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Engineering Ethics Presentation Introduction
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- 2. Introduction Ethics – thestudy of the characteristics of morals, and involves moral choices made by individuals as they interact with other persons. Engineering ethics – the rules and standards governing the conduct of engineers as professionals1 1 Fledermann, C. B. ,“Engineering Ethics,” Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2004.
- 3. The Engineering Profession Engineering practice can be defined as a “profession”, as opposed to an “occupation” or “job”. Profession – a free act of commitment to a way of life
- 4. Basic characteristics ofa profession: Extensive training Vital knowledge and skills Control of services Autonomy in the workplace – exercising a large degree of individual judgment and creativity in carrying out their professional responsibility Claim to ethical regulation
- 5. Attributes of aprofession: -Work requires sophisticated skills, judgment, and exercise of discretion (work is NOT routine) - Membership in the profession requires formal education
- 6. .... Attributes ofa profession: Special societies (controlled by members of the profession) establish standards for admission into the profession and conduct of its members Significant positive public service results from the practice of the profession.
- 7. Brief History ofEngineering Codes 1848 - Boston Society of Civil Engineers, the first civilian engineering organization in the US, was founded Four years later, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) was founded 1912 – the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) adopted their code of conduct
- 8. ....brief history 1914– the American Society of Mechanical Engineers adopted the AIEE code with minor amendments 1915 – the American Institute of Consulting Engineering, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and ASCE had adopted their own code of ethics
- 9. ....brief history 1947– the Engineers Council for Professional Development (ECPD) code created the appearance of unity among engineers 1964 – the National Society of Professional Engineers adopted the 1947 ECPD code with but substituted its own code with revisions
- 10. Codes of Ethics Serves as a framework for ethical judgment for a professional engineer Express the rights, duties, and obligations of the members of the profession. Serves as starting points for making ethical decisions But does not cover all possible ethical dilemmas that an engineer might encounter in his/her career
- 11. What a codeof ethics does not represent: A code of ethics is not a legal document, so a professional cannot be arrested for violating its provisions Although violating the code of ethics may result to expulsion from a professional society, the expulsion generally will not result in an inability to practice engineering
- 12. ....What a codeof ethics does not represent: It does not create a new moral and ethical principles; these principles are rooted in centuries of societal and human interactions
- 13. Some Rules ofThumb for approaching other problems of engineering ethics: Identify ethical issues Distinguish issues of professional ethics Formulate options Evaluate options Review
- 14. Example: Juan DelaCruz is serving a term on his engineering society’s national executive board. In one evening’s reception, at a chat with the society’s president, the president casually mentioned that firms in their place commonly provide officials with “walking-around money” to influence the award of contracts.The surprised Juan Dela Cruz was silenced and the president continued talking, as he admitted there was nothing wrong with this practice and that no one would care to investigate him not even the press.
- 15. ...Example: So DelaCruz starts to consider if he just keep quiet or he has any responsibility to do anything with what he heard. Though he has admiration for this president , he no longer feels comfortable with him in his professional society nor profession.
- 16. Fundamental Canons ofthe NSPE Code Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
- 17. ......Fundamental Canons ofthe NSPE Code Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. Engineers shall conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
- 18. Examples of CatastrophicEngineering Failures: 1. Space Shuttle Challenger accident 2. Ford Pinto exploding gas tanks 3. Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse 4. Teton Dan Failure 5. DC – 10 multiple failures