Professionalism in Engineering

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Questions and Answers

What historical association did the term 'profession' have during the Middle Ages?

It was linked to monastic life and moral obligations. (correct)

It denoted any type of skilled labor.

It was related to public speaking.

It referred to high-paying jobs.

According to the sociological account, what primarily defines a profession?

Market demand for services.

Social recognition and prestige.

Legal standards and regulations.

Characteristics associated with professionalism. (correct)

What is the implicit agreement in the social contract account of professionalism?

Professionals agree to work for free.

Professionals promise to provide skilled services in exchange for social recognition. (correct)

Professionals must adhere strictly to legal obligations only.

Public trust in professionals is not needed.

What does Michael Davis’s account suggest about a profession?

It is a group of individuals serving a moral ideal in a permissible manner. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the 'Independent Operator' stage in professional identity development?

Meeting external guidelines and defined expectations. Signup and view all the answers

How is professionalism viewed in the 'Team-Oriented Idealist' stage?

As conforming to expectations of other professionals. Signup and view all the answers

At which stage in professional identity development does one integrate personal values with those of their profession?

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

Which stage in professional identity is often not fully achieved until mid-life?

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

What is the primary obligation of engineers according to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)?

To ensure the protection and welfare of the public Signup and view all the answers

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

To consider the protection of their client’s interests Signup and view all the answers

What does the 2004 decision of TMMOB highlight as a fundamental principle for engineers and architects?

To use science and technology for the benefit of humanity Signup and view all the answers

Which group is emphasized as having a significant place of interest in an engineer’s service according to the 1963 code of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers?

Their clients and employers as primary interests Signup and view all the answers

In their professional roles, engineers and architects should strive to protect which of the following elements?

A multicultural structure and cultural richness Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the social responsibilities of engineers and architects as per the provided content?

They develop relationships respecting human rights and democracy Signup and view all the answers

What action should engineers take if their professional judgment is overruled in situations that can endanger public welfare?

Notify their employer, client, and any appropriate authority Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme do the canons from various engineering organizations emphasize?

The necessity of prioritizing public safety and welfare Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary obligation of engineers as compared to other professions?

To prioritize the good of the public Signup and view all the answers

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

About 33% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the autonomy of engineers?

Engineers have more independence than nonprofessionals Signup and view all the answers

Which profession explicitly states responsibility primarily to the client or patient?

Accountancy Signup and view all the answers

In which way does engineering differ significantly from law and medicine?

There is no registration requirement for engineers Signup and view all the answers

What do the Model Rules of Professional Conduct emphasize for lawyers?

Public trust and accountability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a shared obligation among most professions mentioned?

Fulfilling obligations to the public Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of engineering enhances the need for an ethical code?

Potential risks to public safety from engineering decisions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of engineers and architects towards their employers or clients?

To use their professional skills and experience for the employer/client's benefit. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of incompetence among engineers during technical tasks?

Improper use or disposal of products by users. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'silo mentality' refer to in the context of engineering ethics?

Keeping information compartmentalized and not sharing it. Signup and view all the answers

Why is critical thinking important in engineering according to the discussion of potential moral problems?

It helps prevent groupthink and encourages diverse viewpoints. Signup and view all the answers

How does a lack of vision impact engineering decision-making?

It may lead to overlooking suitable alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bias is promoted by the notion that safety engineers will prevent potential problems?

Positivity bias. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does poor management have on engineering professionals?

Leads to shortcuts in engineering tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of Engineers and Architects towards society?

Prioritizing the health and safety of society Signup and view all the answers

What should Engineers and Architects do if their professional judgments are ignored by their employer?

Notify their opinions in writing to the employer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of Engineers and Architects?

Treating society unfairly for personal gains Signup and view all the answers

How should Engineers and Architects handle technical issues of interest to society?

Explain them in a correct, complete, and objective manner Signup and view all the answers

What premise underlies the responsibility of Engineers and Architects towards environmental concerns?

Acceptance of the earth's survival as a right and value Signup and view all the answers

What should Engineers and Architects emphasize to improve societal understanding of technology?

The appropriate use and potential results of technology Signup and view all the answers

What does moral awareness enable an engineer to do?

Recognize moral problems in engineering Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the priority of Engineers and Architects?

Their responsibilities towards society take precedence over personal interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of moral coherence?

Creating consistent viewpoints based on relevant facts Signup and view all the answers

How should Engineers and Architects deal with occupational safety?

They are obliged to take necessary measures to protect health and safety Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect emphasizes genuine concern for the well-being of others?

Respect for persons Signup and view all the answers

Moral imagination is best described as the ability to:

Discern alternative responses to moral issues Signup and view all the answers

What does moral communication specifically require?

Use of a common ethical language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of promoting public well-being as an engineer?

Preventing harm to the public Signup and view all the answers

What does moral hope reflect in the context of ethics?

Appreciation for rational dialogue in resolving conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Tolerance of diversity is characterized by:

Acceptance of reasonable differences in moral perspectives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1: Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

The lecture is about Introduction to Engineering and Ethics.
The course is 1400111011.
The instructor is Asst. Prof. Mete Öğüç.

What is a Profession?

In the Middle Ages, "profession" was connected to a monk's public declaration of lifestyle, emphasizing strict moral requirements.
By the late 17th century, the meaning of "profession" evolved to apply to individuals claiming expertise for providing services to others.
Three approaches to professionalism:
- Sociological account: Defines what a profession is through its characteristics (e.g., extended training, specialized knowledge).
- Social contract account: Professionals have an implied agreement with society. Professionals agree to maintain skill, provide good service, follow ethical standards. Society, in exchange, grants professionals higher pay, prestige, freedom.
- Michael Davis's account: Professionals voluntarily organize to pursue a moral ideal beyond the law, market, and societal expectations.

What is a Profession - Characteristics

Professionals typically require a substantial period of training, usually at a university.
Professionals possess knowledge essential for societal well-being.
They often have some degree of control over their profession, notably regulating training and admission.
Professionals have a degree of autonomy in their work.
They are typically guided by ethical codes intended to benefit the public.

Three Stages in the Development of Professional Identity

Independent Operator: Professionals adhere to external guidelines and expectations.
Team-Oriented Idealist: Professionals align with the expectations of exemplary colleagues.
Self-Defining or Integrated Professional: Professional values are integrated with personal values.

Registration of Engineers

Not all countries require registration to practice as an engineer.
In some countries, like the US, less than a third of engineers are registered.
While some professions have complete control over who practices, engineers have less control, even among those who are registered. Engineers are obligated to adhere to their profession's ethical codes.

Primacy of the Public Good

Engineering's primary obligation is to the good of the public.
This contrasts with other professions where clients' and employers' interests might take priority.
Professional codes often emphasize public health, safety, welfare, and well-being.

Potential Moral Problems

Lack of vision: Engineers may stick to traditional approaches, failing to consider alternatives and potential risks.
Incompetence: Engineers may lack the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience.
Poor management: Engineers might face shortages in time, resources, or materials.
Tunnel Vision: Focusing on a singular concern/approach, missing crucial alternatives.
Positivity Bias: Believing that other professionals will catch mistakes or foresee risks.
Unwariness: Unpredictable user behavior or misapplication of a product.
Dishonesty & Pressure from Management: Prompting engineers to employ shortcuts or unethical behavior.
Inattention: Not monitoring a product after it's deployed.

Why Study Engineering Ethics?

Moral awareness: Recognizing moral problems in engineering.
Moral reasoning: Addressing these concerns using critical analysis.
Moral Coherence: Develop a viewpoint encompassing relevant facts.
Moral Imagination: Identifying and exploring alternative solutions.
Moral Communication: Sharing and expressing moral viewpoints effectively.

Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

A person's profession is part of their identity;
Practicing engineering requires adhering to professional codes and standards;
Professionals have a duty to the public, encompassing well-being and welfare.
Engineers must be mindful of the social context behind their work and adopt a critical perspective towards technology.

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Description

Explore the evolution of professionalism in the context of engineering through this quiz. Delve into various stages of professional identity development and ethical obligations as defined by historical and sociological accounts. Test your knowledge on key principles and obligations that shape engineering as a profession.