DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERING ETHICS

INTRODUCTION OF ENGINEERING ETHICS

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★ Engineering ethics refers a set of moral principles that govern the behaviour and
decision-making of engineers in their professional practice.
★ It compases a broad range of responsibilities, like
● ensuring safety and well-being of public.
● protecting environment
● maintaining fairness and integrity
★ Engineers are entrusted with creating products/structures that have significant
impacts in society.
★ Adhering to ethical standards helps engineers navigate challenges like conflict of
interest, resource allocation and the balance between innovation and risk.
★ Ultimately, engineering ethics ensures that the profession serves society’s best
interests while upholding public trust and social responsibility.
 DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERING ETHICS
(Historical Background)
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★ The development of engineering ethics is a dynamic process that evolved with

growth and transformation of engineering as profession.
★ Engineering ethics emerged as a formal discipline in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. It has evolved significantly over time. It's important to understand its
historical context to appreciate its current form.
★ Engineering ethics was fueled by the growing complexity of engineering projects,
industrialization and rising demand of professional accountability and
responsibility.
1. Early Development (Ancient Origins):
● Engineering ethics can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Greece and
Rome.
● Before the industrial revolution, the concept of engineering ethics was
informal, with decisions guided by personal integrity and local norms.
● Engineers were primarily skilled artisans, builders and architects who
designed & constructed roads, bridges and public buildings.
● Engineers were responsible for public safety.
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(Historical Background)
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2. The Industrial Revolution (Late 18th-19th century):

★ The formalization of engineering ethics began during the industrial revolution,
a period of profound technological innovation.
★ The role of engineers become influential and complex with the development
of steam engines, railways, factories and urbanization.
★ Engineers started to realize, the potential consequences (positive or
negative) of their work on society.
★ So, the first professional engineering society was found in mid-19th century,
the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1852.
★ This organization began to codify standards and ethical guidelines to ensure
engineers act with responsibility and integrity.
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3. Early 20th Century: Professionalization

★ In 1864, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in the United Kingdom introduced
one of the first ethical guidelines for engineers.
★ In 1914, engineering ethics became more formally structured with introduction of
the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) code of ethics in United States.
★ It emphasized the importance of public safety, integrity, and the protection of the
environment, urging engineers to "act in such a way as to enhance the honor and
dignity of their profession" and work for public’s best interest.
★ In United States, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) was founded
in 1934 and began promoting ethics in the engineering profession.
★ By the mid-20th century, many engineering disciplines had adopted their own
codes of ethics. These codes addressed issues like conflicts of interest,
responsibility for public safety, and honesty in reporting technical data.
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4. Mid to Late 20th Century (Post-World War-II):

★ This era saw the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in nuclear
energy, aerospace, and electronics, highlighted the need for stronger ethical
frameworks within engineering.
★ The devastation caused by the war highlighted the critical need for ethical
considerations in scientific and engineering pursuits.
★ Engineers were now not only responsible for the safety and reliability of their
designs but also for the broader societal and environmental impacts of their
work.
★ Ethical debates about issues like worker safety, environmental impact, and
the potential misuse of technology gained prominence.
★ This period saw a shift from a narrow focus on professional conduct to more
expansive considerations of the social responsibility of engineers.
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4. Mid to Late 20th Century (Post-World War-II):

★ This era saw the formulation of codes of ethics by IEEE and ASCE that
emphasized integrity, competence, and accountability among engineers
including the public safety and welfare.
★ In 1972, the ‘Code of Ethics for Engineers’ by the NSPE included a strong
emphasis on public welfare, specifying that engineers should hold paramount
the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
★ This period laid a crucial foundation for modern engineering ethics, guiding
principles to prioritize societal well-being and ethical conduct in engineering
endeavors.
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(Historical Background)
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5. Late 20th Century to Present: Globalization and Ethical Complexity

● As the projects spanned in multiple countries and cultures, the ethical challenges
become even more complex.
● Issues such as intellectual property rights, sustainability, ethical implications of
artificial intelligence, and the need for diversity and inclusion in engineering teams
have become central to discussions of engineering ethics.
● In the 21st century, professional organizations, universities, and corporations have
increasingly incorporated ethics education into engineering curricula and practices.
● Modern developments emphasize the importance of considering diverse
perspectives and stakeholders in engineering decision-making processes. Issues
like environmental impact assessment, ethical use of emerging technologies (such
as artificial intelligence and biotechnology), and responsible innovation have
become focal points.
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Modern Developments and Emerging Challenges

1. Ethics in Emerging Technologies:
● As technology rapidly advances, engineers are faced with ethical
considerations surrounding the use and impact of innovations like artificial
intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and autonomous systems.
● Key ethical issues include ensuring transparency and accountability in AI
decision-making, addressing potential biases in algorithms, and safeguarding
privacy and data security in digital ecosystems.
● Similarly, biotechnology raises ethical questions about genetic manipulation,
bioethics, and the responsible use of genetic information.
● Engineers must navigate these complex ethical landscapes by adhering to
principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy to ensure
that emerging technologies are developed and deployed ethically for the
benefit of society while minimizing potential harms.
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Modern Developments and Emerging Challenges

2. Social Responsibility:
● Social responsibility is a critical aspect of engineering ethics that emphasizes
the engineer's duty to consider the broader societal impacts of their work.
● It involves understanding and addressing the ethical implications of
engineering projects on communities, cultures, and the environment.
● Engineers have a responsibility to prioritize public welfare, promote inclusivity
and diversity, and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders affected
by their projects.
● This includes ensuring equitable access to technology and infrastructure,
mitigating adverse impacts on vulnerable populations, and advocating for
sustainable practices.
● By integrating social responsibility into engineering ethics, engineers can
contribute positively to society by fostering innovation that aligns with ethical
principles and promotes the common good.
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Modern Developments and Emerging Challenges

3. Corporate Ethics:
● Corporate ethics play a significant role in the development of engineering
ethics by influencing the behavior and decision-making of engineering
organizations.
● Within corporate settings, engineers often face ethical dilemmas related to
profit motives, intellectual property rights, and social responsibility.
● It is crucial for engineering firms to prioritize ethical conduct and
accountability, ensuring that engineering projects and innovations are
developed with integrity and consideration for societal impact.
● Corporate ethics in engineering also involve promoting transparency, fairness,
and inclusivity within organizational practices, fostering a culture of ethical
awareness and responsibility among engineering professionals.
● By integrating corporate ethics into the development of engineering ethics,
organizations can contribute positively to sustainable development and public
trust in the engineering profession.
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Modern Developments and Emerging Challenges

4. Professional Accountability:
● Professional accountability is a cornerstone of the development of engineering
ethics, emphasizing the importance of engineers taking responsibility for their
actions and decisions.
● It encompasses the duty of engineers to uphold ethical standards, prioritize
public safety and welfare, and maintain integrity in all professional interactions.
● This includes being transparent about potential risks, adhering to ethical codes
of conduct, and actively seeking to prevent harm or adverse consequences
resulting from engineering activities.
● Ultimately, fostering a culture of professional accountability within the
engineering community contributes to building trust, promoting ethical
behavior, and ensuring the continued advancement of responsible engineering
practices.