01 - Ethics Professionalism - Ethics

Page 1: Definition of Engineering

  • Definition: Engineering is the branch of science and technology that focuses on the design, construction, and utilization of engines, machines, and structures.

    • Sources:

      • Oxford Compact English Dictionary

      • John Hopkins University: Engineering merges science and art, mathematics and creativity, using models and approximations.

Page 2: ABET's Definition of Engineering

  • ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) identifies engineering as:

    • Application of mathematical and natural sciences' knowledge gained by study, experience, and practice.

    • Development of economical ways to utilize natural materials and forces for the benefit of mankind.

Page 3: Engineering’s Relationships

  • Venn Diagram Elements:

    • Societal Need

    • Engineering Analysis

    • Scientific Creativity

    • Interrelationship among these components is essential in engineering practices.

    • Source

Page 4: Simplified Definition of Engineering

  • Engineering as a Discipline:

    • It is the creative application of scientific knowledge.

    • Involves analyzing, designing, constructing, and operating products and services that meet societal needs.

    • Emphasizes the importance of the environment, sustainability, and human safety, health, and welfare.

    • Ethical considerations are important in engineering practices.

Page 5: Professional Commitment

  • Today’s Professional Engineers:

    • Show commitment to society, the profession, and the environment.

    • Engineering Council UK underscores the importance of these commitments.

Page 6: Concept of Integrity

  • Integrity:

    • Provides opportunities for superior performance and competitive advantages on individual, group, and organizational levels.

    • Empowers morality, ethics, and legality as virtues.

Page 7: Integrity in Individuals and Organizations

  • Manifestation of Integrity:

    • A holistic quality of excellence found in individuals and organizations.

    • Rooted in ethics and noble values reflected daily in conduct. (NIP page 22)

Page 8: Definition of Ethics

  • Ethics Characterization:

    • A set of moral values and principles that guide conduct in individuals, organizations, and professions. (NIP page 21)

Page 9: Understanding Ethics

  • Ethics:

    • Involves belief systems regarding good and bad, and moral obligations derived from those beliefs.

    • Establishes rules for right and wrong conduct, influencing personal and professional codes.

    • Reference: "Developing Ethical Leaders Through Action" (1990)

Page 10: What is Ethics?

  • Ethics Defined:

    • Governs rights and wrongs in conduct.

    • Encompasses moral principles determining good and bad behavior.

    • Understanding of individual behavior (how someone behaves) and conduct (manner of behavior).

    • Concise Oxford English Dictionary (10th Edition): Ethics relates to principles guiding behavior.

Page 11: Personal Ethics

  • Overview:

    • Personal Ethics entails individual morality rooted in internally held values.

    • Focuses on intrinsic or universal values like truth and honesty, guiding personal beliefs and actions.

Page 12: Professional Ethics

  • Overview:

    • Connected to shared conduct guidelines within a profession.

    • Promotes cooperation among diverse teams toward common goals.

Page 13: Professional vs. Personal Ethics

  • Comparison:

    • Overlap exists between personal and professional ethics.

    • Professional ethics impose more specific restrictions than personal ethics.

    • They differ yet are not mutually exclusive, coexisting and informing one another.

Page 14: Importance of Ethics for Engineers

  • Need for Ethical Knowledge:

    • Engineers possess skills that can significantly impact public services.

    • With such capabilities comes the responsibility to clients and society.

    • Ethics act as a guide for engineers in making responsible decisions.

Page 15: Ethical Decision-Making in Engineering

  • Basic Ethical Concepts:

    • Ethical considerations are vital in engineering decisions.

    • Engineers' obligations extend beyond client contracts.

    • Codes of ethics assist in decision-making.

Page 16: Global Ethical Obligations

  • Global Responsibility:

    • Ethical obligations transcend national boundaries.

    • Engineers must prioritize public health, safety, and welfare.

    • Compliance with these obligations varies based on socio-economic contexts.

Page 17: Engineering Ethics

  • Definition:

    • Refers to professional ethics specific to engineers.

    • Encompasses guidelines for appropriate conduct among engineering professionals, typically governed by a code of ethics.

Page 18: Ethics in Engineering Education

  • Important Components:

    • Professional Engineering Ethics

    • Code of Ethics

    • Code of Professional Conduct

    • Basic Ethical Concepts

Page 19: Code of Ethics Overview

  • Functions:

    • Outlines rights, duties, and obligations of profession members.

    • Offers a framework for ethical decision-making.

    • While not exhaustive, aims to be inclusive.

    • Applicable to professional societies, corporations, governmental, and academic institutions.

Page 20: Characteristics of Codes of Ethics

  • Nature of Codes:

    • Written for specific groups with explicit purposes.

    • Reflect moral standards of conduct deemed binding among members.

Page 21: Responsibilities Defined by Code of Ethics

  • Scope:

    • Establishes responsibilities to society, environment, clients, and fellow engineers.

    • Government regulations further define engineers' obligations through civil, criminal codes, and administrative rules.

Page 22: Professional Integrity

  • Interaction Rules:

    • Promote ethical professional behavior and recognition of responsibilities.

    • Encourage an ethical environment and appropriate behaviors under varying circumstances.

Page 23: Intersection of Morality, Ethics, and Legality

  • Integrity:

    • Represents overlap among morality, ethics, and legality.

    • Not just concerns of good vs bad or right vs wrong.

    • Integrity enhances performance for individuals and organizations, existing within a framework of virtues.