College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department of Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering

BME / IHE 601 Academic Engineering Integrity Engineering Ethics

Dave Kender
March 13, 2012

General Definition of Ethics

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The study of the characteristics of morals The study of the moral choices made by each person in his or her relationships with other persons

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Engineering Ethics
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The rules and standards which govern the conduct of engineers in their role as professionals Engineering ethics are similar to general ethics, but apply to the specific issues which affect engineering professionals Because of its importance to all engineers, ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) now mandates that ethics be included in the engineering curriculum

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

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There is an increased awareness of its importance to engineers due to publicity surrounding recent high profile engineering failures Decisions made by engineers can impact public health, safety, business practices and politics Engineers should be aware of moral implications as they make decisions in the workplace

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

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The study of ethics can help engineers to develop a moral autonomy:

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The ability to think critically and independently about moral issues The ability to apply this moral thinking to situations that arise in the course of professional engineering practice

Ethical problems in engineering are often complex and involve conflicting ethical principles. Engineers must be able to intelligent resolve these conflicts and reach a defensible decision

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Personal vs. Professional Ethics

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Personal Ethics:
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Deals with how we treat others in our day-to-day lives

Business/Professional Ethics:
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Involves choices regarding relationships between organizations and other organizations, government, and groups of individuals The complexity of these relationships often pose dilemmas not encountered in personal ethics

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Engineering Ethics
Standards, Rules, Guidelines Moral or Socially Approved Conduct Honesty, Truthfulness, Trustworthiness Acting in the best interest of society Ethical Standards exist independently accessible to all rational thinkers Codification merely summarizes, rather than defines Applies only to conduct that has significant impact

Ethics vs. Legalities

Legal Standards are defined in legal documents by a properly appointed body. Legal documents and legal experts determine what the law is and who must obey the law. Ethical Standards are assumed to exist independently of any sanctioning body and are apparent to rationale thinking. Written forms of the standards merely describe the preexisting standards rather than define their very nature. Ethical standards always supersede legal standards.

NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Preamble Safeguard life, health, and property Promote the public welfare Maintain high standards of integrity and practice Issues Registration is a privilege not a right Fair competition and avoid of conflict of interest Rules Obligations to Society, Employers / Clients, other Engineers