Ethics Professor: Dr. Miguel Alonso Jr.

Outline Introduction The Nature of Ethics The Nature of Engineering Ethics The Issues and Topics Engineering Ethics and Legal Issues

Introduction In addition to technical expertise and professionalism, engineers are expected to maintain high standards of ethical conduct in their professional lives We will base our discussion on the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Model Rules of Professional Conduct

The Nature of Ethics Ethics is generally concerned with the standards, rules, or guidelines for moral or socially approved conduct Ethical standards apply to conduct which could have some significant effect on the lives of people in general Ethics and ethical standards are distinguished from legality and legal standards in that they are independent of any particular group of experts Ethical standards are more important than any other standard, such as personal standards If a persons personal standard conflicts with an ethical standard, the ethical standard always win

Normative Ethics Normative ethics involves recommendations of appropriate standards or guidelines for a morally right or good behavior by people Engineering ethics mainly deals with this branch of ethics Two main approaches: ethical behavior defined by rules or principles of good conduct ethical behavior viewed in terms of whatever actions will best promote the general welfare or benefit of all people Normally in practice, engineering ethics contain elements from both approaches, although there may be conflict intentions versus actions

Special Topics Justice It is difficult to reduce justice to a set of rules Sometimes may conflict: Example, what is best for most may exclude minorities Human Rights Moral rights are not easily reduced to rules May conflict with the greatest good for the most people Examples 15.1 and 15.2

The Nature of Engineering Ethics Three levels General ethics Professional Ethics Engineering Ethics Personal choices or values are not relevant to Engineering Ethics In addition to on the job ethics, engineers should also be concerned with off the job ethics, so as not to tarnish or disrepute the profession Examples

The issues and topics of engineering ethics Preamble Other issues The engineers obligation to society The engineers obligation to Employers and Clients The engineers obligation to other engineers Example Read through 413 through 427 and be ready to discuss Exercises