ENGINEERING ETHICS

ME 498/499 Senior Design Project

Ethics as Relating to EngineeringEthics as Relating to Engineering

Engineering often is based on Engineering often is based on Preventative EthicsPreventative Ethicswhich is based on two dimensions:which is based on two dimensions:

1. 1. Engineers must be able to think ahead to Engineers must be able to think ahead to anticipate possible consequences of their anticipate possible consequences of their professional professional actions.actions.

2. 2. Engineers must be able to think effectively about Engineers must be able to think effectively about those consequences and decide what is the those consequences and decide what is the

‘ethically’ correct manner to handle the situation.‘ethically’ correct manner to handle the situation.

Standards of Proper ConductStandards of Proper Conduct

Professional EthicsProfessional Ethics

Personal Values (Ethics)Personal Values (Ethics)

Common MoralityCommon Morality

the set of standards adopted by professionals to governthe set of standards adopted by professionals to governtheir actions and their particular profession, often their actions and their particular profession, often listed in a ‘code of ethics’ for that profession.listed in a ‘code of ethics’ for that profession.

the set of one’s own ethical commitments, usually the set of one’s own ethical commitments, usually acquired and/or developed in early home, religious,acquired and/or developed in early home, religious,or social training; often modified over time by later or social training; often modified over time by later reflection or experience.reflection or experience.

the set of moral ideals shared by most members of a the set of moral ideals shared by most members of a culture or society. culture or society.

Levels of Technology

Development and use of devices and techniquesSoftwareProductsGene-transfer vector

Effects that come in the wake of new devices and techniquesIntensive care unitLiving willRadioactive waste

Way of relating to the worldEnhancement technologiesObjects for human manipulationRejection of given

Humanity exerts power

Humanity as creator, or created cocreator

Teaching engineering ethics . . . can achieve at least four desirable outcomes:

a) increased ethical sensitivity; b) increased knowledge of relevant

standards of conduct; c) improved ethical judgment; and d) improved ethical will-power (that is, a

greater ability to act ethically when one wants to).

Professional Codes of Ethics

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) Code of Ethics of Engineers

The Fundamental Principles

Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the engineering profession by:

I. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare;

II. being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers, and their clients;

III. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and,

IV. supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

Groups Who Benefit (ABET)

The human familyPublicEmployersClientsProfessionProfessional and technical societies

ABET Code of Ethics of EngineersThe Fundamental Canons

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. 2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence. 3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. 4. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest. 5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others. 6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession. 7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.

Ethics in ABET Program OutcomesEngineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering Ability to design and conduct expts, analyze and interpret data Ability to design system, component, or process Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams Ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility Ability to communicate effectively Broad education necessary to understand engineering impact in a

global and societal context Recognition of need for and ability to engage in life-long learning Knowledge of contemporary issues Ability to use techniques, skills and modern engineering tools

necessary for engineering practice

Engineering EthicsCode of Ethics for Engineers (excerpt of NSPE)I. Fundamental CanonsEngineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties,

shall: Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of

the public in the performance of their professional duties.

Perform services only in areas of their competence. Issue public statements only in an objective and

truthful manner. Act in professional matters for each employer or

client as faithful agents or trustees. Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of

professional employment(ref. Martin and Schinzinger, pg 352)

Engineering Ethics EducationCurrent StateAwareness of need is increasing

Social issuesABET accreditation standards

70% of accredited programs have no ethics course requirement (Stephan, 1999)

Key concept: "professional responsibility" (moral responsibility based on an individual's special knowledge) (Whitbeck, 1998).

Typical concerns: conflicts of interest, integrity of data, whistle-blowing, loyalty, accountability, giving credit where due, trade secrets, gift giving and bribes (Wujek and Johnson, 1992).

Herkert, The Bridge, 32(3), 2002

Engineering Ethical Education Issues to be Considered

Ethical implications of public policy relevant to engineering: Sustainable development Health careRisk and product liability Information technology

Culturally embedded engineering practice (institutional and political aspects of engineering, such as contracting, regulation, and technology transfer)

Macroethical issues (e.g., overconsumption) Herkert, The Bridge,

32(3), 2002

ASME Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics of Engineers from The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the Engineering profession by:

I. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare;

II. being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients, and

III. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession.

ASME Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics of Engineers From ASMETHE FUNDAMENTAL CANONS

• Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.

• Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

• Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.

• Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.

• Engineers shall build their professional reputations on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.

• Engineers shall associate only with reputable persons or organizations.

• Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

Personal Ethics - everyday examples

• Software piracy• Expense account padding• Copying of homework or tests• Income taxes• “Borrowing” nuts and bolts, office supplies

from employer• Copying of Videos or CD’s• Plagiarism• Using the copy machine at work

List of Typical Engineering Ethics Issues Involving Conflicts of Obligation

1) conflict of interest2) public safety and welfare3) integrity of data & representation of it4) whistle-blowing5) choice of a job6) accountability to clients and customers7) plagiarism8) trade secrets & industrial espionage9) gift giving & bribes10) fair treatment

Ethics

A set of moral values and principles which form the standards guiding the code of conduct of individuals, organizations and professions.

What is ETHICS ?What is ETHICS ?

EthicsEthics is the moralmoral governing what is right and wrong conductconduct.

MoralMoral is the principles of good and bad behaviourbehaviour.Our understanding

BehaviourBehaviour is the way in which someone behaves. ConductConduct is the manner in which a person behaves.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary (10th Edition)

EthicsEthics is the principles of good and bad behaviour behaviour governing what is right and wrong conductconduct.

“personal ethics”

is individual morality usually implies a set of internally held values;

focus on what are held to be intrinsic or universal values - truth, honesty, or other measure of goodness;

may guide our personal beliefs and actions.

"professional ethics"

is usually connected to a shared understanding of proper conduct guidelines among a group of people associated by means of their profession;

allows diverse, multidisciplinary, and multicultural teams to work in unison toward common goals.

Professional vs. Personal Professional vs. Personal EthicsEthics

Overlap between professional and personal ethics.

Professional ethics more restrictive than Personal ethics.

Professional Ethics

Personal EthicsProf Pers

Personal and professional ethics are different from, but not exclusive of, each other.

Basic Ethical ConceptsBasic Ethical Concepts

EEthical considerations are an integral part of making engineering decisions.

TThe professional obligations of engineers go beyond fulfilling a contract with a client or customer.

CCodes of ethics can provide guidance in the decision-making process.

Basic Ethical Concepts ...Basic Ethical Concepts ...

EthicalEthical obligations do not stop at any country’s border; they are global.

WWherever engineers practice, they should hold paramount the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

HHow an engineer fulfills those obligations may depend on the social and economic context of engineering practice.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY“Interaction Rules”

Indicate dedication to professional behaviorRecognition of professional responsibilitiesCreate ethical environmentGuide in specific circumstances

Increasing severity of consequences

Courtesy/Etiquette Morals/Ethics Codes of Ethics/Conduct Acts/Laws

Ethical Issues are Seldom Black and White

Conflicting demands:Loyalty to company and colleaguesConcern for public welfarePersonal gain, ambition

Ethical standards are usually relative and personal, there is seldom an absolute standard

Moral Dilemmas

KickbacksA County Engineer in Virginia demanded a 25% kickback in

secret payments for highway work contracts he issued. In 1967 he made such an offer to Allan Kammerer, a 32 year old civil engineer who was vice president of a young and struggling consulting firm greatly in need of the work. Kammerer discussed the offer with others in the firm, who told him it was his decision to make. Finally Kammerer agreed to the deal, citing as a main reason his concern for getting sufficient work to retain his current employees. (Martin and Schinzinger, pg 14)

More Moral Dilemmas

Waste dumping“On a midnight shift, a botched solution of sodium cyanide,

a reactant in an organic synthesis, is temporarily stored in drums for reprocessing. Two weeks later, the day shift foreman cannot find the drums. Roy, the plant manager, finds out that the batch had been illegally dumped into the sanitary sewer. He severely disciplines the night shift foreman. Upon making discrete inquiries, he finds out that no apparent harm has resulted from the dumping.” (Martin and Schinzinger, pg 32)

Should Roy inform government authorities, as is required by law in this kind of situation?

More Moral Dilemmas

I have a wife and kids...Older engineers, in particular, find job security in

competition with ethical instinct. With considerable sympathy, I recall the dilemma of an older PE, in the shadow of a comfortable retirement, who was confronted by a new general manager of the plant in which he was employed as a facilities engineer. In consideration of plans for a plant expansion, the general manager insisted that the PE reduce footings and structural steel specifications below standards of good practice. The PE was told to choose between his job and his seal on the plans. Did he really have a choice?

(ref Martin and Schinzinger, pg 212)

Whistle-Blowing

Always the LAST RESORT, it indicates serious corporate culture problems

Can be internal as well as externalDefinition depends on one’s point of view: (Martin and Schinzinger,

pg 214)“Whistle-blowing” - the act of a man or woman who, believing that the

public interest overrides the interest of the organization he[sic] serves, publicly “blows the whistle” if the organization is involved in corrupt, illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activity (Nader, Petkas, and Blackwell, 1972)

Some of the enemies of business now encourage an employee to be disloyal to the enterprise. They want to create suspicion and disharmony and pry into the proprietary interests of the business. However this is labeled -industrial espionage, whistle-blowing or professional responsibility - it is another tactic for spreading disunity and creating conflict (Roche-GM chairman, 1971)

Examples of problems that might warrant whistle-blowing

• Incompetence• Criminal Behavior• Unethical Policies• Threat to Public

Safety• Injustices to Workers

Moral Guidelines to Whistle-Blowing (ref. Richard T. DeGeorge)

It is morally permissible for engineers to engage in external whistle-blowing concerning safety:

1. If the harm that will be done by the product to the public is serious and considerable

2. If they make their concerns known to their superiors

3. If getting no satisfaction from their immediate superiors, they exhaust the channels available within the corporation, including going to the board of directors.

Whistle-Blowing (cont)

In order for whistle-blowing to be morally obligatory however, DeGeorge gives two further conditions:

4. He [or she] must have documented evidence that would convince a reasonable, impartial observer that his [or her] view of the situation is correct and the company policy wrong.

5. There must be strong evidence that making the information public will in fact prevent the threatened serious harm.

(ref. Martin and Schinzinger, pg 217)

Whistle Blowing Examples

• DC-10 Cargo door• Challenger

DC10 Cargo Door

• On June 12, 1972 A DC-10 left Detroit with 67 passengers, after reaching 12,000 ft, the cargo door blew off, collapsing floor and disrupting all hydraulic controls to tail section. Only the pilot’s skill and the light load prevented a disaster.

• June 27, 1972 Daniel Applegate, Director of Product Engineering for Convair, the fuselage contractor, wrote a memo to his supervisors detailing potential problems of cargo door. The problem was first recognized in Aug 69. The same thing had also happened in a ground test in 1970.

• Recognized design flaws - floor, latch

DC10 Cargo Door (cont.)

• After the Detroit near-disaster, NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) investigation revealed several problems and recommended immediate design changes. FAA did not follow NTSB recommendations. FAA director John Shaffer and Douglas President Jackson McGowan reached a gentleman’s agreement to voluntarily fix problem, but no further official action was taken.

• In July 1972, Three inspectors at Long Beach plant certified that Ship 29 had been modified (but it was not). Two years later, after leaving Paris, its cargo door blew off at 13,000 feet, killing 346 people.

Why Did This Accident Happen?

• McDonnel Douglas was in precarious financial condition - trying to beat Lockheed L1011 to market

• Convair did not push too hard, since by contract, they may have been held liable for the costs of all design changes

• Engineers pressed the matter through normal channels to the highest levels within both companies, but did not take it any further, Standard operating procedure at McDonnell Douglas and Convair was for engineers to defer to upper management, even though they were aware of serious design flaws

Were the engineers negligent?

Ethical Conflict

What happens if one’s personal values conflict with common morality?Stem cell research

What if one’s personal values conflict with professional ethics?Contraceptives for unmarried women

Case Studies in Engineering Ethics A320 Airbus - Fly by wire

The A320 is perhaps best known as the first airliner to introduce a fly-by-wire flight control system - where control inputs from the pilot are transmitted to the flying surfaces by electronic signals rather than mechanical means. Apart from a small weight saving, the advantage of Airbus' fly-by-wire is that as it is computer controlled, an inbuilt flight envelope protection makes it virtually impossible to exceed certain flight parameters such as G limits and the aircraft's maximum and minimum operating speeds and angle of attack limits.

If you Designed a system that required a gasketed connection and you did not have sufficient data to predict performance across a spectrum of conditions?

THE CHALLENGER DISASTER Pressure from Management leads to: Poor Engineering Judgment Entire crew lost Space program set back years Lost public confidence

Case Studies in Engineering Ethics

Case 1Case 1

If you Designed an automobile component that later proved to fail under certain conditions and could be replaced for $11 under a recall?

THE FORD PINTO GAS TANK -corporate decision based on a Benefit/Cost analysis

BENEFIT ANALYSIS 180 deaths, 180 serious injuries, 2,100 burned vehicles At a cost of $49.15 million COST ANALYSIS $11 per vehicle to recall Total cost of $137 million

*How appropriate is it to use figures like this?*If not appropriate, what are other options?

Case Studies in Engineering Ethics

Case 2Case 2

Ford Pays

Over 500 documented deaths related to rear-end collisions in the Pintos

Lawsuits and personal injury casestotaled over $450 million evenas Ford continues to argue the carwas safe if driven correctly

Company nearly folded after the lawsuits and low sales due to lack of trust in Ford products

45

Case Studies in Engineering EthicsIf you were asked to sign off on a set of shop drawings that had come from a reliable vendor with whom you had a very good working relationship?

THE HYATT REGENCY WALKWAY (Kansas City, 1981)

Case 3Case 3

THE HYATT REGENCY WALKWAY (Kansas City, 1981) Support system was changed in the shop drawings by the

steel fabricator Engineer failed to review the shop drawings and therefore

did not discover the change The change doubled the load on the supports 32 ton walkways collapsed 114 deaths 200 injuries Engineers prosecuted

Case 3….Case 3….

8-47

Case 4: Hughes Aircraft

Factory for military-grade hybrid chipsSome defective chips being approvedRuth Goodearl reported incidents to upper

managementConsequences for Goodearl

HarassedFiredUnemploymentBankruptcyDivorce

Goodearl sued Hughes Aircraft under False Claims Act and won

If you knew that a co-worker was drinking on the job?

If you were given a set of drawings designed by junior engineers and asked to put your seal on them without a thorough review?

If you were asked to submit a design for a new school building and your spouse was on the school board?

If you had to recommend the location for a new sanitary land fill?

Case Studies in Engineering EthicsEveryday Occurrences

Problem Solving in Engineering EthicsState the Problem

Get the Facts

Defend Viewpoints

Formulate Opinion

Qualify Recommendation

State the Problem

Clearly define exact nature of ethical problem

or dilemma.

Need to be clear so that we can anticipate the

kind of solution that is required.

Want to provide an answer that is relevant to

the interests at stake.

Get the Facts

Want to make an informed decision.

Must possess and understand the relevant

facts.

Must make clear any interpretations of factual

matters or the values that underlie conflicting

moral viewpoints.

Identify & Defend Competing Moral Viewpoints

Critically assess the strengths

and weaknesses of competing

moral viewpoints

Begin by identifying what we believe to be the most

compelling reason for the course of action

We must be able to justify the course of action

Formulate an Opinion

As engineers we do not have the luxury of

postponing questions or leaving a

question unresolved

Decide which of the plausible viewpoints is

the most compelling

The committee approach (voting) is

advantageous because the decision is

representative of the general public

Qualify the Opinions or Recommendations

Committees must qualify the

recommendations they make by

describing the level of consensus that was

received

Should include the voting distribution and

any dissenting opinions

A Reasonable Care Model of Professional ResponsibilityA person, S, is responsible for the harm he or she causes

when his or her conduct fits the following pattern:(1) as a member of a profession, S has a duty to conform

to the standard operating procedures of his or her profession, unless those standards are lower than those that a nonprofessional would adopt in a given situation, in which case S has a duty to conform to the higher standard:

(2) at time t, action X conforms to the standard of reasonable care defined in (1);

(3) S omits to perform X at time t,(4) Harm is caused to some person, P, as a result of S’s

failure to do X.(ref. Curd and May, pg 15)

Summary

• Where you draw the line is your choice• Corporate ethics begins with each person• You can be held personally and legally

responsible for your professional actions• It is important to understand your

company’s attitude toward ethics - it should be a factor in your choice of employer

Ethics in Engineering, Second edition, Mike Martin, Roland Schinzinger, McGraw-Hill, 1989 (good general reference)

Professional Responsibility For Harmful Actions, Martin Curd and Larry May, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company (DC10 case)

Controlling Technology: Ethics and the Responsible Engineer, Stephen Unger, Holt Rinehart and Winston (DC10 case)

References