Ethics in Engineering
Ethics in Engineering
Introduction
General Definition of Ethics
The study of the characteristics of morals The study of the moral choices made by each person in his/her relationships with other people
Engineering Ethics
The rules and standards which govern the conduct of engineers in their role as professionals Engineering ethics are similar to general ethics, but apply to the specific issues which affect engineering professionals Because of its importance to all engineers, ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) now mandates that ethics be included in the engineering curriculum
Ethics Foundation
Ethics Morals
Caring for others Manners Behavior Up-bringing Being honest with yourself
Ethical problems in engineering are often complex and involve conflicting ethical principles. Engineers must be able to intelligently resolve these conflicts and reach a defensible decision
Familiarity with the codes that apply to you, as well as a basic knowledge of ethical theory, can help to resolve conflicts among the different codes, and can help an engineer to make coherent ethical choices
Utilitarianism
Attempts to achieve a balance between good and bad consequences of an action Tries to maximize the well-being of society and emphasizes what will provide the most benefits to the largest group of people Fundamental to many types of engineering analysis, including risk-benefit analysis and cost-benefit analysis Drawbacks:
Sometimes what is best for the community as a whole is bad for individuals Impossible to know in advance which decision will lead to the most good
Duty Ethics
Contends that certain acts should be performed because they are inherently ethical (e.g. honesty, fairness) This theory concludes that individuals who recognize their ethical duties will choose ethically correct moral actions Drawback this method does not always lead to a solution which maximizes the public good
Rights Ethics
Everyone has inherent moral rights Any act that violates an individuals moral rights is ethically unacceptable Drawbacks:
How do we prioritize the rights of different individuals? Rights ethics often promote the rights of individuals at the expense of large groups/society
Virtue Ethics
Focuses on the type of person we should strive to be Actions which reflect good character traits are inherently right Actions which reflect bad character traits are inherently wrong Virtue ethics are tied more to individual behavior than to an organization
Conceptual Issues
Moral Issues
Once factual and conceptual issues have been resolved, the moral issue in dispute often becomes apparent
Definitions
Safety Freedom from damage, injury, or risk Risk The possibility of suffering harm or loss. Similar to danger
Risk-Benefit Analysis
Risks and benefits of a project are assigned dollar amounts Most favorable ratio between risks and benefits is sought This is often a difficult task:
Difficult to assign appropriate dollar amounts Technique can be misused (dishonest and subject assignment of costs)
Procedural Accidents
Most common Often caused by bad choice, or failure to follow regulations or established procedures Can be reduced through increased training, more supervision, new laws or regulations, or closer scrutiny by regulators
Engineered Accidents
Caused by flaws in the design of a product or system Engineering failures Engineered accidents
Systemic Accidents
Harder to understand and control Characteristic of complex technologies and systems A series of minor mistakes or insignificant factors, can, if they occur under certain conditions, have catastrophic consequences Can be reduced by paying scrupulous attention to detail
Conflict of Interest
Actual Conflict of Interest Potential Conflict of Interest Appearance of Conflict of Interest Avoid conflicts of interest by consulting company policies and seeking second opinions
Professional Rights
Right to privacy Right to participate in activities of ones own choosing outside of work Right to reasonably object to companys policies without fear of retribution Right to due process Rights accorded to engineering professionals include the right of professional conscience: engineers may choose not to participate in activities which he/she considers to be unethical
Whistleblowing
Definition: The act by an employee which informs the public or higher management of unethical or illegal behavior by an employer or supervisor Types of whistleblowing:
Internal External Anonymous
Whistleblowing
When should whistle blowing be attempted?
Need Proximity Capability Last resort
Whistleblowing
When is an engineer morally obligated to blow the whistle?
You may blow the whistle if all of the previous conditions have been met You must blow the whistle when you feel that there is great imminent danger of harm if the activity continues unchecked and if all of the previous conditions have been met
Summary
Ethical Issues Personal versus Professional Ethics Engineering Ethical Concerns Ethical Theory Risk, Safety and Accidents Conflicts of Interest Ethics in Research
Contemporary Issues
9/11 Mars exploration Alternative energy and the consequences Stadium implosion Failed bridge implosion Security issues Biomedical applications Class examples
Schedule
April 14 full attendance, please!
Paperwork, report order draw, discuss IRIS presentations, more contemporary issues
April 26 and 28 Final presentation, demo (TBD), rough draft online April 27 IRIS meeting and demo Monday, May 3 Final report online by noon
Thank you
Questions? Comments? Snide remarks?