Engineering Ethics ** Hyman Ch. 4.4 ** Introduction to Engineering Ethics by R. Schinzinger and M.W. Martin ** Online Ethics Center ** ASME PPC ition/ethics/3.htm

Engineering Ethics The study of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues and justifying moral decisions in engineering practice. Also can be considered beliefs and acceptable practices  codes of ethics Finally, it is also the obligation, justification and principles to be endorsed.

Learning Objectives Enhance the ability to deal with difficult ethical decisions Strengthen moral autonomy (self-determination) – the habit of thinking rationally about ethical issues following appropriate moral principles  improve practical skills such as –Recognize and understanding ethical situations –Critical thinking skill on assessing opposing sides of ethical issues –Tolerate uncertainty and respect different perspectives in decision making –Maintain moral integrity by integrating personal convictions and professional practices (sweat the small stuff) –Be articulate by learning common ethical language (to support or oppose viewpoints)

Methodologies for Case Studies State of the art in engineering ethics – an article by Charles Harris (Texas A&M) dedicated on methodologies to resolve engineering ethical issues through the use of case studies and other schemesState of the art in engineering ethics –Methods of Analysis and Problem Resolution –Studied Cases: micro-cases, macro-cases, and exemplary cases. –Microethics (ex: health and safety, integrity, bribes/gifts, etc..), macroethics (less emphasis, ex: sustainability, nanotechnology, cloning, etc..)

Sustainable Development Goals Biological (ecological) system –Genetic diversity, resilience, biological productivity Economic system –Increased production of goods and services, satisfaction of basic needs or reducing poverty, improvement in equality Social system (least emphasized) –Cultural diversity, social justice, gender equality, participation

Methods of Analysis Factual Issues –Conflicts over a matter of fact crucial to problem solution (ex: global warming data interpretation)global warming Conceptual Issues –Conflicts over a definition of a concept (ex: Terri Schiavo case, definition of “death”) Application Issues –Conflicts over the application of a concept in a particular situation (conflict of interest) Moral Issues –Conflict between values or obligations (Spotted Owl and Timber Industry controversy, environmental and job protection)Spotted Owl and Timber Industry controversy

Problem-Resolution (cont.) –Bottom-Up Methods of Resolution (intuitive level of moral thinking, moral common sense) Weighing or balancing: evaluate and weighs alternatives Casuistry/Line drawing: comparing with cases with clear ethical characteristics (positive or negative) CASE STUDYCASE STUDY Creative middle ways: acceptable compromise –Top-Down Methods of Resolution (philosophical theories) Utilitarianism: well being of the greatest number of people (ex: intellectual property, patented drugs in underdeveloped countries) –Cost/benefit analysis Respect for persons: justice and rights of individuals

A Classical Ethical Dilemma Trolley problem or lifeboat problemTrolley problem Adopted from

Analogy between Moral Issues and Engineering Design (C. Whitebeck, 2003)C. Whitebeck, 2003 Require synthesis and analysis Usually without a simple correct solution Some solutions are better than others An acceptable solution must –Achieve the desired goals –Conform to given specifications –Reasonably risk free –Consistent with constraints

Some Ethics References Online Ethics Center-sample assignments for student Help on ethical decisions Numerical and design problems with ethical content Write case studies based on senior design projects Key concepts to teach engineering ethics