Chapter 5

Engineering Ethics
Introduction to Engineering

Ethics
Study of morality and the moral
choices that we all have to make in
our lives

Why Is Engineering Ethics Important?

People rely heavily on engineers to provide them

with safe and reliable goods and services

Engineers must perform under a certain standard
of professional behavior which requires adherence
to the highest principles of ethical conduct
Mistakes made by unethical and/or incompetent
engineers do not just cost money, they could cost
many lives.

Ethics Definition
The study of the general nature of

morals and of specific moral choices

The rules or standards governing the

conduct of the members of a profession

Fundamental Canons
Engineers in their professional duties, shall:
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 for each employer or client as faithful agents.
5. Avoid deceptive ( )acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and
lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession.

Definitions
Academic DishonestyRefers to behaviors that

include cheating on tests, homework assignments,

lab reports; plagiarism; lying about being sick and
not taking a test because of it; signing the attendance
sheet for another student, or asking another student
to sign the sheet for you in your absence.
PlagiarismRefers to presenting someone elses
work as your own. You may use or cite the work of
others, but make sure that you cite where you obtain
the information from.

Definitions
Conflict of Interest A conflict between the

individuals personal interests and the individuals

obligations because of the position he or she holds
Contract An agreement among two or more parties,
which they entered into freely. A legal contract is one
that is legally binding, meaning if not fulfilled it could
have legal consequences.
Professional Responsibility Responsibility
associated with the mastery of special kind of
knowledge that a person possesses and the use of
knowledge for well-being and benefit of the society.

Summary
You should understand the importance

of engineering ethics and why you

should live by these codes of ethics
You should understand the engineers

creed and reasons why you should take

the pledge