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Engineering Ethics

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Engineering Ethics ** Hyman Ch. 4.4 ** Introduction to Engineering Ethics by R. Schinzinger and M.W. Martin ** Online Ethics Center http://www.onlineethics.org/ – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Engineering Ethics


1
Engineering Ethics
Hyman Ch. 4.4 Introduction to Engineering
Ethics by R. Schinzinger and M.W. Martin
Online Ethics Center http//www.onlineethics.org/
ASME PPC http//www.professionalpractice.asme
.org/transition/ethics/3.htm
2
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.

3
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)

4
Methodologies for Case Studies
  • State of the art in engineering ethics an
    article by Charles Harris (Texas AM) dedicated
    on methodologies to resolve engineering ethical
    issues through the use of case studies and other
    schemes
  • 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..)

5
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

6
Methods of Analysis
  • Factual Issues
  • Conflicts over a matter of fact crucial to
    problem solution (ex global warming data
    interpretation)
  • 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)

7
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 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

8
A Classical Ethical Dilemma
  • Trolley problem or lifeboat problem

Adopted from http//web.lemoyne.edu/hevern/psy340
/lectures/psy340.12.1.emotions.html
9
Analogy between Moral Issues and Engineering
Design (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

10
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
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