Chapter 6

Engineering Ethics: Ethical Questions in the Design of Technology

• This chapter examines ethical issues in engineering design.
• A focus case study is the 1998 German high-speed train (ICE) derailment, where a redesigned wheel, not adequately tested at high speed, contributed to the disaster.
• Key figures involved includes three engineers charged with manslaughter.
• Important issues identified included adequately testing new technologies, implementing proper safety procedures, and a critical analysis of engineering design mistakes.
• The initial expert opinion and public opinion were contradictory on certain issues related to the case.
• The chapter introduces stages of design, outlining a sequential process, encompassing problem analysis, formulation, conceptual design, simulation through computer models (which have potential drawbacks), decision-making, detail design, prototype testing, manufacturing, and construction.

Chapter Outline

• The core of the chapter is summarized in an outline including introduction, ethical issues during design processes, trade-offs and value conflicts, regulatory frameworks, and brief summaries.
• The chapter will cover multiple approaches to ethical design including cost-benefit analysis, multiple criteria analysis, thresholds, reasoning about values, and value-sensitive design.

Introduction

• The 1998 incident details a train accident involving the German high-speed train (ICE) that resulted in significant loss of life.

• Investigations into the reasons for the accident pointed to a newly designed wheel not being adequately tested, leading to its failure.

• The case highlights the importance of thorough testing and safety precautions in engineering design.

• The three engineers involved in certifying the wheel were charged with manslaughter.

• Three objections were raised -First, no clear objection by experts on the design overall -Second, adequate inspection procedures may have failed in preventing accident. -Third, engineers did not exhibit gross error in their calculations of wheels' stress.

Stage 1: Problem Analysis and Formulation

• This initial stage entails defining the design problem, including identifying relevant requirements and aspects to consider for its solution.
• Ethical considerations, based on established professional and corporate codes, need to be integrated into the initial stages.

Stage 2: Conceptual Design

• This phase focuses on generating various design concept ideas for the problem.
• The focus is on an integral approach to the design problem, not on realizing each requirement independently (such as a combination of multiple considerations)

Stage 3: Simulation

• Concept designs are assessed to ensure compliance with requirements in simulation stage.

• Key questions include the reliability of predictions about the product's later behavior.

• Ethical considerations about potential outcomes and impact are crucial in simulation and design.

• Example: The reliability of predictions about a nuclear plant accident must be far greater than those for a relatively safe product like a can opener.

• Different computer model-based simulations can contain unexpected errors or assumptions that require validation to evaluate their reliability (and moral implication), to provide a clearer understanding and acceptable evaluation.

Stage 4.3: Decision-Making

• The decision stage entails selecting the specific design that will be brought further in the design process.

• Comparison and evaluation of various concepts are based on design requirements established in the analysis phase.

• Important terms:

  • Design criteria: specific requirements for design elements.
  • Trade-offs: compromises between different design criteria (such as safety vs. sustainability).

• Ethical Considerations in Decision-Making:

  • Who should be involved in the decision-making process (relevant stakeholders)?
  • What are the potential ethical implications of various decisions?
    • Difference between explicit and implicit decisions
    • Norms in organizations regarding deviance or unethical behavior

• Davis Collingride identified four important elements: - Corrigibility of decision - Ease of system modification - Decision malleability -Insensitivity of decision

Stage 5: Detail Design

• Detailed elaboration of a chosen design concept, considering risks, health effects, and environmental impacts.

  • Example: Uranium stabilizers in airplanes.

Stage 6: Prototype Development and Testing

• Testing of a prototype under controlled conditions.
• Differentiating actual circumstances from test conditions is critical for thorough evaluation.

Stage 7: Manufacture and Construction

• Ethical considerations related to manufacturing and construction, including labor conditions, worker safety, environmental sustainability, and potential dangers associated with construction practices.
  • Example statistics on construction worker death rates can help understand risks.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Method that balances costs and benefits of different design options using monetary terms for all values.
• Can be limited to costs/profits of a specific company.
• Often used in engineering design.
• Potentially overlooks important values

Multiple Criteria Analysis

• Method to compare different options considering multiple criteria without necessarily translating them into a single monetary unit.
• Allows for simultaneous assessment of criteria.
• Compared to cost-benefit analysis, this method more accurately assess the multi-faceted issues of product design

Thresholds

• Establishing minimal acceptable criteria or minimum levels in design criteria for various features (e.g., safety, environmental impact).
• Separate thresholds for each criterion allow for greater objectivity, independence, and clear focus on the particular concern.

Reasoning

• Focuses on justification and reasoning behind values considered in design trade-offs.
• Steps involve identifying stakeholders, articulating the values at risk, and finding potential common ground between stakeholders to resolve inherent values conflicts

Value Sensitive Design

• A design method focused on understanding and integrating the values of all stakeholders in design decisions.
  • It includes empirical investigations to understand users, conceptual investigations for clarification of values, and further analysis for technical design aspects.

Regulatory Frameworks

• Overall rules influencing the design and development of various technologies.
• Can be considered part of a moral responsibility, including judgments about appropriate actions.
• Importance of public participation and discussion as part of the regulatory framework.

Summary of Method Comparison

• Different comparison methods are described and evaluated in terms of strengths and weakness.

• Comparing the different methods

• Cost-benefit analysis

• Multiple criteria analysis

• Thresholds

• Reasoning

• Value Sensitive design

This quiz explores the ethical questions surrounding engineering design, focusing on real-world case studies like the 1998 German high-speed train derailment. Key points include the importance of testing new technologies, safety procedures, and understanding the sequential design process. Delve into the consequences of engineering mistakes and ethical accountability in design decisions.