ENGINEERING ETHICS

ee

Introduction to Engineering Ethics

The study of the moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organizations engaged in engineering field. The study of related issues about the moral ideals, characters, policies and relationships of people and corporations involved in technological activity. It not only emphasis how engineers should conduct themselves it also encompasses how the engineers aught to behave in their professional work

Definition
EE may be defined as the identification, study and resolution of ethical problems occurring in the practice of engineering profession The concept of EE is not applicable only for engineers. It Can also be applied to others who engage in any technological enterprises, such as scientists, technicians, production staff, supervisors, doctors, lawyers and the general public EE is the part of Professional Ethics

EE - Aims
Stimulating the moral imagination Recognizing ethical issues Developing analytical skills Drawing out a sense of responsibility Addressing ambiguity, uncertainty and disagreement.

Approaches to EE
Micro ethics
addresses typical, everyday problems faced by the engineers in professional life that affects their professional and personal life

Macro ethics
deals with all societal problems that engineers encounters during their career

Moral issues in Engineering

Moral issues in Engineering

Organization oriented issues Claims or customers oriented issues Competitors oriented issues Law, government and public agencies oriented issues Professional societies oriented issues Social and environmental oriented issues Family oriented issues

Three types of inquiry in engineering Ethics

Normative inquiry More central, seek to identify the values that should guide individuals and groups. Conceptual inquiry Seek to clarify important concepts and ideas. Factual inquiry Seek to provide facts needed for understanding resolving value issues

Moral Dilemmas
are situations in which two or more moral obligations, duties, rights, goods or ideals coming into conflict with one another and it appears that not all of them can be fully respected.

Causes Three sorts of complexity involved in moral situations

Vagueness Conflicting reasons Problem of disagreement.

Steps in Confronting Moral Dilemmas

Identify the relevant moral factors and reasons. Gather all available facts pertinent to the moral factors involved. Rank the moral consideration in order of importance. Consider alternative courses of action. Talk with colleagues and seeking their suggestions. Arrive at a carefully reasoned judgement.

Why Study Engineering Ethics?

moral autonomy:
Ability to think critically and independently about moral issues 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 intelligently resolve these conflicts and reach a defensible decision.

Personal versus Business/Professional Ethics

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

Ethics Equation
ETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Quality products Conservation of resources Pride in work Public safety Timeliness DEVELOPMENT

UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Shoddy products Waste, fraud, greed Abuse of expertise Guilt, fear Lack of safety Cutting corners poor design rushed testing DISASTERS

Ethical Issues Faced by Engineers

Public Safety Bribery and Fraud Environmental Protection Fairness Honesty in Research and Testing Conflicts of Interest

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