Engineering Ethics

Lecture 3

Introduction
What

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

Introduction
What

are ethics?

1: a discipline dealing with good and

evil and with moral duty 2: moral
principles or practices
OK,

so what does moral mean?

1: of or relating to principles of right

and wrong 2: conforming to a
standard of right behavior

Introduction

So, who determines right

behavior?

Society?
The government?
God?
Basic human nature?

What about professional ethics?

A subset of ethics at large
Professional societies get involved

Ethical Values

Honesty
Freedom from deception
Not just non-lying

Fairness
Morally or legally right
Different than equitableness

Civility
Respect
Kindness

Ethical Tests

Harm
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 Tests

Publicity
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 Ethics
An engineer has a multitude of relationships

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to Co-workers
Honest data exchange
Credit where credit is due
Sharing of resources

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to Supervisor
Realistic appraisal of
project status
Ask for help when needed
Communicate resource needs

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to
Upper Management
Realistic appraisal of
project status
Implementation of company ethics
policies
Prompt disclosure of potential conflicts
of interest and intellectual property

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to Customers
Products that work and
meet specifications
Products that are safe with
known hazards communicated
Honest claims about current and
future products

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to Vendors
Do not accept gratuities
Do not give out information
about other vendors
Honest appraisal of component needs

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to the Public
Safe products
Control of environmental
hazards
Disclosure of hazardous situations

Engineering Ethics
Responsibilities to the
Government
Compliance with
regulations using
honest data
Disclosure of hazardous
situations

Engineering Ethics

A Difficult Task
Application and interpretation of
ethics canons are often not straightforward
Personal and corporate ethics are not
always in alignment
Cover-ups are thought of harshly in
the court of public opinion and in
courts of law

Codes of Ethics

Many organizations have their own

codes of ethics
In a court of law you may be held to
these standards
Professional organizations may review
cases based on their own code of
ethics
Codes range from short and idealistic
to very lengthy and specific

Codes of Ethics

IEEE Code of Ethics

Aspiration code
Articulated ideals that IEEE members
commit themselves to
Does not deal with specific situations

NPSE Code of Ethics

Very specific code

NSPE makes rulings on ethical behavior
based on the code

Tau Beta Pi Code of Ethics

Essentially the fundamental canons from

the NSPE code

NSPE Code of Ethics

Preamble
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 Ethics

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

The Incident at
Morales

2003 production by the National Institute

for Engineering Ethics (NIEE)
Morales portrays many ethical questions
but emphasizes three

Ethical considerations are an integral part of

making engineering decisions
Although legal requirements may vary among
states and nations, ethical obligations do not
stop at state or national borders
Wherever engineers practice, they should
strive to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the public.