NGN110 Lecture 7: Engineering Ethics PDF

Lecture 7: Engineering Ethics NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul Introduction  Engineering is a profession similar to Law, Medicine, Dentistry,…  Clients (Employers) hire Engineers for their specialized expertise.  Consequently, Engineers have ethical obligations to...

Lecture 7: Engineering Ethics NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul Introduction  Engineering is a profession similar to Law, Medicine, Dentistry,…  Clients (Employers) hire Engineers for their specialized expertise.  Consequently, Engineers have ethical obligations to the client.  Engineers must learn a set of interaction rules NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 2 NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 3 NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 4 NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 5 NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 6 Ethical Drivers When Making Decisions …  Etiquette    Laws    a system of rules and punishments clearly defined by authority e.g. legal driving age Morals    rules of acceptable personal behavior and courtesy e.g. proper dress, forks on a dinner table, seating arrangements personal rules of right and wrong behavior e.g. derived from a person’s upbringing, parents, religious beliefs Ethics  a code or system of rules defining moral behavior for a particular society NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 7 Definition Engineering Ethics are the set of professional behavioral standards that engineers are expected to follow in their work. NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 8 Case Study (1)  Driving over the speed limit when you are late for class      Legal? Moral? Ethical? Good Etiquette? Answers: Illegal – by rules of government Moral to some, immoral to others Unethical – by rules of University Bad etiquette if it effects other drivers NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 9 Case Study (2)  Driving over the speed limit when you are having a baby.      Legal? Moral? Ethical? Good Etiquette? Answers: Illegal – by rules of government Moral Ethical – by rules of University Etiquette does not apply NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 10 Case Study (3) A young engineer is approached by the sales representative of a computer company asking what the maximum dollar limit is for gifts he can accept. The engineer is a member of an evaluation team charged with recommending a vendor from whom to purchase $50 million dollars of CAD/CAM equipment. How should the engineer respond and what would be appropriate for him to accept? NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 11 Code of Ethics – Something You Live With  The fundamental principles  Using knowledge and skills – enhance human welfare  Honest and impartial – serving the public  Striving to increase the prestige of the engineering profession  The fundamental canons  Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public  Perform services only in the area of competence  Continue professional development throughout career… NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 12 IEEE Code Of Ethics Of Engineers 1. to accept responsibility in making engineering decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public 2. to treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin 3. to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data; 4. to reject bribery in all its forms; 5. to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others; …… NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 13 ASME Code Of Ethics Of Engineers 1. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare 2. being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients 3. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession. 4. performing services only in areas of their competence. 5. holding paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. …… NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 14 ASCE Code Of Ethics Of Engineers 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, and shall avoid conflicts of interest 5. continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision …… NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 15 7 Step Guide to Ethical Decision Making NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 16 7 Step Guide to Ethical Decision Making 1. State problem  e.g. "There's something about this decision that makes me uncomfortable" or "Do I have a conflict of interest?" 2. Check facts  Many problems disappear upon closer examination of situation, while other change radically 3. Identify relevant factors  e.g. Persons involved, laws, professional code, other practical constraints (e.g. under $200). 4. Develop list of options  be imaginative NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 17 7 Step Guide to Ethical Decision Making 5. Test options, using such tests as the following:       Harm Test – Does this option do less harm than alternatives? Publicity Test – Would I want my choice of this option published in the newspaper? Defensibility Test – Could I defend choice of option before Congressional Committee or committee of peers? Reversibility Test – Would I still think choice of this option good if I were adversely affected by it? Colleague Test – What do my colleagues say when I describe my problem and suggest this option as my solution? Professional Test – What might my profession’s governing body or ethics committee say about this option? 6. Make a choice based on steps 1 – 5. 7. Review steps 1-6: NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 18 Solving Ethical Conflicts  Internal appeal option  Immediate supervisor  Company wide  External appeal option  Contact the client  Contact the officials  Contact the media NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 19 Whistle-Blowing Whistle-blowing is an act of reporting on unethical conduct within an organization to an outside world in an effort to stop or discourage the organization from continuing the activity. Whistle-blowing occurs when an individual believes that the decision made by a company or the government may be breaking the law, financially profitable but morally wrong, potentially dangerous, etc… NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 20 Contract A contract is a promise (or an agreement) created between two parties. It is inferred by the legal system to do or not to do something. Breaching a contract: One party fails to perform his or her part of the promise Committing a tort: Damage, injury, or a wrongful act done willfully, negligently, but not involving breach of contract, for which a civil suit can be brought NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 21 Personal Ethics - Everyday Examples         Software piracy Expense account padding Copying of homework or tests Income taxes “Borrowing” nuts and bolts, office supplies from employer Copying of Videos or CD’s Plagiarism Using the copy machine at work NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 22 Case Studies NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 23 Ford Pinto Gas Tank Disaster NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul  Faulty designed gas tank led to the deaths of hundreds of people.  Ford knew the problem existed before production.  But the all mighty dollar led to the car being produced in its dangerous form. American University of Sharjah Page 24 Ford Pinto Gas Tank Disaster  Ethical issue with conflict between Engineering and Business Issues.  Use of Cost-Benefit analysis caused the loss of life of hundreds. Ford figured they would kill 180 people with the pinto, which would cost them 49.5 million dollars.  The cost of making the car safe was 11 dollars a car, for a grand total of 137 million dollars.  NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 25 Ford Pinto Gas Tank Disaster  Since the cost of the projected law suits was less than the cost of making the car safe. Ford made the death trap. In the end though just one lawsuit against the company cost Ford 128 million dollars. Also the Pinto ruined the reputation of Ford. NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 26 Union Carbide Chemical Leak NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul  On December 3, 1984 Union Carbide leaked a poisonous gas into the slum neighborhood in Bhopal, India  Once again the pursuit of increased profits cost the lives of innocent people. American University of Sharjah Page 27 Union Carbide Chemical Leak  NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul Effect of Gas Leak:  4,000 people died the night of gas leak  15,000 people died as a direct result of leak  More than 500,000 people have filed claims for injuries from the leak. American University of Sharjah Page 28 Union Carbide Chemical Leak  NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul Reason for Gas Leak:  Irresponsible safety actions taken on the part of the company  As the plant became less profitable, the major corporation made the plant cut back all safety programs to save money.  Even though safety programs were needed, the lives of people around the plant were deemed expendable to produce more profits. American University of Sharjah Page 29 Union Carbide Chemical Leak  NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul Result ….  Was originally sued for 3 Billion dollars.  Only had to pay out 470 million, because their influence with the Indian Government.  One of the worst public relations nightmares ever.  Company lost most of its worth, in falling stock prices. American University of Sharjah Page 30 Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul  The Chernobyl accident in 1986 was a result of a flawed reactor design that was operated with lightly trained personnel and without proper regard to Safety.  The accident was a steam explosion and fire that resulted in the release of 5 percent of the radioactive core to the atmosphere. American University of Sharjah Page 31 Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul  30 people were killed, and there have been 10 other to die of thyroid cancer due to the accident.  The effects of the radiation are still being seen today in birth defects.  70 cases of thyroid cancer were reported.  The nuclear industry was forever scared by a horrible public image. American University of Sharjah Page 32 Ford Explorer Rollovers NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul  A combination of a vehicle with a high center of gravity created with tires that were separating at speed caused a roll over condition.  More than 200 hundred people died as a result of rollover accidents involving the Ford Explorer and Firestone Wilderness AT tires. American University of Sharjah Page 33 Ford Explorer Rollovers     NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul The issue of the Explorer Rollovers is one of the most contested engineering disasters. Both companies have spent millions blaming each other. In the end both companies were to blame for the deaths of the individuals. The courts found that products were defective by design. American University of Sharjah Page 34 Conclusion  Engineers should be familiar with contracts and liability  Code of ethics provides a useful guidance in engineering practice  Internal approach within an organization is always the best method (or the first step) to deal with a conflict of interest; whistle-blowing is the last choice.  You can be held personally, lose your professional license, and legally responsible for your professional actions NGN110: Introduction to Engineering and Computing Dr. Fadi Aloul American University of Sharjah Page 35