Transcript Class 12_1 - Clarkson University

Class 11_1
• Today: Engineering ethics: a short
discussion followed by case study group
work
• Handout: Engineering code of ethics
• (our technical drawing work will continue
next week)
Questions about DP ?
Engineering ethics
Context
• Engineering is a profession
• Engineers design things that strongly affect
personal welfare
Engineers are professionals
• Specialized, formal, extended education
• Practice essentially under one’s own
direction
• The work involves exercising sophisticated
judgment and discretion that is not routine
or susceptible to codification
• Self-regulated (typically be professional
societies)
Engineers design things that
strongly affect personal welfare
• Examples: automobiles, power plants,
toasters, airplanes, bicycles, sewage
treatment plants, electrical switches, air
conditioners, buildings, nuclear power
plants, etc…
Result
• Engineers are expected to conduct their
professional activities with high ethical
standards
Engineering ethics
• This is more than a personal issue about
“doing the right thing” or leading a moral
life
• It is a professional requirement and a
commitment you make if you become an
engineer
Engineering ethics
• Notice that “unprofessional conduct” is
typically synonymous with “unethical
conduct”
• You will be excluded from the profession if
you do not live up to the well-defined
ethical standards of the profession
• In other words, high ethical standards are a
vital part of the profession
Code of ethics
• Formal codes of ethics have been developed
by all of the engineering societies (example
ASME, AIAA)
• They differ in detail, but are all basically the
same
• The handout has the starting section of the
National Soc. Of Prof. Engineers
Fundamental cannons
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and
welfare of the public in the performance
of their professional duties.
Notice the word “paramount”
Fundamental cannons
2. Perform services only in areas of their
competence.
Engineers must be trustworthy in applying
their highly specialized skills, because few
can check their work
Fundamental cannons
3. Issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
An obligation to the profession, part of public
trust
Fundamental cannons
4. Act in professional matters for each
employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
Loyalty and confidence-keeping are needed
by the employer if the engineer is to be a
valuable professional
Fundamental cannons
5. Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of
professional employment.
This is the issue of bribery
Fundamental cannons
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly,
ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the
honor, reputation, and usefulness of the
profession.
For example…
d. Engineers shall strive to adhere to the principles of
sustainable development in order to protect the
environment for future generations.
It will happen to you!
• All engineers eventually face difficult
professional ethics decisions
• We deal with a lot of money
• And there often arises a conflict between
self/employer/public welfare
• My advice: be prepared, think about your
values as they relate to professional ethics
Case studies
• Break into groups
• Prepare a response to Case 1.
• Write summary notes and be prepared to
present your arguments to the class
• We will only do one case at a time, so just
work on Case 1 now
Go on to Case 2
Go on to Case 3
Go on to Case 4
See you here on Tuesday