85-219 Introduction to Engineering Materials - Composites 1
Engineering Ethics
Dr. Bowers’s Notesfrom the 4 Ethics Articles taken from
Engineering DimensionsMagazine
These articles are posted
on the course website
85-219 Introduction to Engineering Materials - Composites 2
Engineering is a Profession
Satisfies an indispensable social need
Requires trust, discretion, judgment
Applies knowledge and skill not possessed bythe public
Promotes professional ideas
Has standards of admission
Employs a code of ethics, ensuringappropriate conduct and competence
85-219 Introduction to Engineering Materials - Composites 3
Why Ethics?
Integral part of thesuccess of your career
Integrity can be ourmost valuable asset Leads to trust in work
relationships
Frees them from controlsnecessary when trustdoesn’t exist
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The Public Welfare
Engineers have a responsibility to advocatethe public welfare Expected by the public
Matter of ethical and legal duty
Conflict of interest when your employer putsself interest above the public good Cost of whistle blowing
Define “whistle blowing”
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Visibility of Ethics in Engineering
Admission standardsand exams
Code of Ethics
Definition of PersonalMisconduct
Discipline andComplaints Committee Dr. Peter Frise,
Mechanical Engineering
Duty to Report
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Roots of Ethics in Philosophy
Aristotle (384-322 BCE) Character and virtue
Focused on the moralcharacter of the individual
Defined proper function ofindividuals Acting virtuously over time in
all aspects of life
Development of moralcharacter will prepare theindividual for ethicalchallenges
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Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)
Duty and ethics Not concerned with
character
Duty to act ethically Follow one’s conscience
and no other inclinations
Duties are absolute andunconditional Telling the truth
Treating others withrespect is an extensionof Kant’s philosophy
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John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
Utilitarianism
Actions are ethical if theypromote maximum happiness Focused on the consequences
of decisions
No concern about the meansto achieve maximumhappiness End justifies the means
Principles, duties, character ofthe decision maker do not apply
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PEO Code of Ethics
Devotion to high ideals of honour andprofessional integrity Aristotle - moral character
Duty to the public welfare is paramount Kant – duty
Fairness to associates, employers, clients,subordinates, and employees Mill – consequences of decisions
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Importance of Standards
Ethical standards include Legal requirements
Code of Ethics
Moral and personal values
Standards are necessary to determinewhether a situation involves and ethical issue
Ethical issues can be complex and difficult Standards help to understand and manage them
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Standards Examples
Standards should beeasily understood andcompelling
Personal conscience
Law
Ethics codes PEO has a code of ethics
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PEO Code of Ethics
Hold duty to public asparamount
Be fair and loyal tostakeholders
Have high ideals ofprofessional integrity
Be faithful agents, whomaintain confidentiality
Avoid or discloseconflict of interestsituations
Be honourable to thepractitioners and theengineering profession
Expose unethicalconduct by otherengineeringpractitioners
What if we imposedthis code on you asstudent engineers?
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Ethical Decision Making
Step 1: Identify theethical issue(s)
Step 2: Identify herelevant stakeholders
Step 3: Interpret thefacts
Step 4: Evaluate theinformation
Step 5: Set realisticobjectives
Step 6: Identify optionsfor meeting yourobjectives
Step 7: Evaluate youroptions
Step 8: Justify yourdecision
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Passing the “Ethics Test”
Is it honest?
Is it fair and balanced?
Does it fit the mission ofthe organizationinvolved and my moralconscience?
Can I justify it publicly?
Have I walked theethics talk
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Mini Case Studies
The articles on thewebsite poseethical issues thatyou could easilyencounter duringyour career
Ponder them fortutorial We will discuss
one
