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College of Engineering and Computer ScienceDepartment of Biomedical, Industrial,

and Human Factors Engineering

BME / IHE 601

Academic Engineering Integrity

Engineering Ethics

Dave Kender

March 13, 2012

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n The study of the characteristics of moralsn The study of the moral choices made by each person

in his or her relationships with other persons

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

General Definition of Ethics

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n The rules and standards which govern the conduct of engineersin their role as professionals

n Engineering ethics are similar to general ethics, but apply to thespecific issues which affect engineering professionals

n Because of its importance to all engineers, ABET(Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) now

mandates that ethics be included in the engineering curriculum

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Engineering Ethics

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n There is an increased awareness of its importance toengineers due to publicity surrounding recent high

profile engineering failures

n Decisions made by engineers can impact publichealth, safety, business practices and politics

n Engineers should be aware of moral implications asthey make decisions in the workplace

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

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n The study of ethics can help engineers to develop a moral autonomy:n The ability to think critically and independently about moral issuesn The ability to apply this moral thinking to situations that arise in the course

of professional engineering practice

n Ethical problems in engineering are often complex and involveconflicting ethical principles. Engineers must be able to intelligent

resolve these conflicts and reach a defensible decision

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

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n Personal Ethics:n Deals with how we treat others in our day-to-day lives

n Business/Professional Ethics:n Involves choices regarding relationships between organizations and other

organizations, government, and groups of individuals

n The complexity of these relationships often pose dilemmas not encounteredin personal ethics

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Personal vs. Professional Ethics

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Engineering Ethics

Standards, Rules, Guidelines

Moral or Socially Approved Conduct

Honesty, Truthfulness, Trustworthiness

Acting in the best interest of society

Ethical Standards exist independently -

accessible to all rational thinkersCodification merely summarizes, rather than defines

Applies only to conduct that has significant impact

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Ethics vs. Legalities

Legal Standards are defined in legal documents by a properly

appointed body. Legal documents and legal expertsdetermine what the law is and who must obey the law.

Ethical Standards are assumed to exist independently of any

sanctioning body and are apparent to rationale thinking.

Written forms of the standards merely describe the pre-existing standards rather than define their very nature.

Ethical standards always supersede legal standards.

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NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Preamble -

Safeguard life, health, and property

Promote the public welfareMaintain high standards of integrity and practice

Issues -

Registration is a privilege not a right

Fair competition and avoid of conflict of interest

Rules -

Obligations to Society, Employers / Clients, other Engineers