Dr. Elizabeth HoppeLewis University

June 2009

Overview of EthicsDeontology (ethics based on duty or

obligation) Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Focus on the intentions behind our actions Ethics as universal Happiness is irrelevant

Utilitarianism (ethics based on happiness) John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) Focus on the consequences Similar to Cost/Benefit Analysis in Economics

Limitations of Ethical TheoriesDeontology

No focus on consequences, only intentionsNo focus on human emotionThe theory only works if all people agreeWhy some may be excluded

UtilitarianismNo focus on intentionsDevaluing human lifeThe majority rules so the minority loses

Ethics in the United StatesApplied Ethics (application of ethical

theories) Why applied ethics is important Requirement in many fields (business, medicine,

engineering) Teaching students the importance of ethics in the

workplace The importance of case studies

Overview of Engineering EthicsProfessional Standards

Why it developed (Challenger, Exxon) Implications of one’s actions at work

Code of Conduct (taken from ASCE – American Society of Civil Engineers)

Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties.

Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession and shall act with zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.

Problems in the WorkplacePublic Safety and Welfare put at risk Conflicts with managementPressure put on engineers to complete a taskWhistleblowing and its risks

When to blow the whistleWhy it can be unethical

Reasons why ethics in practice can be difficult

Case Study 1: The Ford Pinto CaseBackground to the Problem with the Ford Pinto

The Ford Pinto was first built in 1971 Gas tank housing was not changed until 1977

Likelihood of Gas Tank ExplosionsAbility to Fix the Problem

It could have been fixed with a $6.65 (US dollar) partWhy the Problem was not fixed

Ford decided against the recall in order to increase profits

Why this case is so famous in Business and Engineering Ethics

Ford Motor Co. Criminal CaseThree girls were killed in an accident in Indiana in

1978State of Indiana tried Ford Motor Company for

three counts of reckless homicideFirst time in recent history that a corporation was

on trial for this type of offenseFord spent $1,000,000 US Dollars for their defenseProsecution needed to show that Ford was recklessFord found not guilty

Problem of UtilitarianismFord’s Cost/Benefit Analysis ApproachPutting a Price on Human LifeProblem of consequences

Case Study 2: The Challenger DisasterEngineers noticed a prior problem with O-Rings

Flight 51-C on January 24, 1985 – unusually cold day

Primary O-ring seals on two joints had been compromised

Hot gas blow-by eroded part of the ring No backup for failed O-Rings

Task force was developed in August of 1985No decision was made prior to the Challenger

accident

Cause of the DisasterO-Ring seal failure in Solid Rocket Booster

(SRB) allowed hot gas blow-byMade contact with the external tank and

caused structural failureAerodynamic forces broke up the orbiter

The Night Before Launch Engineers at Morton-Thiokol tried to stop

the launch (Roger Boisjoly)Management was unhappy with the no

launch recommendationHow management made the decision

Only management votedOne of the managers was told to “take off his

engineering hat and put on his management hat”

Problem of “Group Think”

The Ethical IssuesThe Rogers Commission (Chairman William Rogers)

Appointed by the PresidentNASA’s decision-making process was a key

contributing factorNASA managers knew about the problem with O-

Rings since 1977 but failed to address it properlyProblem with Rogers Commission Findings

People were not blamed The work atmosphere Lack of Communication

The report takes away individual responsibility

Lessons for Engineers

Conflicts between managers and engineers do arise in business

Question of when to blow the whistleLoyaltyDoing the right thing

Ethical Theory vs. PracticeKnowing what is right vs. Pressure to do wrongHow to reconcile the two issues

ReferenceTom L. Beauchamp and Norman E. Bowie,

editors. Ethical Theory and Business, 4th Edition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1993.