Class 11_1

• Today: Engineering ethics: a short discussion followed by case study group work

• Handout: Engineering code of ethics• (our technical drawing work will continue

next week)

Questions about DP ?

Engineering ethics

Context• Engineering is a profession• Engineers design things that strongly affect

personal welfare

Engineers are professionals

• Specialized, formal, extended education• Practice essentially under one’s own

direction• The work involves exercising sophisticated

judgment and discretion that is not routine or susceptible to codification

• Self-regulated (typically be professional societies)

Engineers design things that strongly affect personal welfare

• Examples: automobiles, power plants, toasters, airplanes, bicycles, sewage treatment plants, electrical switches, air conditioners, buildings, nuclear power plants, etc…

Result

• Engineers are expected to conduct their professional activities with high ethical standards

Engineering ethics

• This is more than a personal issue about “doing the right thing” or leading a moral life

• It is a professional requirement and a commitment you make if you become an engineer

Engineering ethics

• Notice that “unprofessional conduct” is typically synonymous with “unethical conduct”

• You will be excluded from the profession if you do not live up to the well-defined ethical standards of the profession

• In other words, high ethical standards are a vital part of the profession

Code of ethics

• Formal codes of ethics have been developed by all of the engineering societies (example ASME, AIAA)

• They differ in detail, but are all basically the same

• The handout has the starting section of the National Soc. Of Prof. Engineers

Fundamental cannons

1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.

Notice the word “paramount”

Fundamental cannons

2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.

Engineers must be trustworthy in applying their highly specialized skills, because few can check their work

Fundamental cannons

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

An obligation to the profession, part of public trust

Fundamental cannons

4. Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

Loyalty and confidence-keeping are needed by the employer if the engineer is to be a valuable professional

Fundamental cannons

5. Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.

This is the issue of bribery

Fundamental cannons

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

For example…

d. Engineers shall strive to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations.

It will happen to you!

• All engineers eventually face difficult professional ethics decisions

• We deal with a lot of money• And there often arises a conflict between

self/employer/public welfare

• My advice: be prepared, think about your values as they relate to professional ethics

Case studies

• Break into groups• Prepare a response to Case 1.• Write summary notes and be prepared to

present your arguments to the class• We will only do one case at a time, so just

work on Case 1 now

Go on to Case 2

Go on to Case 3

Go on to Case 4

See you here on Tuesday