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Introduction To Engineering Ethics. Paul Shih, P.E. 26 March 2007. Defining Ethics. Ethics - synonyms for “ morally correct ” or justified - set of justified moral principles of obligation, rights, and ideals Ethics - particular beliefs or attitudes concerning morality
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Introduction To Engineering Ethics Paul Shih, P.E. 26 March 2007
Defining Ethics • Ethics - synonyms for “morally correct” or justified - set of justified moral principles of obligation, rights, and ideals • Ethics - particular beliefs or attitudes concerning morality • Ethics - area of study or inquiry – an activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues, and justifying moral judgments
What are moral values? What is morality? • Dictionary – concerns right and wrong, good and bad, the rules that ought to be followed. • Morality – about reasons centered in respect for other people as well as ourselves, reasons that involve their good as well as our own.
Ethical Illegal Legal Unethical Legal & Ethical Illegal & Ethical Legal & Unethical Illegal & Unethical How are ethics and law related?
Developing a Well-Reasoned Response to a Moral Dilemma • Moral dilemmas are situations in which two or more moral obligations, duties, rights, goods, or ideals come into conflict with one another. • How does one decide whether a response is well-reasoned? What criteria apply? Can we reliably judge?
Examples of Unethical Business Conduct: • Worldcom (1983~2002) Case – over 5 billion dollars in losses and cover up on expenses. • Enron (1985~2002) Case - over 3 billion dollars in fraud and losses. • China Rebar (1959~2006) Case – over 12 billion dollars in fraud and losses
Engineering Ethics Why Ethics should be important to you as an engineer What resources are available to help you make ethical decisions when confronted with a moral dilemma
Engineering Ethics • Engineering ethics is the study of the moral values, issues, and decisions involved in engineering practice. • responsibilities • ideals • character traits • social policies • relationships desirable from individuals and corporations engaged in engineering.
Example:The Challenger Explosion • Mission 51 - NASA January 28, 1986
Whistle Blowing • Ask yourself – “Do you have what it takes to stop something unethical at work?” • As an ethical engineer, are you prepared to blow the whistle when you act as the last defense line?
Engineering Firm Engineer Manager Colleagues Global Environment Family Engineering Profession Clients or Consumers Industry & Other Firms Law, Government & Public Ethics and Practicing Engineering
Engineering Code of Ethics • Some professional organizations have addressed the complexity of moral issues in their fields by developing codes of ethics. • Professional codes of ethics consist primarily of principles of responsibility that delineate how to promote the public good. • Rituals such as the “Iron Ring”.
Roles of Codes • Shared Standards • Positive Support to Act Ethically • Guidance Concerning Obligations • Motivation • Education • Deterrence and Discipline • Professional Image
NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers Preamble I. Fundamental Canons II. Rules of Practice III. Professional Obligations
Fundamental Canon • Engineers, 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.
Fundamental Canon • 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.
