MORAL REASONING AND CODES ETHICS

ETHICAL DILEMMAS ethical dilemmas?situations in which the applications of moral values are problematic, and it is not immediately obvious what should be done…and come into conflict Technical skill and morally good judgment need to go

together in solving ethical dilemmas

MORAL DILEMMA

STEPS IN RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMAS Moral clarity: Identify the relevant moral

values Be clear about key concepts Obtain relevant information Informed about the options: Consider all

(realistic) options Well-reasoned: Make a reasonable decision

RESOLVING ETHICAL DILEMMAS A, B: the two conflicting goals A or B? Neither is desirable

A & B: third choice that can answer both

LINE DRAWING

METHODLine drawing is often a useful tool to try to define the “black” and “white” sides of a “grey” issue. It involves defining a number of different alternative courses of action or behaviors and then putting them in order on a line scale between “obviously unacceptable” and “ definitely acceptable”

EXEMPLE

A student is faced with a major assignment. A classmate tells him that his older brother did just such an assignment for Prof. a number of years ago, and says he is sure he could get a copy of it.

How can he decide what course of action is morally acceptable?

SOLUTION

To use the Line drawing method, we start by defining the positive and negative extremes of possible actions:

1. positive extreme: do not look at the previous report at all

2. negative extreme: copy the previous report, put your name on it and hand it in as your own.

SOLUTION

Of course there are a variety of options between these two extremes, and we attempt to describe

them: 3. use the same topic, but re-do all the

research 4. use the same topic and use the previous

report as a cited reference

SOLUTION

5. use the same general ideas from the previous reports, but don’t bother citing

6. use the same topic and cited references as the previous report without credit

7. read the report only to get an idea of the format and detail required

8. use the same topic and cited references as the previous report but acknowledge

SOLUTION

The next step involves laying out these options on a “line” in increasing order of acceptability. One possible ranking is shown below:

IMPORTANCE OF CODES(ROLES OF CODES)

Serving and protecting the public Guidance (Concerning Obligations) Inspiration. Because codes provide a positive stimulus

(motivation) for ethical conduct Shared standards Support for responsible professionals. Codes give

positive support to professionals seeking to act ethically

Contributing to the profession’s image.

ABUSE OF CODES

When codes are not taken seriously within a profession, it will increase public cynicism about the profession.

LIMITATION OF CODES

Codes are no substitute for individual responsibility in grappling with concrete dilemma. They may not be able to straightforwardly address all situations.

EXAMPLE OF CODES OF SOME ENGINEERING SOCIETIES OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY NATURE:

1. ABET Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology

2. NSPE National Society of Professional Engineers

3. BEM Board of Engineers Malaysia

Example of Codes of some disciplines-specific engineering societies

1. AIChE American Institute of Chemical Engineers

2. ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers

3. ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineering

4. IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

5. ABA American Bar Association

6. AMA American medical Association

CODE OF ETHICS FOR ENGINEERS

Engineers should follow their professional code of ethics because:

A. The public will trust engineers more if they know engineers have a code of ethics.

B. It helps them avoid legal problems.C. It provides a clear definition of what

the public has a right to expect from responsible engineers.

D. It raises the image of the profession and hence gets engineers more pay.

ENGINEERING CODE OF ETHICS

Professional codes of ethics consist primarily of principles of responsibility that delineate how to promote the public good.

NSPE – CODE OF ETHICS

NSPE published first version of code of ethics in 1952

Several revisions until present form

Consists of:Fundamental cannonsRules of practiceProfessional obligations

THE ENGINEERING CODE OF ETHICS - NSPE

The Engineering Code of Ethics has three components:

The Fundamental Canons: which articulate the basic components of ethical engineering.

The Rules of Practice: which clarify and specify in detail the fundamental canons of ethics in engineering. practical implementation of cannons.

Professional Obligations: which elaborate the obligations that engineers have. specifies guidelines for professional conduct.

FUNDAMENTAL CANONEngineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

- Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public.

رفاهيتهم و وصحتهم الناس لسالمة االعتبار أعلى

- Perform services only in areas of their competence.

اختصاصهم مجاالت في فقط الخدمات أداء

- Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

وصادقة موضوعية بطريقة فقط عامة بيانات إصدار

FUNDAMENTAL CANONAct for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

) أو ) مخلصين كوكالء حريف عميل أو عمل صاحب كل لفائدة العمل كأمناء

Avoid deceptive acts.

الخادعة األفعال تجنب

Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

بما القانون احترام مع أخالقية و ومسؤولة مشرفة بطريقة التصرفوفائدتها وسمعتها المهنة شرف يعزز

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE

SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate

تعرض ظروف ظل في المهندسين حكم نقض وقع إذاصاحب يعلموا أن فينبغي ، الممتلكات أو األرواح للخطرحسب المعنية السلطات من وغيرهم العميل أو العمل

.االقتضاء

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE SAFETY,

HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards.الوثائق تلك على سوى بالموافقة المهندسون يقوم ال

بها المعمول المعايير مع تتفق التي الهندسية

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE SAFETY,

HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.

من والمعلومات والبيانات الحقائق بكشف المهندسون يقوم الحالة في إال العمل رب أو العميل قبل من مسبقة موافقة دون

هذه المدونة أو القانون على بناء لذلك .تخويل

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE

SAFETY, HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.

شركائه أسماء أو اسمه استخدام المهندس يسمح أال يجبأنهما يعتقد شركة أو شخص أي مع األعمال مجال في

شريفة غير أو احتيالية ممارسات في .متورطان

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE SAFETY,

HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firmغير ممارسة على التحريض أو العون للمهندسين يجوز ال

شركة أو شخص قبل من الهندسة ميدان في .قانونية

RULES OF PRACTICEENGINEERS SHALL HOLD PARAMOUNT THE SAFETY,

HEALTH, AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC

o Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required

لهذه مزعوم انتهاك أي في معرفة لديهم الذين المهندسين علىإلى ، االقتضاء عند و المعنية المهنية للهيئات األمر تبليغ المدونةتقديم في المختصة السلطات مع والتعاون العمومية السلطات

اإلقتضاء حسب المساعدة أو .المعلومات

CASE FOR STUDYINGB. Wright is hired to investigate a former

dump site to form a wetlands and city park. City indicates there could be

some problems with hazardous wastes. As part of the contract, the city imposes

a confidentiality clause . Wright finds the dump not closed

according to regulation and is potentially hazardous, but contract

prevents disclosure. The city terminates the contract and plans to move the wetlands and park without

remediating the sit

Discussion:The responsibility of engineers for the protection of the public health and safety is generally considered the most fundamental ethical principal related to the practice of engineering.

Question 1 : Is B. Wright bound by the NSPE Code of Ethics to inform the appropriate regulatory agencies of his findings and the potential dangers to the public health and the environment?

Question 2: Did B. Wright behave ethically in signing the confidentiality clause restricting him from revealing information concerning dangers to the public health and the environment, after being informed by the city that there was a possibility that the site could contain hazardous and toxic wastes?