027s observation of Engineer B\u0027s marketing proposals triggers recognition of potential ethical violations regarding use of previous employment experience.",
"proeth:emergencyStatus": "medium",
"proeth:eventType": "outcome",
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After Engineer B begins marketing",
"proeth:urgencyLevel": "medium",
"rdfs:label": "Ethics Concerns Identified"
}
Description: Engineer A's investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing rules in State Q versus State Z, creating clarity about reporting obligations.
Temporal Marker: After research completion
Activates Constraints:
- State_Specific_Reporting_Requirements
- NSPE_Code_Compliance
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosEmotional Impact: Relief at having clear guidance for Engineer A; increased pressure to make informed decision; potential apprehension about different state requirements
- engineer_a: Clarity about obligations but increased responsibility to act appropriately
- engineer_b: Exposure to jurisdiction-specific reporting requirements and potential consequences
- state_q_jurisdiction: Different reporting standards may apply
- state_z_jurisdiction: Different reporting standards may apply
- profession: Proper application of standards across jurisdictions
Learning Moment: Shows importance of understanding jurisdiction-specific requirements and how professional obligations vary by location; demonstrates due diligence in ethical decision-making
Ethical Implications: Highlights complexity of professional practice across jurisdictions; demonstrates importance of informed ethical decision-making; reveals how legal and ethical standards interact in professional practice
- How should engineers handle situations where different states have different ethical requirements?
- What constitutes adequate research when facing ethical dilemmas?
- How do jurisdiction-specific rules affect professional responsibility?
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Event_Research_Results_Obtained",
"@type": "proeth:Event",
"proeth-scenario:crisisIdentification": false,
"proeth-scenario:discussionPrompts": [
"How should engineers handle situations where different states have different ethical requirements?",
"What constitutes adequate research when facing ethical dilemmas?",
"How do jurisdiction-specific rules affect professional responsibility?"
],
"proeth-scenario:dramaticTension": "medium",
"proeth-scenario:emotionalImpact": "Relief at having clear guidance for Engineer A; increased pressure to make informed decision; potential apprehension about different state requirements",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalImplications": "Highlights complexity of professional practice across jurisdictions; demonstrates importance of informed ethical decision-making; reveals how legal and ethical standards interact in professional practice",
"proeth-scenario:learningMoment": "Shows importance of understanding jurisdiction-specific requirements and how professional obligations vary by location; demonstrates due diligence in ethical decision-making",
"proeth-scenario:narrativePacing": "slow_burn",
"proeth-scenario:stakeholderConsequences": {
"engineer_a": "Clarity about obligations but increased responsibility to act appropriately",
"engineer_b": "Exposure to jurisdiction-specific reporting requirements and potential consequences",
"profession": "Proper application of standards across jurisdictions",
"state_q_jurisdiction": "Different reporting standards may apply",
"state_z_jurisdiction": "Different reporting standards may apply"
},
"proeth:activatesConstraint": [
"State_Specific_Reporting_Requirements",
"NSPE_Code_Compliance"
],
"proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Researching_Ethics_Codes",
"proeth:causesStateChange": "Clear knowledge of reporting requirements obtained; decision point reached; different obligations for different jurisdictions clarified",
"proeth:createsObligation": [
"State_Q_Reporting_Protocol",
"State_Z_Reporting_Protocol",
"Apply_Appropriate_Standards"
],
"proeth:description": "Engineer A\u0027s investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing rules in State Q versus State Z, creating clarity about reporting obligations.",
"proeth:emergencyStatus": "low",
"proeth:eventType": "outcome",
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After research completion",
"proeth:urgencyLevel": "medium",
"rdfs:label": "Research Results Obtained"
}
Description: Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdiction-specific professional obligations for the same ethical concern.
Temporal Marker: During discussion analysis
Activates Constraints:
- Jurisdiction_Specific_Compliance
- Comparative_Standards_Analysis
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosEmotional Impact: Increased complexity and potential confusion for Engineer A; recognition that professional practice involves navigating multiple regulatory frameworks
- engineer_a: Must navigate complex, jurisdiction-specific requirements
- engineering_profession: Highlighted complexity of multi-jurisdictional practice
- state_q_regulatory_authority: Specific state standards must be applied
- state_z_regulatory_authority: Different state standards must be applied
- legal_profession: Precedential framework for future similar cases
Learning Moment: Illustrates complexity of professional engineering practice across multiple jurisdictions and importance of understanding local regulatory requirements
Ethical Implications: Reveals how federalism creates complexity in professional practice; demonstrates need for engineers to understand multiple regulatory frameworks; highlights potential for regulatory arbitrage in professional ethics
- How should the engineering profession handle inconsistent state requirements?
- What challenges do jurisdiction-specific obligations create for practicing engineers?
- Should there be greater standardization of professional ethics requirements across states?
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Event_Different_State_Obligations_Confirmed",
"@type": "proeth:Event",
"proeth-scenario:crisisIdentification": false,
"proeth-scenario:discussionPrompts": [
"How should the engineering profession handle inconsistent state requirements?",
"What challenges do jurisdiction-specific obligations create for practicing engineers?",
"Should there be greater standardization of professional ethics requirements across states?"
],
"proeth-scenario:dramaticTension": "low",
"proeth-scenario:emotionalImpact": "Increased complexity and potential confusion for Engineer A; recognition that professional practice involves navigating multiple regulatory frameworks",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalImplications": "Reveals how federalism creates complexity in professional practice; demonstrates need for engineers to understand multiple regulatory frameworks; highlights potential for regulatory arbitrage in professional ethics",
"proeth-scenario:learningMoment": "Illustrates complexity of professional engineering practice across multiple jurisdictions and importance of understanding local regulatory requirements",
"proeth-scenario:narrativePacing": "aftermath",
"proeth-scenario:stakeholderConsequences": {
"engineer_a": "Must navigate complex, jurisdiction-specific requirements",
"engineering_profession": "Highlighted complexity of multi-jurisdictional practice",
"legal_profession": "Precedential framework for future similar cases",
"state_q_regulatory_authority": "Specific state standards must be applied",
"state_z_regulatory_authority": "Different state standards must be applied"
},
"proeth:activatesConstraint": [
"Jurisdiction_Specific_Compliance",
"Comparative_Standards_Analysis"
],
"proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#Action_Researching_Ethics_Codes",
"proeth:causesStateChange": "Jurisdictional complexity confirmed; multiple standards framework established; differentiated compliance pathways identified",
"proeth:createsObligation": [
"Apply_State_Q_Standards",
"Apply_State_Z_Standards",
"Recognize_Jurisdictional_Differences"
],
"proeth:description": "Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdiction-specific professional obligations for the same ethical concern.",
"proeth:emergencyStatus": "routine",
"proeth:eventType": "outcome",
"proeth:temporalMarker": "During discussion analysis",
"proeth:urgencyLevel": "low",
"rdfs:label": "Different State Obligations Confirmed"
}
Causal Chains (4)
NESS test analysis: Necessary Element of Sufficient SetCausal Language: Engineer A's observation of Engineer B's marketing proposals triggers recognition of potential ethics violations
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Engineer B's inclusion of previous employer's designs in proposals
- Engineer A's access to and review of these marketing materials
- Engineer A's knowledge of professional ethics standards
Sufficient Factors:
- Combination of questionable marketing practice + knowledgeable observer + professional ethics awareness
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer B
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Marketing Previous Work Experience
Engineer B includes bridge/culvert designs from previous employment in XYZ Engineers' proposals -
Ethics Concerns Identified
Engineer A observes the marketing proposals and recognizes potential ethical violations
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#CausalChain_92ed84d6",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A\u0027s observation of Engineer B\u0027s marketing proposals triggers recognition of potential ethics violations",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer B includes bridge/culvert designs from previous employment in XYZ Engineers\u0027 proposals",
"proeth:element": "Marketing Previous Work Experience",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer A observes the marketing proposals and recognizes potential ethical violations",
"proeth:element": "Ethics Concerns Identified",
"proeth:step": 2
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Marketing Previous Work Experience",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without Engineer B\u0027s inappropriate marketing of previous work, no ethics concerns would have been identified",
"proeth:effect": "Ethics Concerns Identified",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Engineer B\u0027s inclusion of previous employer\u0027s designs in proposals",
"Engineer A\u0027s access to and review of these marketing materials",
"Engineer A\u0027s knowledge of professional ethics standards"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer B",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Combination of questionable marketing practice + knowledgeable observer + professional ethics awareness"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Causal Language: Engineer A decided to research NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both State Q and State Z to understand the ethical implications
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Engineer A's decision to investigate rather than ignore the issue
- Access to NSPE Code of Ethics and state licensing regulations
- Engineer A's commitment to professional ethics
Sufficient Factors:
- Combination of ethical concern + proactive investigation + available resources
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer A
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Questioning Marketing Ethics
Engineer A decides to question the ethics of Engineer B's marketing practice -
Researching Ethics Codes
Engineer A researches NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both states -
Research Results Obtained
Investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing obligations
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#CausalChain_429b5f4b",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A decided to research NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both State Q and State Z to understand the ethical implications",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer A decides to question the ethics of Engineer B\u0027s marketing practice",
"proeth:element": "Questioning Marketing Ethics",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer A researches NSPE Code of Ethics and licensing rules in both states",
"proeth:element": "Researching Ethics Codes",
"proeth:step": 2
},
{
"proeth:description": "Investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing obligations",
"proeth:element": "Research Results Obtained",
"proeth:step": 3
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Questioning Marketing Ethics",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without Engineer A\u0027s decision to research, specific knowledge of code violations and state requirements would not have been obtained",
"proeth:effect": "Research Results Obtained",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Engineer A\u0027s decision to investigate rather than ignore the issue",
"Access to NSPE Code of Ethics and state licensing regulations",
"Engineer A\u0027s commitment to professional ethics"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Combination of ethical concern + proactive investigation + available resources"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Causal Language: Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdictional complexity
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Completion of research into both state's requirements
- Existence of different reporting obligations between states
- Engineer A's analytical review of the findings
Sufficient Factors:
- Combination of thorough research + different state laws + analytical comparison
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer A
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Research Results Obtained
Engineer A's investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing obligations -
Different State Obligations Confirmed
Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdictional complexity
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#CausalChain_b19f4023",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdictional complexity",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer A\u0027s investigation yields specific knowledge of NSPE Code requirements and different licensing obligations",
"proeth:element": "Research Results Obtained",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Analysis confirms that State Q and State Z have different reporting requirements, creating jurisdictional complexity",
"proeth:element": "Different State Obligations Confirmed",
"proeth:step": 2
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Research Results Obtained",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without the research results, the jurisdictional complexity would not have been identified or confirmed",
"proeth:effect": "Different State Obligations Confirmed",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Completion of research into both state\u0027s requirements",
"Existence of different reporting obligations between states",
"Engineer A\u0027s analytical review of the findings"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Combination of thorough research + different state laws + analytical comparison"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Causal Language: Knowledge of different state requirements leads Engineer A to consider whether to report Engineer B's conduct to licensing boards in either or both states
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Confirmation of different reporting requirements between states
- Engineer A's recognition of professional duty to report misconduct
- Understanding that Engineer B's conduct may violate professional standards
Sufficient Factors:
- Combination of jurisdictional complexity + professional duty + confirmed ethical violation
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer A
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Different State Obligations Confirmed
Analysis confirms different reporting requirements between State Q and State Z -
Considering Reporting Obligations
Engineer A considers whether to report Engineer B's conduct to licensing boards in either or both states
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/19#CausalChain_9c19640d",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Knowledge of different state requirements leads Engineer A to consider whether to report Engineer B\u0027s conduct to licensing boards in either or both states",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Analysis confirms different reporting requirements between State Q and State Z",
"proeth:element": "Different State Obligations Confirmed",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer A considers whether to report Engineer B\u0027s conduct to licensing boards in either or both states",
"proeth:element": "Considering Reporting Obligations",
"proeth:step": 2
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Different State Obligations Confirmed",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without understanding the different state obligations, Engineer A would not face the complex decision about where and whether to report",
"proeth:effect": "Considering Reporting Obligations",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Confirmation of different reporting requirements between states",
"Engineer A\u0027s recognition of professional duty to report misconduct",
"Understanding that Engineer B\u0027s conduct may violate professional standards"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Combination of jurisdictional complexity + professional duty + confirmed ethical violation"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Allen Temporal Relations (6)
Interval algebra relationships with OWL-Time standard properties| From Entity | Allen Relation | To Entity | OWL-Time Property | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer B's previous employment projects |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
Engineer B joining XYZ Engineers |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Engineer B's projects completed while in previous employment did not involve proprietary design conc... |
| Engineer B joining XYZ Engineers |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
XYZ Engineers marketing bridge and culvert designs |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
XYZ Engineers, hired a new project manager, Engineer B, with extensive experience in responsible cha... |
| XYZ Engineers marketing practices |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
Engineer A questioning ethics |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Engineer A questions whether this proposal/marketing practice is misleading to clients and unethical |
| Engineer A questioning ethics |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
Engineer A reviewing NSPE Code and licensing rules |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Engineer A decides to review the NSPE Code of Ethics and the engineering licensing board law and rul... |
| Doe's evaluation conclusion |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
client terminating contract |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Doe concluded that the change would not meet minimum standards and apprised the client of that decis... |
| client terminating Doe's contract |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
another engineer presenting at public hearing |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
The client terminated Doe's contract and asked Doe not to write a report. Subsequently, another engi... |
About Allen Relations & OWL-Time
Allen's Interval Algebra provides 13 basic temporal relations between intervals. These relations are mapped to OWL-Time standard properties for interoperability with Semantic Web temporal reasoning systems and SPARQL queries.
Each relation includes both a ProEthica custom property and a
time:* OWL-Time property for maximum compatibility.