NSPE Fundamental Ethics Canons

For ESC-100

Canon 1

Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public

Canon 2

Perform services only in the area of their competence

Canon 3

Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner

Canon 4

Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees

Canon 5

Avoid deceptive acts

Canon 6

Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession

Do you feel the six engineering ethics canons should be viewed as a ‘hierarchy’ in order of importance, or as equally important? Briefly describe why or why not.

The six engineering ethics canons should be viewed as equally important, since they collectively ensure the integrity, safety, and professionalism of engineering practice. Prioritizing one over another could lead to ethical blind spots or neglect of responsibilities that are essential to public trust.

In no more than two sentences, give an example of a scenario in which the ethics canons must be considered to be exclusive; that is, all must be satisfied at all times.

When designing a bridge, an engineer must simultaneously ensure public safety, maintain honesty in reporting data, respect client confidentiality, act competently, and avoid deceptive acts; none of these can be compromised without violating professional ethics.