Ethics

Engineering Ethics

ECE 406 – ENGR 411 – ME 488

Spring 2015

ECE 406 – ENGR 411 – ME 488 – Spring 2013

Ethics

ABET Program Outcome (f):

“an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility”

What is “Ethics”?ethics\’eth-iks\n A set of moral principles or values A theory or system of moral principles or values The principles of conduct governing an

individual or group


Engineering Ethics

The study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organizations involved in engineering

The study of related questions about moral conduct, character, ideals, and relationships of people and organizations involved in technological development

Martin and Schinzinger, Ethics in Engineering (2000)


Core Ethical Values

Integrity

Honesty

Truthfulness

Fidelity

Charity

Responsibility

Self-Discipline


Basic Concepts

Factual issues Is the issue true or false

Conceptual issuesWhat is the meaning or scope of the term or concept?

Moral issues Is a moral principle relevant or applicable?


Moral Theory

Moral Standard A criterion test of what is right and wrong

Moral Principles Categorize different actions as right or wrong

Moral Judgments Statements about right and wrong


Moral Standards

Utilitarianism Those actions are right that produce the

greatest total amount of human well-being.

Rights Analysis Those actions are right that that equally respect

each human person as a moral agent.


Moral StandardsImportance: Understanding ourselves

Understanding others

Ethical

Egoism

Utilita

rian

is

m Rig

hts

An

aly

sis

Needs of the Many

Rights of the Individual


Utilitarianism

Method of Analysis1. Determine the audience of action or policy2. Determine the positive and negative effects of the

alternatives3. Decide which course produces the greatest overall utility

Problems What is “well-being”? Requires extensive knowledge of facts to evaluate the

“happiness objective function” Can lead to injustice for certain individuals


Rights Analysis Method of Analysis

1. Determine the audience of action or policy2. Evaluate the seriousness of the rights infringement each

action will impose3. Chose the action that produces the least serious rights

infringement

Problems Can be too permissive Can be too restrictive Calls for a hierarchy of rights Can lead to implausible results that conflict overall

welfare


Code of Ethics

A code of ethics provides a framework for ethical judgment for a professional. No code can be totally comprehensive, rather a code serve as a starting point for ethical decision making.

NSPE Code of Ethics

ASME Code of Ethics

IEEE Code of Ethics

NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct


Organization of the NSPE Code

I. Fundamental Cannons

Basic principles, intended to guide

II. Rules of Practice

Provide specific enforceable rules for cannons 1-5.

III. Obligations to the Profession

Specific enforceable rules for cannon 6

For the project consider all clauses and sub-clauses


NSPE Code of Ethics: Fundamental Canons

1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public

2. Perform service only in areas of their competence

3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner

4. Act in professional matters 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 of engineering.


Ethical Priorities

1. Society and the public

2. The law

3. The engineering profession

4. Engineer’s client

5. Engineer’s firm

6. Other involved engineers

7. The engineer personally


Engineers, Society, and Public

Primary duty to protect public welfare

Social benefit vs. technological risk

No self-laudatory advertising and indicate if anyone benefits from statements

Notify others if public safety or welfare is compromised


Engineers, Clients, and Suppliers

Primary duty to protect public welfare Client interests must be protected Not bound by what client wants Confidential information belongs to client Avoid conflicts of interest and appearance of conflicts of

interest Deliverables must be complete, definite, and specific Must fully explain consequences and admit errors Only paid once for services and no gifts, discounts, or

indirect compensation


Engineers and Employers

Loyalty to employer vs. obligation to society Primary duty is to society Ethical employees seek to protect company

assets Competitive bidding is not prohibited


Engineers and Profession Keep skills at state-of-the-art level

Recognize limitations –technical and time

Develop appreciation and understanding of the engineering profession

Do not ruin reputation of other engineers –but inform authority of wrongdoing

Do not review another engineers work unless other engineer is informed (if engineering is still employed)

Do not try to replace other engineers

Freely report useful information if permissible


Engineers and the Environment

How clean, is clean? Objection as an engineer or citizen? Often regulated by law Often neglects cost/benefit analysis


Engineers Must… Protect the public safety, health and welfare

Perform duties only in areas of competence

Be truthful and objective

Behave in an honorable and dignified manner

Continue to sharpen technical skills

Provide honest and hard work to employers

Inform authorities of harmful, dangerous, or illegal activities


Engineers Must…

Be involved with civic and community affairs

Protect the environment

Not accept bribes or gifts that would interfere with engineering judgment

Protect confidential information of employer

Avoid conflicts of interest


Guidelines to Solve Ethical Dilemmas

1. Determine the facts in the situation

2. Define the stakeholders

3. Assess the motivations of the stakeholders

4. Formulate alternative solutions

5. Evaluate proposed alternatives

6. Seek additional assistance, as appropriate

7. Select the best course of action

8. Implement the selected solution

9. Monitor and assess the outcome


Guidelines for Dissent

Make sure the issue is sufficiently important

Try to catch problems early, and work with the lowest managerial level

Establish a clear technical foundation

Keep arguments on a high professional plane

Use organizational dispute resolution mechanisms

Keep records and collect paper


As a Last Resort

Anonymity Resigning Outside resources


Professional EthicsAssignment

The description of the assignment and related material can be accessed at the course website.

Note: This is an individual project and therefore each student

must work alone.

The assignment should be e-mailed to the instructor by April 28, 2015.

Ethics

Documents

Transcript of Ethics