Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

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Questions and Answers

What is moral awareness primarily concerned with in the context of engineering?

The ability to form consistent viewpoints

Recognizing moral problems and issues (correct)

Genuine concern for others' well-being

Precision in moral communication

Which aspect of moral reasoning involves understanding and evaluating opposing arguments?

Cogent moral reasoning (correct)

Moral imagination

Moral coherence

Moral communication

What is a distinguishing feature of the engineering profession compared to other major professions?

A clear obligation to prioritize public good over other interests. (correct)

Engineers operate in complete autonomy without any oversight.

Engineers have no ethical codes governing their conduct.

A requirement for all engineers to be registered.

What does moral integrity require from an individual in a professional context?

Integrating personal convictions with professional life Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of engineers in the United States are registered with state licensing boards?

About one-third. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept emphasizes the importance of creative solutions in responding to moral issues?

Moral imagination Signup and view all the answers

Which profession emphasizes obligations to clients and the legal system similarly to engineers' obligation to the public?

Accountants. Signup and view all the answers

What does tolerance of diversity involve in a moral context?

Respecting ethnic and religious differences Signup and view all the answers

Which is an essential component of moral communication?

Precision in expressing moral views Signup and view all the answers

How does engineering compare to fields such as law and medicine regarding professional autonomy?

Engineers have more autonomy than most nonprofessionals. Signup and view all the answers

What does moral hope refer to in resolving ethical conflicts?

Striving for rational dialogue to solve issues Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the ethical obligations of the legal profession according to the Model Rules of Professional Conduct?

A lawyer serves clients but is also a public citizen with responsibilities for justice. Signup and view all the answers

The ethical codes of which profession are developed primarily for the benefit of patients?

Medicine. Signup and view all the answers

Which obligation is typically placed on engineers regarding public welfare?

To prevent harm and promote the well-being of the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of engineers' ethical codes?

Regulating their conduct for the public good. Signup and view all the answers

Compared to engineers, how do other professions like law and medicine prioritize their ethical obligations?

They prioritize clients and employers first. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do engineers and architects have towards their employer/client?

To fully leverage their skills for the benefit of the employer/client Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is considered unethical for engineers and architects?

Disclosing employer/client secrets to colleagues Signup and view all the answers

What problem is associated with groupthink in engineering teams?

Overlooking viable alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'silo mentality' in an engineering context?

Keeping information compartmentalized within departments Signup and view all the answers

What moral problem arises due to poor management in engineering?

Incompetence in carrying out technical tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of improper product disposal by an unwary owner?

Environmental harm or safety hazards Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a profession according to the sociological account?

A combination of ethical standards and public service Signup and view all the answers

What bias overlooks suitable alternatives in engineering decision-making?

Tunnel vision Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of professional identity involves strict adherence to external guidelines?

Independent Operator Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for engineers to study ethics?

To ensure welfare, health, and safety of society Signup and view all the answers

According to the social contract account, what do professionals agree to provide?

Expertise and ethical conduct Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is highlighted in Michael Davis’s account of a profession?

Service to a moral ideal beyond legal and market requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of professional identity best reflects the integration of personal and professional values?

Self-Defining or Integrated Professional Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Team-Oriented Idealist stage?

Conforming to exemplary expectations of peers Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does the public agree to provide professionals in the social contract account?

Above-average wages and social recognition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a profession according to the discussed accounts?

Regulation by strict market forces Signup and view all the answers

What does the 1828 charter that established the Institution of Civil Engineers define engineering as?

The art of controlling power in nature for human benefit. Signup and view all the answers

According to the 1912 code of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, what is considered the primary obligation of engineers?

To protect the interests of clients or employers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority according to the National Society of Professional Engineers' Fundamental Canons?

The welfare of the public. Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the 2004 decision of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects regarding the use of science and technology?

To benefit humanity while preserving the natural balance. Signup and view all the answers

How do engineers and architects develop relationships according to their social responsibilities?

By respecting human rights and societal values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obligation of engineers and architects regarding the society's interests?

To use their expertise for the common interests of society Signup and view all the answers

What is a key point of the social responsibilities outlined for engineers and architects?

Promoting cultural richness without discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

Which action should engineers and architects take if they determine that a project poses serious risks to society?

Notify the employer, and if unheeded, inform professional organizations Signup and view all the answers

In the case where an engineer's judgment is overridden, what must they do according to the NSPE canons?

Notify their employer or client to address the concerns. Signup and view all the answers

How should engineers and architects present their technical opinions to society?

With complete transparency and thorough research Signup and view all the answers

According to the 1963 code of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, who should engineers serve with devotion?

Their employers, clients, and the public. Signup and view all the answers

What is stated as a critical measure that engineers and architects should take regarding workplace safety?

Take measures to protect worker health and safety Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the environment is emphasized as a responsibility for engineers and architects?

To promote the healthy development of nature and social environment Signup and view all the answers

How should engineers and architects treat everyone in society according to the ethics outlined?

With fairness, honesty, and good faith Signup and view all the answers

What objective should engineers and architects strive to achieve regarding public understanding of technology?

To help society understand technology and its proper use Signup and view all the answers

What should take precedence over engineers' personal interests according to ethical guidelines?

The health, safety, and welfare of society Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

What is a Profession?
- In the Middle Ages, "profession" was linked to a monk's public declaration of life-style with strict moral requirements.
- By the late 17th century, the term became secularized, applying to those claiming expertise to perform valued services.
- Three approaches to professionalism:
  - Sociological account
  - Social contract account
  - Michael Davis's account

Characteristics of a Profession

Extensive training: Usually obtained at a university level.
Essential knowledge/skills: Vital for societal well-being.
Monopoly/near-monopoly: Over provision of professional services; control over education & admission.
Autonomy: Significant degree of freedom in the workplace.
Ethical standards: Adherence to ethical codes that benefit the public.

Stages of Professional Identity Development

Independent Operator: Professionalism follows fixed guidelines and expectations.
Team-Oriented Idealist: Professionalism aligns with the expectations of peers, emphasizing exemplary professionals.
Self-Defining/Integrated Professional: Professional values merge with personal values; achieved later in mid-life.

Registration of Engineers

Complete control absent: In some countries, registration is not mandatory for engineering practice (e.g., USA).
Autonomy varies: Engineers in organizations may have more autonomy compared to non-professionals.
Ethical codes: Regulate engineer conduct for the public good.
- Arguments for/against registration:
  - Against: Increased cost of services, hindering cooperation between engineers and non-engineers.
  - For: Increased professional autonomy, clearer public impact distinction.

The Primacy of the Public Good

Engineering ethics prioritizes public welfare over employer/client interests.
Examples:
- Model Rules of Professional Conduct (American Bar Association): Lawyers represent clients, upholding legal justice.
- Code of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Responsibility to a broad public (clients, investors, etc.).
- Code of Medical Ethics (American Medical Association): Prioritization of patient welfare alongside societal needs.
Codes from various engineering organizations (e.g., Institution of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineers) stress the obligation to the public, with public safety and well-being taking priority.
The TMMOB (Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects) emphasizes the societal benefit of engineering and balanced development of the environment.

Potential Moral Problems in Engineering

Lack of Vision: Tunnel vision, overlooking alternative solutions, groupthink.
Incompetence: Lack of skill or knowledge among engineers.
Poor Management: Lack of resources (time or proper materials).
Silo Mentality: Compartmentalization of information and lack of communication across departments.
Positivity Bias: Relying on others to catch problems or mitigate risks.
Unwariness: Issues with product use/misuse by end-users.
Dishonesty/Pressure: Management pressure leading to shortcuts.
Inattention: Failure to monitor product performance after sales.

Why Study Engineering Ethics?

Moral awareness: Identifying moral issues in engineering.
Cogent moral reasoning: Clarifying and assessing opposing viewpoints.
Moral coherence: Forming consistent and comprehensive viewpoints.
Moral imagination: Finding creative and alternative solutions to moral issues.
Moral communication: Precise and effective communication of moral viewpoints.
Moral hope: Recognizing the possibility of resolving moral conflicts using rational dialogue, emphasizing the importance of fostering tolerance towards different opinions and viewpoints.
Moral reasonableness: Willingness and ability to be morally reasonable.
Respect for persons: Concern for the well-being of others.
Tolerance of diversity: Respecting differences in ethnic and religious viewpoints.
Integrity: Maintaining personal and professional integrity and balancing professional life with personal convictions.