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Introduction To Ethics

Introduction To Ethics . Goals Introduce and Define Ethics Develop a Process for Responding to Ethical Problems Understand the Role of Engineering Codes of Ethics Practice the Process on Engineering Cases. Defining Ethics.

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Introduction To Ethics

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  1. Introduction To Ethics Goals Introduce and Define Ethics Develop a Process for Responding to Ethical Problems Understand the Role of Engineering Codes of Ethics Practice the Process on Engineering Cases

  2. Defining Ethics • Ethics - synonyms for “morally correct” or justified - set of justified moral principles of obligation, rights, and ideals • Ethics - particular beliefs or attitudes concerning morality • Ethics - area of study or inquiry – an activity of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues, and justifying moral judgments

  3. What are moral values? What is morality? • Dictionary – concerns right and wrong, good and bad, the rules that ought to be followed. • Morality – about reasons centered in respect for other people as well as ourselves, reasons that involve their good as well as our own.

  4. Ethical Illegal Legal Unethical Legal & Ethical Illegal & Ethical Legal & Unethical Illegal & Unethical How are ethics and law related?

  5. Developing a Well-Reasoned Response to a Moral Dilemma • Moral dilemmas are situations in which two or more moral obligations, duties, rights, goods, or ideals come into conflict with one another. • How does one decide whether a response is well-reasoned? What criteria apply? Can we reliably judge?

  6. Responses can be judged on these criteria: • Whether the response addresses each of the issues and points of ethical conflict presented in the case or problem; • Whether each interested party’s legitimate expectations are considered; • Whether the consequences of acting are recognized, specifically described (not just generally mentioned), and incorporated into the decision; and • Whether each of the duties or obligations of the protagonist are described and grounded in moral considerations.

  7. Engineering Ethics Why Ethics should be important to you as an engineer What resources are available to help you make ethical decisions when confronted with a moral dilemma

  8. Example:The Challenger Explosion • Mission 51 - NASA January 28, 1986

  9. Engineering Ethics • Engineering ethics is the study of the moral values, issues, and decisions involved in engineering practice. • responsibilities • ideals • character traits • social policies • relationships desirable from individuals and corporations engaged in engineering.

  10. Engineering Firm Engineer Manager Colleagues Global Environment Family Engineering Profession Clients or Consumers Industry & Other Firms Law, Government & Public Ethics and Practicing Engineering

  11. Engineering Code of Ethics • Some professional organizations have addressed the complexity of moral issues in their fields by developing codes of ethics • Professional codes of ethics consist primarily of principles of responsibility that delineate how to promote the public good.

  12. Roles of Codes • Shared Standards • Positive Support to Act Ethically • Guidance Concerning Obligations • Motivation • Education • Deterrence and Discipline • Professional Image

  13. NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers Preamble I. Fundamental Canons II. Rules of Practice III. Professional Obligations

  14. Fundamental Canon • Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: • Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public. • Perform services only in areas of their competence. • Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

  15. Fundamental Canon • Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. • Avoid deceptive acts. • Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

  16. In-Class Exercise & Discussion Application of the Code • Handouts: NSPE Code of Ethics, Sample Cases • Large Group Discussion: Case 1 • Small Group Discussion: • Using the sample case provided, fill out the in-class discussion worksheet and write any comments on the back • After groups have completed this exercise, groups will report back to the class on their findings

  17. Assignment – Concept & Application Quiz • On WebCT, in the Ethics Module section. • You will have to: • Be able to answer general questions about the methodology and terminology related to ethics • Be able to apply terminology and methodology to a case similar to the exercises completed in class today • Check syllabus for due date

  18. Summary • Defined ethics and engineering ethics • Tried one approach to developing a well-reasoned response to a moral dilemma • Introduced the NSPE Engineering Code of Ethics • Tried application of the Code of Ethics to engineering cases

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