Question 20
Domain 1: Ethical Foundations and Decision FrameworksAn AI product team is deciding whether to use a customer dataset in a new way. The proposed use could increase efficiency, but it would conflict with a standing commitment the company has made about how customer data will be handled. Which reasoning approach is more appropriate if the team must decide whether keeping that commitment should take priority even if the results are less beneficial overall?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Use duty-based reasoning when the central question is whether an action honors an obligation, rule, or commitment, rather than whether it produces the best overall results. Use outcome-based reasoning when the main issue is comparing consequences to maximize benefit or minimize harm. — 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. Outcome-based reasoning, because the action with the greatest efficiency gain should override prior commitments
Outcome-based reasoning focuses on consequences, not on whether a prior commitment must be honored.
B. Duty-based reasoning, because the decision turns on whether the company should honor its existing commitment
The scenario asks whether keeping a standing commitment about customer data should take priority even if the overall results are less beneficial. That is a duty-based question because the deciding factor is the obligation itself, not the net efficiency outcome described in the scenario.
C. Outcome-based reasoning, because any decision involving customer data should be based primarily on likely business results
The appropriate approach depends on whether obligations or consequences are central, not on the topic being customer data.
D. Duty-based reasoning, because it is always preferred whenever a decision could affect more than one stakeholder
Duty-based reasoning is appropriate when obligations are central, not whenever multiple stakeholders are involved.