Introduction to Engineering Ethics
What is Ethics
Ethics (dictionary) “the philosophy of morals or the standard of character set by any nation
or race”.
Morals (dictionary) “pertaining to action with reference to right and wrong”.
Engineering ethics:
“Study of Moral Values, Issues and Decisions as they relate to Engineering Practice”.
Professional Societies and Codes of Ethics: “Provide a set of guidelines of how engineers
should behave with respect to clients, the profession, the public, and the law”.
“Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in
the specific field involved”.
“Engineers are morally responsible for harms they intentionally [knowing and deliberately],
negligently [unknowingly, but failing to exercise due care] or recklessly [aware that harm is
likely to result] cause”.
What is a Profession
● An occupation or vocation requiring advanced study in a
specialized field.
● The body of qualified persons of one specific field.
(American Heritage Dictionary)
● Term comes from Latin “professio” meaning to confess or declare.
● Professionals declare themselves to the public as experts in a field
of study, such as law, medicine, accounting, computer science and
engineering.
What is Engineering Ethics?
● Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and system of moral
principles that are applied to the practice of engineering.
● It is the study of the moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and
organizations engaged in engineering.
● The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their
clients, and to the profession.
● Rules and standards governing conduct of engineers. A body of philosophy
indicating ways that engineers should conduct themselves in their
professional capacity. (Charles)
Ethics in an Engineering Course
We have been studying engineering, such as design, analysis, and
performance measurement.
Where does ethics fit in?
How Ethics Fits into Engineering
• Engineers..
● Build products, such as cell phones, home appliances, heart
valves, bridges, & cars. In general they advance society by
building new technology.
● Develop processes, such as the process to convert salt water
into fresh water or the process to recycle bottles. These
processes change how we live and what we can accomplish.
Products and processes have consequences
for society:
• If the bridge has an inadequate support, it will fail.
• If the gas tank is positioned too close to the bumper, it might
explode from a small accident.
• If a medical instrument isn’t accurate, improper doses of
medication can be given.
• If the process for refining gas produces too much toxins, it
harms the local community.
The Essence of Your Engineering Career
• Engineering is one of the most important professions in
society.
• As engineers, we don’t just build things and develop
processes.
• We build things and make processes in order to better society.
• In order to make society better, we have to reflect constantly
on the products and processes that we make.
Social Responsibility
● One main connection between ethics and engineering comes
from the impact that engineered products and processes have on
society.
● Engineers have to think about designing, building, and
marketing products that benefit society.
● Social Responsibility requires taking into consideration the
needs of society.
Professional Responsibility
● Ethics has a second connection with engineering.
● It comes from the way in which being socially
responsible puts duties and obligations on us
individually.
● Ethics fits into engineering is through professional
responsibility.
Two Dimensions of Ethics in Engineering
• Ethics is part of engineering for two main reasons.
1- Engineers need to be socially responsible when
building products and processes for society.
2- Social responsibility requires professional
responsibility.
Ethics and Law
● The practice of engineering is governed by many laws on the
international, federal, state, and local levels.
● Many of these laws are based on ethical principles.
Importance of engineering ethics
● Achieved great attention and led engineers to gain an
increased sense of professional responsibilities.
● Led to an awareness of the importance of ethics, how
engineers have far reaching impact on society.
Approaches
There are conventionally two approaches in the study of
ethics:
Micro-ethics which deals with decisions and problems of
individuals, professionals, and companies.
Macro-ethics which deals with the societal problems on a
regional/national level. For example, global issues,
collective responsibilities of groups such as professional
societies and consumer groups.
Personal, Common and Professional Ethics
Moral ideals shared
Set of standards adopted
by most members of
by professionals
a culture or society
Set of one’s own ethical commitments
usually given in early home or religious
training
Professional Societies and Codes of Ethics
Provide a common agreed-upon standard for professional conduct
Do not provide new ethical principles but incorporate a lot of what
is found in common morality
Various Engineering Societies have their own code of ethics
ALL STRIVE TO:
“Provide a set of guidelines of how engineers should behave with
respect to clients, the profession, the public, and the law”
ASME Code: Fundamental Principles
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of
the engineering profession by:
1. Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human
welfare;
2. Being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public,
their employers and clients; and
3. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the
engineering profession
Responsibility - Health and Safety
“Engineers are morally responsible for harms they intentionally
[knowing and deliberately], negligently [unknowingly, but
failing to exercise due care] or recklessly [aware that harm is
likely to result] cause”.
