Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primarily distinguishes a profession from other occupations?
What primarily distinguishes a profession from other occupations?
What is the focus of ethics as a branch of philosophy?
What is the focus of ethics as a branch of philosophy?
Which of the following is NOT considered a moral reason in ethical behavior?
Which of the following is NOT considered a moral reason in ethical behavior?
What is a primary role of professional societies in self-regulation?
What is a primary role of professional societies in self-regulation?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of engineering ethics, which concept is closely tied to morality?
In the context of engineering ethics, which concept is closely tied to morality?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best defines morality?
Which of the following best defines morality?
Signup and view all the answers
How does engineering contribute to the concept of public good?
How does engineering contribute to the concept of public good?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a component of ethical behavior?
Which of the following is a component of ethical behavior?
Signup and view all the answers
What constitutes a deliberate violation of a code of ethics?
What constitutes a deliberate violation of a code of ethics?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is considered a limitation of codes of ethics?
Which of the following is considered a limitation of codes of ethics?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a consequence of ambiguity in ethical codes?
What is a consequence of ambiguity in ethical codes?
Signup and view all the answers
How can manipulation of ethical rules occur?
How can manipulation of ethical rules occur?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main principle of utilitarianism in ethical decision making?
What is the main principle of utilitarianism in ethical decision making?
Signup and view all the answers
What does an ethical corporate climate depend upon?
What does an ethical corporate climate depend upon?
Signup and view all the answers
Which ethical theory argues that right and wrong can vary based on cultural differences?
Which ethical theory argues that right and wrong can vary based on cultural differences?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would NOT be a common challenge in following a professional code of ethics?
Which of the following would NOT be a common challenge in following a professional code of ethics?
Signup and view all the answers
In the supermarket scenario, what would be the ethical consideration if one chooses to explain to the teenager rather than placing the ice cream back themselves?
In the supermarket scenario, what would be the ethical consideration if one chooses to explain to the teenager rather than placing the ice cream back themselves?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the primary reasons that codes of ethics may be ineffective?
What is one of the primary reasons that codes of ethics may be ineffective?
Signup and view all the answers
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of duties and moral obligations regardless of the outcomes?
Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of duties and moral obligations regardless of the outcomes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary standard engineers must follow in their professional relations?
What is the primary standard engineers must follow in their professional relations?
Signup and view all the answers
When a cashier gives too much change, what ethical decision might someone make based on virtue ethics?
When a cashier gives too much change, what ethical decision might someone make based on virtue ethics?
Signup and view all the answers
Which situation best illustrates selective application of ethical guidelines?
Which situation best illustrates selective application of ethical guidelines?
Signup and view all the answers
Why might someone choose to warn other drivers about a highway policeman?
Why might someone choose to warn other drivers about a highway policeman?
Signup and view all the answers
Which obligation must engineers uphold while serving public interest?
Which obligation must engineers uphold while serving public interest?
Signup and view all the answers
Which ethical theory would argue against the view of morality being based solely on personal beliefs?
Which ethical theory would argue against the view of morality being based solely on personal beliefs?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should engineers take if they believe a project will not succeed?
What action should engineers take if they believe a project will not succeed?
Signup and view all the answers
In ethical discussions, what does the term 'Greatest Happiness Principle' refer to?
In ethical discussions, what does the term 'Greatest Happiness Principle' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
When must engineers notify their employers regarding outside employment?
When must engineers notify their employers regarding outside employment?
Signup and view all the answers
What is prohibited when attempting to attract an engineer from another employer?
What is prohibited when attempting to attract an engineer from another employer?
Signup and view all the answers
What must engineers avoid when promoting their own interests?
What must engineers avoid when promoting their own interests?
Signup and view all the answers
What must engineers ensure when signing or sealing plans?
What must engineers ensure when signing or sealing plans?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a way engineers can serve the public interest?
Which of the following is NOT a way engineers can serve the public interest?
Signup and view all the answers
What must engineers obtain before promoting or arranging new employment related to a specific project?
What must engineers obtain before promoting or arranging new employment related to a specific project?
Signup and view all the answers
Which obligation states that engineers should not be influenced by conflicting interests?
Which obligation states that engineers should not be influenced by conflicting interests?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following actions is NOT permissible for engineers concerning commissions?
Which of the following actions is NOT permissible for engineers concerning commissions?
Signup and view all the answers
What should engineers refrain from doing to avoid unethical advancement?
What should engineers refrain from doing to avoid unethical advancement?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a condition under which engineers in salaried positions may accept part-time work?
What is a condition under which engineers in salaried positions may accept part-time work?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT an ethical obligation for engineers as specified?
Which of the following is NOT an ethical obligation for engineers as specified?
Signup and view all the answers
What must engineers do when utilizing employers' resources for private practice?
What must engineers do when utilizing employers' resources for private practice?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of commission should engineers absolutely avoid accepting?
What type of commission should engineers absolutely avoid accepting?
Signup and view all the answers
What must engineers disclose when issuing statements funded by interested parties?
What must engineers disclose when issuing statements funded by interested parties?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for engineers when preparing professional reports?
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for engineers when preparing professional reports?
Signup and view all the answers
What is required from engineers regarding conflicts of interest?
What is required from engineers regarding conflicts of interest?
Signup and view all the answers
When can engineers accept compensation from more than one party for the same project?
When can engineers accept compensation from more than one party for the same project?
Signup and view all the answers
What obligation do engineers have regarding public statements?
What obligation do engineers have regarding public statements?
Signup and view all the answers
What action must engineers avoid when working for governmental bodies?
What action must engineers avoid when working for governmental bodies?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is an ethical obligation of engineers acting on behalf of clients?
Which of the following is an ethical obligation of engineers acting on behalf of clients?
Signup and view all the answers
How should engineers approach technical opinions expressed publicly?
How should engineers approach technical opinions expressed publicly?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Course Information
- Course Title: GET 101 2024. Engineering In Society
- Course Topic: Presentation 4 - ENGINEERING CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS
- Date: 17/01/2025
- Time: 06:12 PM
- Instructors: Engr. Halima Sadia Yakubu & Dr. Ifeyinwa Obianyo
Introduction to Ethics
- Ethics is the way people behave based on their beliefs about what is right and wrong influencing their behavior.
- Ethics derives from the Greek word "ethos," meaning character, or what a good person is or does to have a good character.
What is Ethics?
- Ethics (or moral philosophy) is a branch of philosophy that systematizes, defends, and recommends concepts of right and wrong conduct.
- Ethics aims to resolve questions of human morality by defining concepts like good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, and justice and crime.
Ethical Behaviour
- Ethical behavior is characterized by honesty, fairness, and equity in interpersonal, professional, and academic relationships.
- Ethical behavior respects the dignity, diversity, and rights of individuals and groups of people.
- This definition is not a denial of other ethical duties regarding practice, professional service delivery, and research.
Engineering Ethics - What is Morality?
- Morality is mainly about right and wrong, good and bad rules that should be followed.
- Morality is centered in respect for other people and ourselves.
- Respect for others involves being fair, just, respecting their rights, avoiding offense, avoiding dishonesty, showing gratitude, empathy and reducing damage to the environment.
Ethics vs. Morals
- Ethics refers to rules or principles from an external source.
- Morals refer to an individual's personal beliefs around right and wrong based on individual values.
- Ethics are often applied in professional/social settings.
- Morals are internally guided.
- Example: Following medical ethics.
- Example: Believing lying is morally wrong.
Introduction to Engineering Ethics
- Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and a system of moral principles that apply to engineering practice.
- It examines and establishes the obligations of engineers to society, clients, and the profession.
- Engineering ethics is related to philosophy of science, philosophy of engineering, and ethics of technology.
Definition of Engineering Ethics
- Engineering ethics is the study of moral values, issues and decisions involved in engineering practice.
- The moral values take many forms, including responsibilities, ideal character traits, social policies, and relationships desirable for individuals and organizations engaged in technological development.
- Engineering ethics considers issues like ensuring safety and reliability of engineering designs, protecting the environment, respecting intellectual property rights, and maintaining transparency and honesty in professional relationships.
Engineering Ethics - Commitment to Society
- Engineering ethics includes upholding public trust by serving society's interests even if it is not in economic or political interests of individuals and organizations.
- Engineers have to account for potential impacts of work on people, the environment, and future generations to promote sustainable and equitable outcomes.
- Ensuring that engineers use their skills to advance human well-being, upholding professional conduct and integrity are crucial to engineering ethics.
Overview of Engineering Ethics
- Engineering Ethics is the activity and discipline with the aim of understanding moral values, resolving moral issues,
- and justifying moral judgements in engineering. It covers the set of moral problems and issues connected with engineering.
Why Study Engineering Ethics?
- Professional responsibility to design technologies that are safe, reliable, and beneficial to society.
- Legal and regulatory compliance to ensure better understanding of legal and regulatory requirements within the profession.
- Reputation and trust for professionalism and integrity
- Social responsibility to develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility and how to promote sustainable and equitable outcomes.
- Engineers should follow their professional standard of ethics to avoid legal problems, providing a clear definition of public expectations regarding responsible engineers, raise the profession's image, and increase public trust.
Why Study Engineering Ethics?
- Engineering ethics is crucial in preventing the negative consequences of faulty ethical reasoning and in giving meaning to engineers' endeavors.
- It is a complex field that can't be understood through casual observation.
- It aims at increasing the ability to deal effectively with moral complexity in engineering, empowering individuals to reason more clearly and rather than inculcating particular beliefs.
- The goal is to enhance moral autonomy.
Moral Dilemma or Ethical Conundrum
- Moral dilemmas are situations that present conflicts between two or more moral obligations.
- There are moral obligations, duties, rights, goods, and ideals that come into conflict.
- Example: A nurse faces a dilemma between telling the truth about a terminal patient's illness vs respecting the family's wishes to the contrary.
- Moral dilemmas are often difficult because no obvious answer or rule exists to determine the "right" action
Resolving Moral Dilemmas or Ethical Conundrums
- Resolving moral dilemmas requires good moral judgment.
- It involves tasks like conceptual clarification, factual inquiries, and resolving interpersonal disagreements.
Steps in Controlling Moral Dilemmas
- Identify relevant moral factors and reasons
- Gather pertinent facts related to moral factors
- Rank moral considerations by importance according to the situation
- Consider alternative courses of action and their consequences
- Discuss with colleagues/friends to obtain varied perspectives
- Consider the views of all stakeholders to come to a carefully reasoned and justified judgment
Conflict of Interest
- Conflict of interest happens when a person or organization has conflicting interests that interfere with objective decisions
- Example: A manager whose brother is a contractor for their company.
- Disclosure and avoidance are crucial to prevent bias
- Ethical considerations are important in making decisions.
Ethical Decision Making
- People make ethical decisions to make the world a better place (altruism) & to avoid unpleasant consequences.
- Almost all societies have laws and rules specified for acceptable behavior and punishments.
- We make ethical decisions daily in many varied situations
Ethical Theories
- An ethical theory defines terms in uniform ways, linking ideas & problems in a coherent manner
- Considered Theories: Relativism, Utilitarianism, Duty Ethics (Deontology), Rights Ethics, and Virtue Ethics
- Relativism: Ethical truths depend on individuals and societies.
- Utilitarianism: Ethical choices are judged by their outcomes, favoring those leading to the greatest overall good.
- Duty Ethics (Deontology): Focuses on moral rules or duties, regardless of outcomes.
- Rights Ethics: Importance of respecting individual rights and treating individuals with dignity and respect.
- Virtue Ethics: Developing excellent character traits to guide morally right decisions
Plagiarism
- Plagiarism is presenting another person's work or ideas as one's own.
- It involves taking language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions and presenting them as the original work.
- It is considered academic dishonesty and a breach of ethics.
- Avoiding plagiarism involves careful note-taking, proper citations, and writing in one's own words.
- Online tools available to help detect plagiarism.
Engineering Creed
- The Engineer's Creed and the Fundamental Canons of the Code
- Includes various rules of practice
Professional Obligations
- Professional obligations for engineers guide actions by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Social Responsibility
- Social responsibility emphasizes acting for the benefit of society (organizations and individuals)
- Includes: Environmental Responsibility, Ethical Responsibility, Economic Responsibility, and Legal Responsibility.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of engineering ethics with this quiz. You'll explore the distinctions between professions and other occupations, the role of professional societies, and major ethical theories like utilitarianism. Dive into the implications of ethical behavior in the engineering field.
