1 Concepts of Engineering and Technology Ethics in the Engineering Workplace Society and Ethics UNT in partnership with TEA. Copyright ©. All rights reserved

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Concepts of Engineering and Technology

Ethics in the Engineering Workplace

Society and Ethics

UNT in partnership with TEA. Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

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Introduction

In this lesson we will explore “Ethics in the Engineering Workplace”. We understand the Code of Ethics for Engineers.

We will learn about the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE).

We will conclude our lesson with the Gilbane Gold Engineering Ethics Case Study.


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Technical Communication

130.362.4 The student describes the factors that affect the progression of technology and the potential intended and unintended consequences of technological advances.

(A) Describe how technology has affected individuals, societies, cultures, economies, and environments.


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Technical Terms & Definitions

The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.

Terms Definitions

Ethics Standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.


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Terms Definitions

Obligations Requirements arising from a person’s situation or circumstances (e.g., relationships, knowledge, position) that specify what must or must not be done for moral, legal, religious, or institutional reasons.


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Terms Definitions

Software Piracy The illegal copying, distribution or use of software. Types of software piracy, for example, include: 1) purchasing a single user license and loading it onto multiple computers or a server.

Whistle Blowing When a person raises a concern about wrongdoing occurring in an organization or body of people.


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What is Ethics?

Ethics. It’s not an easy word to define. Almost everyone wants to live an ethical life, but knowing what that means is not as simple as it sounds!


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What is Ethics?

Ethics is concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct, such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.


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What’s Ethical?

Not all standards or values are ethical standards.

For example, personal preferences and values, such as individual choices of food or clothing, are not important enough to qualify as ethical values or choices.


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What’s Ethical?

Ethical standards apply only to conduct which has some significant effect on people’s lives.

For example, if an engineer used a 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.


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Everyday Personal Ethics Examples

Copying of Videos or CDs Plagiarism Software Piracy Copying homework or tests “Borrowing” school supplies from

friends and teachers and never returning them


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What’s Ethical?

Class Discussion on Ethics


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Ethics Discussion 1

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


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Answer: Ethics Discussion 1

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 is correct


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Engineers and Ethics

Engineers are expected to have technical expertise and to exhibit professionalism. They are also expected by society and their profession to maintain high standards of ethical conduct in their professional lives.


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What is Engineering Ethics?

Code of Ethics for Engineers (excerpt of NSPE*)I. Fundamental CanonsEngineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties

Perform services only in areas of their competence Issue public statements only in an objective and

truthful manner Act in professional matters for each employer or client

as faithful agents or trustees Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional

employment

(Reference. Martin and Schinzinger,*National Society of Professional Engineers)


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What is Engineering Ethics?

Class Discussion on Engineering Ethics


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Engineering Ethics Discussion 1

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


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Answer: Engineering Ethics Discussion 1 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 is correct


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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


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Answer:Engineering Ethics Discussion 2 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 is correct


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The first and foremost obligation of registered professional engineers is to:

a. The public welfare

b. Their employer

c. The government

d. The engineering profession


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Answer: Engineering Ethics Discussion 3 The first and foremost obligation of

registered professional engineers is to:

a. The public welfare

b. Their employer

c. The government

d. The engineering profession

Answer a is correct


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Registered professional engineers should undertake services for clients only when:

a. They really need the fees

b. Their own bid is the lowest one

c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services

d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort


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Answer: Engineering Ethics Discussion 4 Registered professional engineers

should undertake services for clients only when:

a. They really need the fees

b. Their own bid is the lowest one

c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services

d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort

Answer c is correctUNT in partnership with TEA. Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

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Ethical Issues are Seldom Black and White Engineers are obligated to society,

employers, clients, and other engineers to design risk-free technologies.

Engineers are faced with conflicting demands: loyalty to company and colleagues, concern for public welfare, personal gain and ambition.

Ethical standards are usually relative and personal, there is seldom an absolute standard.


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National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Is the only engineering society that

represents individual engineering professionals and licensed engineers (PEs) across all disciplines.


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National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Founded in 1934, NSPE strengthens the

engineering profession by promoting engineering licensure and ethics, enhancing the engineer image, advocating and protecting PEs’ legal rights at national and state levels, publishing news of the profession, providing continuing education opportunities and more.


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National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) NSPE serves some 60,000 members

and the public through 53 state and territorial societies and more than 500 chapters.


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National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE) Is an official component of the Murdough

Center for Engineering Professionalism in the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University.

NIEE was initially created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), in 1988, and became an independent organization in 1995.


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Summary

Where you draw the line is your choice. Engineering ethics begins with each

engineer. Engineers may be held personally and

legally responsible for their professional actions.

It is important to understand your company’s attitude toward ethics - it should be a factor in your choice of employer.


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Assignment: Engineering Ethics Case Study

Students will review the Gilbane Gold PowerPoint - An Ethics Story Focusing on Responsibilities of Engineers

Students will either watch the video or may act out the roles of the Gilbane Gold Script.

Students will complete the Gilbane Gold assignment worksheet.

Students may also read the Gilbane Gold Study Guide.


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References

Gomez, Oakes, Leone. (2006). Engineering Your Future. Second Edition. Wildwood, MO: Great Lakes Press, Inc.

National Institute for ENGINEERING ETHICS (NIEE) “Gilbane Gold: A Case Study in Engineering

Ethics" - 1989 (23 min.)

National Institute for Engineering EthicsTexas Tech University

Box 41023 Lubbock , TX 79409-1023

Phone: 806-742-3525 (3521) / Fax: 806-742-0444


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References

National Society of Professional Engineershttp://www.nspe.org

Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research Teaching Tools

http://www.onlineethics.org/Resources/TeachingTools.aspx


Documents

1 Concepts of Engineering and Technology Ethics in the Engineering Workplace Society and Ethics UNT in partnership with TEA. Copyright ©. All rights reserved