Engineering Ethics

METHICO 3rd Term, AY 2011-2012

Is Engineering a Profession?

Is Engineering a Profession?

Job Any work for hire, regardless of the skill level involved and the responsibility granted.

Engineers are paid for their services, but the skills and responsibilities involved in engineering are more than just a job.

Is Engineering a Profession?

Occupation implies employment through which someone makes a living.

Engineering is also an occupation

Is Engineering a Profession?
Professional athlete Used to distinguished the practitioner from an amateur Professional Carpenter Used to indicate some degree of skills acquired through many years of experience with an implication that practitioner will deliver quality services.

Attributes of a Profession

(Engineering Ethics, 3rd edition, by Charles Fleddermann)

Work that requires sophisticated skills, the use of judgment, and the exercise of discretion. Also the work is not routine and is not capable of being mechanized. Membership in the profession requires an extensive formal education, not simply practical training/apprenticeship.

Attributes of a Profession

(Engineering Ethics, 3rd edition, by Charles Fleddermann)

The public allows special societies or organizations that are controlled by members of the profession to set standards for admission to the profession, to set standard of conduct for members and enforce these standards Significant public good results from the practice of the profession

Judgment

Refers to making significant decisions based on formal training and experience. The decision will have serious impacts on peoples lives Will often have important implications regarding spending a large amount of money

Discretion

Being discrete in the performance of ones duties by keeping information about customers, clients and patients confidential The ability to make decisions autonomously

Professionalism

Engineers are professionals. The word profession originally meant the act or fact of professing or committing to a way of life. It is a vocation in which professed knowledge of some branch of learning is used in its applications to the affair of others, or in the practice of an art based on it (Harris et al, 1995).

Professionalism

Meticulous adherence to undeviating courtesy, honesty, and responsibility in one's dealings with customers and associates, plus a level of excellence that goes over and above the commercial considerations and legal requirements. (Business Dictionary.com)

Engineering Ethics
The new field of engineering ethics came into being in the mid-1970s when scholars from engineering and philosophy joined to identify and address ethical problems confronting engineers. Engineering ethics is the offspring of these two other disciplines as well: law, behavioral and management sciences, history and religious studies, although concern for ethical issues and codes of conduct in particular had been expressed within the engineering profession from the early part of the century, a field for formal study took shape when specialist from other disciplines joined the discussion. Such a history has parallel in medical ethics and in legal ethics.

What is Engineering Ethics

Ethics refers to an area of inquiry. It is the activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues and justifying moral judgments. Engineering Ethics is the study of moral values, issues and decisions involved in engineering practice.
Reference: Introduction to Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin (2000

What is Engineering Ethics

Ethics refers to the particular beliefs or attitudes concerning morality that are endorsed by specific groups or individuals. Engineering Ethics consists of the requirements specified in the currently accepted engineering codes of ethics.
Reference: Introduction to Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin (2000

What is Engineering Ethics

Ethics synonymous to the morally correct or justified. Engineering ethics set of justified moral principles of obligation, rights and ideals that ought to be endorsed, as they apply generally and to engineering in particular Reference: Introduction to Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and
Mike Martin (2000)

Engineering Ethics
1.

2.

the study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals in engineering and the study of related questions about the moral ideas, character, policies and relationship of people and corporations involve in technological activity. Martin and Schinzinger (1996)

Why Study Engineering Ethics

To train you to analyze complex problems and learn to resolve these problems in the most ethical manner.

Ethics and the Law

Many things that are legal could be unethical. Our interest is in areas where ethical principles conflict and there is no legal guidance for how to resolve the conflict

Code of Ethics
The engineers make a promise to the public that they will practice their profession guided by set of rules of conduct or canons for ethical conduct called Code of Ethics. Luegen-biel (1991) defines the Code of Ethics as a set of ethical rules that are to govern engineers in their professionals lives.

Values of a Code of Ethics

The ethics code serve as a focal point for discussion. An ethics code is a guide or reminder with respect to behavior in specific situations. A good ethics code is to indicate to others a concern within the profession that its members practice in a responsible manner

Case 1

Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin

An inspector discovered faulty construction equipment and applied a violation tag, preventing its continued use. The inspectors supervisor, a construction manager, viewed the case as a minor infraction of safety regulations and ordered the tag removed so the project would not be delayed. The inspector objected and was threatened with disciplinary action. The continued use of the equipment led to the death of a worker on a tunnel project.

Case 2

Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin

An electric utility company applied for a permit to operate a nuclear power plant. The licensing agency was interested in knowing what emergency measures had been established for human safety in case of reactor malfunction. The utility engineers described the alarm system and arrangements with local hospitals for treatment. They did not emphasize that these measures applied to plant personnel only and that they had no plans for the surrounding population. That is someone elses responsibility, but we dont know whose, they answered upon being questioned about the omisssion.

Case 3

Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin

A chemical plant dumped wastes in a landfill. Hazardous substances found their way into the underground water table. The plants engineers were aware of the situation but did not change the cheap way, and no law explicitly forbade the practice. Plant supervisors told the engineers it was the responsibility of the local government to identify the problems.

Case 4

Engineering Ethics by Roland Schinzinger and Mike Martin

The ABC company began selling its latest high tech product before it had been fully checked out in beta tests, that is, used on real applications by a group of knowledgeable users. It was not ready for distribution, but clients were already lured to this product by glossy advertising designed to win in the market by being first to capture clients attention.

Code of Ethics of Engineers (ABET)

THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
1.

Using their knowledge and skills for the enhancement of human welfare; Being honest and impartial, and servicing with fidelity the public, their employers and clients; Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and

2.

3.

4.

Supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

Code of Ethics of Engineers

THE 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.

Code of Ethics of Engineers

THE FUNDAMENTAL CANONS
4. 5. 6. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or clients as faithful agents or trustees and shall avoid conflicts of interest. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity and dignity of the profession.

Code of Ethics of Engineers

THE FUNDAMENTAL CANONS
7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.

CODE OF ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 9(a) of Republic Act No. 8495,known as the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998 and Section 50, Rule XIII of Board Resolution No. 16, Series of 1998, providing for the Rules and Regulations to carry out the purposes of the Act, the Board of Mechanical Engineering hereby adopts, promulgates and issues this Code of Ethical and Professional Standards for the Practice of the Mechanical Engineering profession.

CODE OF ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION
PREAMBLE
Engineering is a profession as old as civilization. It is not only an important profession. It is also a learned one. The Members of the Mechanical Engineering profession recognize that their work has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life of the people, hence, they should be honest, fair, impartial and just in dealing not only with their clients but also with their fellowmen. As a professional, the Mechanical Engineer must practice his profession by observing a standard of professional behavior that requires strict adherence to the principles of ethical and professional conduct provided by the Code of Ethics of their profession.

CODE OF ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION
FUNDAMENTAL CANONS Mechanical Engineers in the fulfillment of their professional duties shall:
1.

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. Make / issue public statements on issues only in an objective and truthful manner. Act in a professional manner for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Avoid improper solicitation of clients or professional employment.

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Integrity, Honor and dignity Truth, Honesty and Trustworthiness Respect for Human Life and Welfare Competence Fair Play Humility and modesty

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Integrity, Honor and Dignity These values are interrelated. Martin (1996) defines moral integrity as the unity of character on the basis or moral concern, and especially on the basis of honesty. The American heritage Dictionary defines honor and dignity as special esteem or respect associated with an important position.

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Truth, Honesty and Trust worthiness

These values are interwoven. Truthfulness and trustworthiness are aspects of honesty. Martin specifies truthfulness as meeting responsibilities concerning trust

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Respect for Human Life and Welfare

This value is essential for stable communities to exist, that is, if the members can reasonably assume that their neighbors and associates will, as a general rule, treat them fairly and not knowingly do them harm.

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Competence Members of a certain profession perform a certain task that requires special ability and knowledge.

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Fair Play
Unger explains that the respect for the democratic process follows from this value and a social system that gives importance to this process is likely to function better in the future.

Virtues Embodied in the Code of Ethics

Humility and Modesty
According to Pritchard (1998),engineers typically, are not boastful. In his interviews with them, Pritchard found engineers reluctant to talk about themselves and their own work as exemplary

Characteristics of a Responsible Engineer (Pritchard, 1998)

Integrity Honesty Cooperativeness (good team player) Courage

1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively Habit of documenting work thoroughly and clearly Openness to correction (admitting mistakes, oversight)

Characteristics of a Responsible Engineer (Pritchard, 1998) 8. Willingness to compromise (but not ones integrity) 9. Commitment to quality 10. Perseverance 11. Creative engineering imagination 12. Willingness to make self sacrifice or

to take personal risks

Characteristics of a Responsible Engineer (Pritchard, 1998)

13. Not being too personally ambitious to

move to management
14. Caring about engineering per se 15. Macro as well as microscopic vision 16. Civic mindedness

17. Competence

ETHICAL ISSUES IN ENGINEERING

Technical incompetence or misrepresentation of competence Conflicts of interest Discrimination, favoritism, or harassment Misuse of company or client resources Failure to protect public health, safety or

welfare

ETHICAL ISSUES IN ENGINEERING

Improper relations with clients and contractors Improper political or community involvement Mishandling sensitive information

Failure to protect the environment

ETHICS

General or Philosophical Ethics

Practical or Applied Ethics

Bioethics

Medical Ethics

Legal Ethics

Business Ethics

Engineering Ethics

APPLIED ETHICS

is the study of a range of social issues like abortion, war euthanasia, pollution and so on. it tries to work out special standards even when ordinary morality or moral theory leaves an issue unresolved. (Davis, 1998

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
are standards that apply to members of a profession because of that membership; standards that they must workout themselves. It typically consists of special standards embodied in a formal code (David, 1989).

CODE OF ETHICS
is a set of standards by which a particular group decides to regulate its behavior to distinguish what is legitimate or acceptable in the pursuit of their aims and not (Flew, 1984).

ENGINEERING ETHICS
involves the study of ethical issues and decisions in the work life of an engineer. It is concerned with the actions and decisions made by persons individually or collectively, who belong to the profession of engineering. (Baum, 1980)

Fundamental Moral Principles

1. Value of Life Principle The value of life and the acceptance of death.

Fundamental Moral Principles

2.

The Principle of Goodness or Rightness * Principle of Benevolence * Principle of Beneficence

The Principle of Goodness asserts that Good and evil are realities, described as follows: Goodness is to attempt to benefit everyone; evil is to attempt to harm even a single innocent one.

Whereas beneficence refers to an action done to benefit others, benevolence refers to the morally valuable character traitor virtueof being disposed to act for the benefit of others

Fundamental Moral Principles

3. The principle of Justice a. Attributive justice b. Commutative justice c. Distributive justice * Contributive or Legal justice * Social justice

The principles of justice and fairness can be thought of as rules of "fair play" for issues of social justice. Whether they turn out to be grounded in universal laws or ones that are more context-bound, these principles determine the way in which the various types of justice are carried out. For example, principles of distributive justice determine what counts as a "fair share" of the public assets, while principles of retributive or restorative justice shape our response to activity that violates a society's rules of "fair play." Social justice requires both that the rules be fair, and also that people play by the rules.

Fundamental Moral Principles

4.

Principle of Truth Telling or Honesty

a. An individual can not dispose of their organs or destroy their capacity unless it is for the greater good of the entire body b. we have a duty to preserve the integrity of our bodies

5. The Principle of Totality

Fundamental Moral Principles

6. The Principle of Double Effect a. The action itself is good. b. The good effect is not produced by means of the evil effect. c. the intention must be good. The evil effect is not directly intended. d. A proportionate reason supports causing or tolerating the evil effect.

Engineering Ethics
I dont like the attitude that engineering is everything. Im a person before Im an engineer.
- RICHARD ALFONSO New Jersey Institute of Technology/ Seton Hall University, USA

Engineering Ethics
Engineering is about people, and the fact that for three-and-a-half or four years in engineering school, all you saw were numbers and things gives a misleading impression.
- MICHAEL DAVIS

Illinois institute of Technology, Chicago