Engineering Ethics

Lecture 3

IntroductionWhat is Engineering?Engineering is the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences, gained by study, experience and practice, is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.ABET

IntroductionWhat are ethics?1: a discipline dealing with good and evil and with moral duty 2: moral principles or practicesOK, so what does moral mean?1: of or relating to principles of right and wrong 2: conforming to a standard of right behavior

IntroductionSo, who determines right behavior?Society?The government?God?Basic human nature?What about professional ethics?A subset of ethics at largeProfessional societies get involved

Ethical ValuesHonestyFreedom from deceptionNot just non-lyingFairnessMorally or legally rightDifferent than equitablenessCivilityRespectKindness

Ethical TestsHarm Do the benefits outweigh the harms, short term and long term?Reversibility Would I think this choice was good if I traded places?Colleague What would professional colleagues say?Legality Would this choice violate a law or a policy of my employer?

Davis, M (1997), Teaching Philosophy, vol. 20, no. 4, pp 353-385

Ethical TestsPublicity How would this choice look on the front page of a newspaper?Common practice What if everyone behaved in this way?Wise relative What would my wise old aunt or uncle do?

Davis, M (1997), Teaching Philosophy, vol. 20, no. 4, pp 353-385

Engineering EthicsAn engineer has a multitude of relationships

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to Co-workersHonest data exchangeCredit where credit is dueSharing of resources

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to SupervisorRealistic appraisal of project statusAsk for help when neededCommunicate resource needs

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to Upper ManagementRealistic appraisal of project statusImplementation of company ethics policiesPrompt disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and intellectual property

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to CustomersProducts that work and meet specificationsProducts that are safe with known hazards communicatedHonest claims about current and future products

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to VendorsDo not accept gratuitiesDo not give out information about other vendorsHonest appraisal of component needs

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to the PublicSafe productsControl of environmental hazardsDisclosure of hazardous situations

Engineering EthicsResponsibilities to the GovernmentCompliance with regulations using honest dataDisclosure of hazardous situations

Engineering EthicsA Difficult TaskApplication and interpretation of ethics canons are often not straight-forwardPersonal and corporate ethics are not always in alignmentCover-ups are thought of harshly in the court of public opinion and in courts of law

Codes of EthicsMany organizations have their own codes of ethicsIn a court of law you may be held to these standardsProfessional organizations may review cases based on their own code of ethicsCodes range from short and idealistic to very lengthy and specific

Codes of Ethics

IEEE Code of EthicsAspiration codeArticulated ideals that IEEE members commit themselves toDoes not deal with specific situationsNPSE Code of EthicsVery specific codeNSPE makes rulings on ethical behavior based on the codeTau Beta Pi Code of EthicsEssentially the fundamental canons from the NSPE code

NSPE Code of EthicsPreamble Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.

NSPE Code of EthicsEngineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. Perform services only in areas of their competence. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Avoid deceptive acts. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

The Incident at Morales2003 production by the National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE)Morales portrays many ethical questions but emphasizes threeEthical considerations are an integral part of making engineering decisionsAlthough legal requirements may vary among states and nations, ethical obligations do not stop at state or national bordersWherever engineers practice, they should strive to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.