Ms. Lindsay Pre-Engineering Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy

Objectives We will explore ethics, values and morals and how they relate to the engineering profession We will conclude our lesson with an exit ticket question.

Morals and Values What are morals and values? What are some examples of morals and values? Morals-of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character Values- beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)

What are ethics? Ethics are rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct Such as being honest or trustworthy What are some other examples of morally or socially approved behavior?

Engineering Ethics The rules and standards which govern the conduct of engineers in their role as professionals Why should engineers have to follow an ethical code?

Personal Ethics vs. Engineering Ethics Personal Ethics- impacts how we treat others in our day to day lives Engineering Ethics- impacts decisions concerning the public, health, business practices and politics.

Ethics Not all standards or values are ethical standards Examples: 1. Clothes or food: this is personal preferences

What’s Ethical? Ethical standards only apply to conduct which has some significant effect on people’s lives Example: If an engineer used a “cheap” or substandard grade of steel in the construction of a bridge, he or she would definitely have violated ethical standards because of the potential safety hazards to society.

Kansas City Hyatt Regency Walkway

Hyatt Regency killed 114 people and injuring more than 200 others during a tea dance. At the time it was the deadliest structural collapse in U.S. history.

Everyday Personal Ethics Examples Copying of videos or CDs Plagiarism Software Piracy Copying homework or tests “Borrowing” school supplies from friends or teachers and never returning them.

Class Discussion on Ethics A person’s behavior is always ethical when he or she: a. Does what is best for oneself b. Has good intentions no matter how things turn out c. Does what is best for everyone d. Does what is most profitable ANSWER: C

Class Discussion on Engineering Ethics Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because: a. It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued b. It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect from responsible engineers c. It raises the image of the profession and, hence gets engineers more pay d. The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have an ethics code ANSWER: B

Ford Pinto Safety Problems

Ford Pinto The Ford Pinto debuted as a compact car by the Ford Motor Company on September 11, 1970 Pinto sold over 100,000 units Controversy followed the Pinto after 1977 allegations that the Pinto's structural design allowed its fuel tank filler neck to break off and the fuel tank to be punctured in a rear- end collision, resulting in deadly fires.

Boston Molasses Disaster

Boston Molasses Disaster, also known as the Great Molasses Flood and the Great Boston Molasses Tragedy, occurred on January 15, 1919, in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. A large molasses storage tank burst, and a wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 mph (56 km/h), killing 21 and injuring 150

Engineering Ethics Discussion Engineers should act ethically because: a. If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired b. The boss wants them to c. It feels good d. That is the way responsible engineers behave Answer: D

Vocabulary Ethics Obligations Software Piracy Whistle blowing Reputation Liability Asset Work ethic Job loyalty

Ethics Standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct

Whistle blowing When a person raises a concern about wrongdoing occurring in an organization

Obligations Requirements from a person’s situation or circumstances that specify what must or must not be done

Software Piracy The illegal copying, distribution or use of software Example: purchasing a single user license and loading it onto multiple computers or a server

Reputation Your overall quality or character as seen or judged by others

Liability Debt or burden that subtracts from personal value

Asset A resource that adds personal value

Work Ethic Individual’s attitude toward work and dedication to completing a job

Exit Ticket In a paragraph (5 complete sentences) explain why you think ethics are important