Engineering Ethics Chapter 2 PDF Spring 2021

Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hamadan 1 and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah Spring 2021 Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by 1/23/2021 Moham...

Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hamadan 1 and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah Spring 2021 Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by 1/23/2021 Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah  2.1 Resolving Ethical Dilemmas  2.2 Making Moral Choices  2.3 Codes of Ethics Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 2  “Borrowing” nuts and bolts, office supplies from employer Copying of Videos or CD’s Plagiarism Using the copy machine at work Software piracy Expense account padding Copying of homework or tests Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 3  Ethical (or moral) dilemmas are situations in which moral reasons come into conflict, or in which the applications of moral values are unclear, and it is not immediately obvious what should be done.  Even routine moral decision making in engineering requires weighing and balancing conflicting moral values. How do we do this?  Reasonable Solution to Ethical Dilemma has to be clear, informed, and well-reasoned Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 4  Steps in Resolving Ethical Dilemma: 1. Moral Clarity 2. Conceptual Clarity 3. Informed about the Facts 4. Informed about the Options 5. Well-Reasoned Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 5  A chemical engineer working in the environment division of a computer manufacturing firm learns that her company might be discharging unlawful amounts of lead and arsenic into the city sewer. The city processes the slug into a fertilizer, the city imposes restrictive laws on the discharge of lead and arsenic. Preliminary investigations convince the engineer that the company should implement stronger pollution controls, but her supervisor tell her the cost of doing so is prohibitive and the technically company is compliance with the law. She is also scheduled to appear before town officials to testify in the matter. What should she do? Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 6  Identifying the Relevant Moral Values: Identifying the moral values and reasons applicable in the situation and keeping them in mind as we investigate further – these include obligations, duties, rights, goods, ideals, and other moral considerations. Resources for this: 1. Talking with colleagues 2. Interpreting moral frameworks 3. Applying professional codes of ethics Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 7  Clarify Key Concepts Making sure the relevant concepts are clear in any case “e.g.” a) Holding paramount b) Safety c) Welfare d) Threat e) Danger f) Truthful, etc. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed 1/23/2021 Esmaail Shakfah 8  Professionalism requires being a faithful agent of one's employer, but does that mean doing what one's supervisor directs or doing what is good for the corporation in the long run? These might be different things, in particular when one's supervisor is adopting a short-term view that could harm the long-term interests of the corporation. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 9  Obtain Relevant Information Gathering information that is relevant with respect to the applicable moral values (ref. a) moral clarity). This usually means being as certain as possible about the facts of the case. Sometimes the primary difficulty in resolving moral dilemmas is uncertainty about the facts, rather than conflicting values. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 10  Certainly in the case at hand, the chemical engineer needs to check and recheck her findings, perhaps asking colleagues for their perspectives. Her corporation seems to be violating the law, but is it actually doing so? We, like the engineer, need to know more about the possible harm caused by the minute quantities of lead and arsenic over time. How serious is it, and how likely to cause harm? Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 11  Consider all Options Being careful to consider not just the obvious or usual options, but all potential options for resolving the dilemma. Openly listing all options and sub-options, regardless of how unlikely they may seem, is a good way of making sure you’ve covered all important options. Either bow to a supervisor's orders or blow the whistle to the town authorities. A closer look often reveals additional options. (Sometimes writing down the main options and sub options as a matrix or decision tree ensures that all options are considered.) Unless an emergency develops, these and other steps should be attempted before informing authorities outside the corporation Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 12  A reasonable Decision Arriving at a carefully reasoned judgment by weighing all the relevant moral reasons and facts. This is not a mechanical process but rather a deliberation that takes all reasons, facts and values into account in a morally reasonable manner. Codes and theories of ethics can help, but they will not resolve all dilemmas or apply perfectly to every circumstance; and sometimes two codes, canons, or principles will conflict. In these cases the ability to reason well is crucial. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 13 We might divide ethical dilemmas into two broad categories. A. Right or wrong dilemmas: "Right" means that one course of action is obligatory and failing to do that action is unethical (immoral). B. Better-Worse: Unfortunately, many dilemmas have multiple solutions, none of which are mandatory but one of which must be chosen. The task here is to decide which one is better than the rest, any of which might be morally permissible. The best one is the one that will bring about more good than the others. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 14  In most instances (Right or wrong dilemmas) a code of ethics specifies what is clearly required: Obey the law and heed engineering standards, do not offer or accept bribes, speak and write truthfully, maintain confidentiality, and so forth. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 15 Engineer A, an environmental engineer, is retained by a major industrial owner to examine certain lands adjacent to an abandoned industrial facility formerly owned and operated by the owner. Owner’s attorney, Attorney X, requests that as a condition of the retention agreement that Engineer A sign a secrecy provision whereby Engineer A would agree not to disclose any data, findings, conclusions or other in-formation relating to his examination of the owner’s land to any other party unless ordered by a court. Engineer A signs the secrecy provision. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 16 Engineer Ais employed by a software company and is involved in the design of specialized software in connection with the operations of facilities affecting the public health and safety (i.e., nuclear, air quality control, water quality control). As part of the design of a particular software system, Engineer A conducts extensive testing, and although the tests demonstrate that the software is safe to use under existing standards, Engineer A is aware of new draft standards that are about to be released by a standard setting organization—standards which the newly designed software may not meet. Testing is extremely costly and the company’s clients are eager to begin to move forward. The software company is eager to satisfy its clients, protect the software company’s finances, and protect existing jobs; but at the same time, the management of the software company wants to be sure that the software is safe to use. A series of tests proposed by Engineer A will likely result in a decision whether to move forward with the use of the software. The tests are costly and will delay the use of the software at least six months, which will put the company at a competitive disadvantage and cost the company a significant amount of money. Also, delaying implementation will mean the state public service commission utility rates will rise significantly during this time. The company requests Engineer A’s recommendation concerning the need for additional software testing. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 17  Case Study: Aluminum Cans: US Company start to manufacturing in 1925 and control the market, even asking other company always to consult with them Case of monopoly “Crime in US” Judge ask the company ask company A to be divided into sub company All Companies start competent in the market Manager invite hi colleagues in small picnic, during this calibration he forget to bring can opening and ask the employee to solve, Gradually decision 1980, start with environmental protection Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 18  Moral decision-making is similar to engineering design process, which is an important reason why we are teaching basic design and ethics in the same course (the other main reason is that many ethical dilemmas in design arise within the context of design). Both design and ethical decision making involve the following: a) engaged participation We are agents and actors in the process, not passive or detached spectators (as we might be if we were watching a court case on TV) b) process similarities I. alternative solutions to problems, more than one of which is satisfactory II. multiple moral factors are involved and must be balanced; in many cases one possible solution is better in some ways, but another is better in other ways III. some solutions are clearly unacceptable, and there are ‘background constraints’ that limit the range of reasonable options IV. uncertainties and ambiguities are always present V. the problem, is dynamic – not one finite problem, but a cluster of problems that evolve over time; solving one part of the problem creates other problems Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 19  Codes of ethics state the moral responsibilities of engineers as seen by the profession, and as represented by a professional society. They express the profession’s collective commitment to ethics: they identify engineers’ ethical responsibilities as well as his freedom to exercise these responsibilities (which implies that professional judgment is crucial). Example of Code of Ethics: A. NSPE B. IEEE C. AIChE D. ASCE E. ASME F. ACM/IEEE/CS Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 20  NSPE Code of Ethics: six basic canons which can be applied widely to ensure ethical behavior in virtually any engineering situation: The first five canons outline engineers’ public/social obligations The sixth canon outlines engineers’ obligations to the engineering profession itself. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 21  1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public 2. Perform services only in areas of their competence. 3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. 4. Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. 5. Avoid deceptive acts 6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 22 Codes have eight essential roles: a) Serving and Protecting the Public Professionals act to protect and serve the public (they are involved in a ‘fiduciary relationship’), which means that the public gives its trust to engineers, and engineers promise to be trustworthy. Codes of ethics function as a written commitment by the profession as a whole that engineers will serve the public health, safety and welfare. This is the primary function of codes of ethics, and the remaining functions (below) all contribute to this one. b) Guidance Codes give helpful but general (therefore flexible) guidance to engineers, and also outline their main responsibilities. Sometimes these more general guides are supplemented by more specific guidelines, statements, and interpretations. c) Inspiration Codes provide for motivation to act ethically, since they outline a collective commitment shared by all engineers to protect and ensure the public good. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 23 d) Shared Standards The diversity of moral viewpoints among engineers (and all people) makes it essential that professions establish explicit standards – these are minimum standards (you can perform better than these, but not worse), but usually the standards are high (because the responsibilities are serious). e) Support for Responsible Professionals Codes allow engineers to refuse to do something wrong on the grounds that their professional codes forbid it. This can be a helpful and convincing argument to make when someone pressures an engineer to act unethically. Beyond this, the code provides legal support when the engineer is charged with not living up to his work- related obligations (due to the fact that those actions violate the code). f) Education and Mutual Understanding Codes are publically available and accordingly can help encourage a shared understanding among professionals, the public, and government organizations about the moral responsibilities of engineers. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 24 g) Deterrence and Discipline Codes allow for formal investigation of unethical conduct, which is a strong deterrent to immoral behavior. h) Contributing to the Profession’s Image Codes that highlight ethical responsibilities contribute to an overall image of engineering as a profession ethically committed to the public’s best interests. This can also help engineers argue for more powers of self-regulation and less imposition of standards and regulations set by the government. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 25 a) not acted upon Published and approved but not taken seriously or not enforced. This just makes the public cynical of the profession and ultimately hurts engineers themselves. b) stifling of dissent If taken as absolute rules, rather than flexible principles, codes can stop engineers and the public from discussing code provisions and engineer’s duties, and restricting honest disagreement about whether certain provisions or practical actions are appropriate or not (possible for engineers to hide immoral activities behind a code statute). Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 26 c) restricting honest moral effort If codes are not taken seriously, they can be used to project an image of morality while unethical behaviors proliferate behind the scenes. They can also be ‘protected’ to the point that engineers are afraid to tarnish the profession’s image by admitting to failures that do not live up the standards of the ethical codes. d) restraining of commerce Codes can sometimes force high levels of fees, for example, by requiring that engineers do not compete on the basis of fees charged to clients. This can have the effect of weakening smaller and less well-known engineering companies because they are not able to compete in other ways (don’t have as much experience as bigger firms, don’t have the depth of employee resources, etc.) Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 27   Vague warding (Unclear warding of code)  Conflict between code entries  Proliferation (close meaning to this is: multiple-conflict between different codes of ethics of different disciplines)  Code can be flawed (Flawed=Imperfect)(respect literal meaning of words without changing to favour certain outcomes) Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 28 The view that actions are morally right within a particular society when, and only because, they are approved by low, customs, or other conventions of that society Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 29  1. Subjective Relativism (Subjectivism) The view that actions are right or wrong relative to individual preference. 2. Cultural Relativism (Conventionalism) The view that an action is right if one’s culture approves it. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 30 3. Emotivism - The view of moral judgements cannot be either true or false, but are instead expressions of emotions or attitude - Moral statements are used to express emotions and to try to influence other people’s behaviour, but are not supportable by valid moral reasons. 4. Ethical Objectivism States that some moral judgements are universal (valid for everyone). Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 31  5. Ethical Pragmatism This approach of understanding code of ethics is based on recognize and record ethical obligations that are already practiced by the profession. Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 32  A. Clarity and coherent B. Systematic and comprehensive C. Compatible with moral conviction Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 33  Genetic Engineering and Cloning: You have been offered a full scholarship to study Genetics Engineering by ABC biological company and eventually you will be working for ABC biological company. The company works in multiple projects that involves cloning, stem research, and genetic engineered product. The company is involved in agricultural, medical and defense projects. Should the engineer accept the job offer.  Discuss the above point. Make sure you list:  Ethical Dilemma  Relevant Facts  Involved Parties/factors  Relevant code of ethics Prepared by Dr. Omar Alkhatib, Dr. Mohammed Hmadan and Jon, Modified by Mohammed Esmaail Shakfah 1/23/2021 34