CHAPTER 1 and 2: Values,

Technology & Society

TERMS: DEFINITION
1- Technology "art, skill, cunning of hand";
and collection of tools, including
machinery, modifications, arrangements
and procedures used by humans.
2- Engineering discipline that seeks to
study and design new technologies.
3- Ethics The philosophical science that
deals with the rightness and wrongness of
human actions.
It is a moral principal or set of moral
values hold by an individual or group.
Classification of ethics
1. Normative ethics:
Seeks to set norms and standards for
conduct or General theories about what one
ought to do.
2. Meta-ethics:
Systematically studies and investigates the
meanings and sources of ethical principles
(terms, arguments and judgments).
3. Applied ethics:
Application of normative theories to practical
moral issues/ problems.

4- Values Core beliefs that guide and

motivate attitudes and actions
5- Epistemology the study of knowledge
and justified belief. It questions what
knowledge is and how it can be acquired,
and the extent to which knowledge
pertinent to any given subject or entity
can be acquired.

6- Society
a group of people involved in persistent
interpersonal relationship, or a large social
grouping sharing the same geographical or
social territory, typically subject to the same
political authority and dominant cultural
expectations.
KNOWLEDGE
1. Meaning of knowledge
i.
Identification of the knower and
the known, or it is an attribute of the
knower to know the subject ()
ii.
Cognition (Marifah)
iii.
Obtaining (al-Idrak- husul, ihatah)
iv.
Clarification, explanation,
assertion, decision (bayyan,
athbata, mayyaza, qaaa).
v.
Belief (I tiqad, thiqah, sukun nafs)
vi.
Remembrance (tadhakur),
imagination, vision, and opinion.
Motion of the heart (harakah al Qalb).
2. Allah has remind human being about: 1his origin, 2 Origin of Knowledge, 3. Tool
to seek knowledge, 4. Negative attitude
of human being (transgressing) misuse of
knowledge.
Iqra is a command to read the signs of
the Creator has put in the creation to
enable us to grasp something of His
mercy, wisdom, and power. It is a
command to learn, through experience
and understanding the meaning of His
creation.
3. A Selection of Qur'anic Verses which
Comment on the Natural World
A. - On the ongoing process of creation
- [16:8] ...and He creates other things
beyond your knowledge...
- [24:45] ...Allah creates what He
wills...
B. - On pollution and the wasting of
natural resources
C. - On the dual nature of iron
D. - On the origin of life in water
E. - On the diversity of mankind
F. - On the Water Cycle
G. - On Human Embryological and Fetal
Development

H. - On Cosmology

ii.

4. Sources of knowledge
Revelation (Wahy)
Al Umran al-Bashari (Human Experience
& History)
Al- Umran Tabii (Physical World)

iii.

5. Purpose of knowledge
This principles are:
1. Worship of Allah (Total Submission &
obedience).
2. Fulfillment of Shari ah Objectives.

vi.

Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection
Protection

of
of
of
of
of

iv.
v.

vii.
viii.
ix.
x.

religion or Faith.
the soul.
the wealth.
the mind.
the offspring.

9. Ethical theories
Moral Theories refer to the compound and
diverse techniques that are developed by
the ethicists to govern ethical decision
making.

6. Laws of Scientific Inquiry

a. Seeking satisfaction (rida) of Allah.
b. Seeking the knowledge of the Open
book (Allahs creation) for the
purpose of consideration is a
worship.
c. Spread the good & make reform
when needed.
d. Avoid causing corruption &
spreading mischief (fasad).
e. Avoid acting upon gaining luxuries
(Taraf)
f. Non-transgression (taadi)
g. Non-waste (tabdhir)
h. No Injustice (Zulm)
7. Ilm Virtue Pleasure of Allah
a. . Monotheism
b. Ayyah (Subject)
c. Scope: Allah, human, other creatures,
seen & unseen world
d. Comprehensive & inclusive
e. Revelation Ultimate reference
f. Shariah Objectives-bound
g. Istikhlafi & Akhirah oriented
h. Linear growth (cumulative)
i. Equally Multiple valid methods.
j. Certainty is possible.
k. Total dependence on Allah
l. Unity & inter-disciplines relationship
8. Science Power control
i.
Systematic Knowledge

Subject: physical world (Nature)

(Human)
Relativism(no absolute truth or
validity)
Evolutionism (biological concept
of evolution), Materialism.
Secularism , Positivism (senses are the
only sources)
Revolutions & Paradigm shift (a
sudden change in perception)
Exclusive
Pragmatic (The end justifies the
means)
Value-Free
Limitation

10.

i.

ii.

iii.
iv.

v.

Major Ethical Theories

Problems with virtue ethics

It doesn't give clear guidance on how to
act in specific circumstances. It cannot
tell us what the law should be about
abortion, euthanasia, pre-implantation
genetic diagnosis etc.
2- It gives no clear answer to questions
such as 'Is the environment intrinsically
valuable?'.
3- There is also uncertainty about how
you decide on what the virtues are.
4- Is cultivating the virtues really the best
way for an individual to maximize his
human potential?
5- People can do the wrong thing for the
right reasons (e.g. ignorantly kind).

Utilitarianism
Principle of social utility measured by the
resulting amount of pleasure and
happiness.
It Argues that the consequences of an
action make that action either moral or
immoral. An action that leads to
beneficial consequences is right or moral;
one that leads to harmful consequences
is wrong or immoral
Kantian Ethics
-Argues that the consequences of an
action are irrelevant to a moral evaluation
of that action
-He concentrates on the nature of the
action itself as well as its motive in order
to determine whether it is right or wrong
-One does it because it is the right thing
to do
Egoism
Right and wrong are determined by
the course of action that will bring the
most personal pleasure and avoid the
most pain.
Problem
We all have incompatible interests:
how do you decide which interest to
satisfy?

12.
Action Evaluation: An Islamic
Perspective
Source: Revelation (indisputable and
Practical Ethics)
i. The decision is for Allah only. He telleth
the truth and He is the Best of Deciders.
(Anaam: 57)
ii. The decision rests with Allah only, Who
hath commanded you that ye worship
none save Him. (Yusuf: 40)
iii. The decision rests with Allah only. In Him
do I put my trust, and in Him let all the
trusting put their trust. (Yusuf: 67)
11.
Kohlbergs Theory
His theory is a stage theory, meaning
everyone goes through the stages
sequentially without skipping any stage.

The Quran uses a strict and authoritative

way to implement its rules and moral
values . At the same time it tries to remind
us of the great rewards, benefits and

advantages behind good deeds. (Targhib &

Tarhib = Invitation and Intimidation).

that validates or modifies the

hypothesis

Different levels:
Tawhid: The core of Islamic ethics. (to
achieve total freedom)
ii.
Love of Allah and his religion: will ease
our submission to his rules and the
fulfillment of our duties.
iii.
The legality of the action.
iv.
The effect of Intention (good and bad
deeds, The Permissible (Mubah).
v.
Tawakal (Trust In Allah): To Do our best
and leave the consequences to Allahs
will.

3. Thinking styles in the Quran

i.

i.

ii.
iii.
iv.

i. Inquisitive thinking style:

-Asking questions is one of the most effective
tools in teaching and learning since it leads
to the development of new connections in
the brains neural network which, in turn,
leads to new ideas and concepts.
ii. Objective thinking style:
Objectivity means expressing claims and
judgments based on proofs and evidence,
based on certainty and not on doubt or
conjecture to avoid bias, personal interests,
or whims in forming opinions and giving
judgments.

Characteristics of Moral Duties:

.Comprehensiveness and
Inclusiveness: for instance: justice as
a value must applicable to all at all
times.
Simple & achievable: No one should
be charged beyond his capacity.
Flexibility: Different levels of morality
(Maximum and minimum).
Moderation: Thus We have
appointed you a middle nation AlBaqarah: 143).

iii. Hypothetical thinking style

-This style of thinking aims at increasing
human intellect by exposing it to Truth.
iv. Rational thinking style
- Rational can be literally defined as having
the faculty of reasoning, endowed with the
reason, exercising ones reason in a proper
manner, and having sound judgment.

CHAPTER 3 AND 4:
Fundamentals of Scientific
Inquiry in Islam
1. Factors behind the rise of Islamic
sciences
i.
Religious and Ethical factors
ii.
Intellectual factors
iii.
Political factors
iv.
Social factors
v.
Economic factor

2. Scientific Thinking - An Islamic

Perspective
-involving the observation of
phenomena, the formulation of a
hypothesis concerning the
phenomena, experimentation to
demonstrate the truth or falseness of
the hypothesis, and a conclusion

v. Reflective/ Contemplative thinking

style
The Quran draws the attention of mankind
to reflect upon the creation of the universe:
the sky, the stars, the sea, the natural
phenomena such as day and night, the wind,
the rain etc.

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

4. Types of evidence used in the Quran

Sensory or Substantial
Revelational
Historical
Rational

5. Xenophobia to Values
- This idea is about the fear of
adopting and assimilating foreign
values into one's life. Mainly because,
they are perplexed and are too afraid to

take on new values for they might

contradict with inherent or localized
values.

Causes of Muslim Xenophobia to

Values
i. Ignorance : is a state of being
uninformed (lack of knowledge).

Al Haitham- Father of Optics

-

regulating the nile river by making dam,

not successful, prisoned, learned optic
before died.
Kitab al-Manazir (Book of Optics),
Camera obscura, Disapproved the theory
of light by Aristotle, and came out with a
new theory.

ii. Taqlid:
Taqlid literally means "to follow
(someone)", blind imitation of others
in their actions or sayings without
valid proofs or evidences.

Al-Jazari- engineer
- first engineer to provide complete
details for design, manufacture and
assembly
- before, water clocks. His design

iii. Akhiristic Tendency

A factor that caused xenophobia to
values is what I call akhiristic
tendency, some engineers think
hereafter only and they failed to
realize that we are on a bridge and
vehicle to hereafter.

Ibn Ahmad Al-Biruni- One of the

iv Distortion of 'Aqidah
Muslims developed skeptic attitude
and created terms like bid'ah and fear
of it. Bid'ah only applies in religion and
not in science and technology.
v. Takfir of Scientists
Some orthodox scholars prevented
rational and scientific development
vi.'Aql and Naql (Reason &
Revelation)
The conflict between 'aql and naql,
and the relationship between science
and
vii. Colonial mentality
Muslims developed colonialism
mutuality lack of confidence and
inferiority complex to science and
technology.
6. Contributions of Muslim scientists in
the fields of science & technology

technically advanced, very accurate and

beautiful.
- machines for raising water
- crankshaft , rod

Greatest Scientists of all times

Mohammad Bin Musa AlKhawarizmi- The very name Algebra has been
derived from his famous book Al-Jabr
wa-al-Muqabalah
- Developed decimal system
Nasir Al-Din Al Tusi
Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy
and Religion
- new astronomical tables called AlZij-Ilkhani. Which became the most
popular tables among astronomers
and remained so till the 15th century

CHAPTER 5: Attributes of
Engineering Professionalism An
Islamic Perspective
1. Professionalism refers to the qualities,
competencies and skills of
professional.

iii. Care / preservation

The ability to manage oneself,
work carefully in a responsible manner.
(Managerial competency/ Practical
efficiency
iv.. Knowledge
- to be fully aware about the nature of
ones job and the skills needed to perform
the tasks.
(Intellectual
Competency)
- The strong believer is better and more
beloved to Allah than the weak
believer, while there is good in both
2. PROFESSION & ITS MEANING IN
ISLAM
Al-Mihnah: an occupation done with high
skills.It includes services offered to
others. (Mahin):a fellow worker.

i.

3. CHARACTERISTIC OF A PROFESSION
IN THE QURAN
i. Two Prophets: Shuayb & Mussa (u)
- strong, the trustworthy. (26 :).
ii. The prophet Yusuf and the Pharaoh-a
skilled custodian [55 : ]

ii.

iii.
iv.

Verses and Hadiths on the topic

i.Strength
- Strength: efficiency, accurate
implementation, control and discipline


[63 : ]

Hold fast that which We have given you

: ]

[60
Make ready for them all thou canst of
(armed) force
ii. Trustworthiness:
To fulfill ones responsibilities towards the
job, fellow colleagues, work place and the
society. (Moral competency)

He Has Little Faith The One Who Has No
Trust,

Principles of the Islamic professional

ethics and include the following:
Include the preservation of rights
which is one of the core ingredients of
ethical principles.
Include knowing ones duties and
performing them in the best of ones
ability.
Justice with oneself and with his fellow
human beings.
Cover individual and social behavior.
Islam has four main aspects which include:
Doctrine, worship, Law and Ethics
-Itqan and Ihsan share the same basic
meaning of "perfection" and "excellence", or
to do beautiful things.
Ihsan, is one of the three dimensions of
the Islamic religion Islam, Iman and Ihsan.
In contrast to the emphases of Islam (what
one should do) and Iman (why one
should do), the concept of Ihsan is primarily
associated with intention. One who "does
what is beautiful" is called a muhsin.
Some Muslim scholars explain Ihsan as
being the inner dimension of Islam
whereas Shariah is often described as
the outer dimension

4. CRITERIA OF PROFESSIONALISM AN
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
- Accountability to Allah-The idea of
reward and punishment is an incentive to do
what is right and avoid what is wrong. The
relevance of this subject therefore to us is
that the whole of our life is a test. Allah says
in Quran 67:2
-Responsibility-

serious deception even though he is not

lying.
iv.Failing to Adequately Promote the
Dissemination of Information: This may
require to disclose information to avoid a
disaster.
v. Failure to seek out of the truth:
Honest engineer is one who is committed to
finding the truth not simply avoiding
dishonesty.
vii.Revealing Confidential or
Proprietary Information:
viii.Allowing Ones Judgment to Be
Corrupted:
6. Concerning Research & Data
Trimming: the smoothing of irregularities
to make the data look extremely accurate
and precise.
Cooking retaining only those results that fit
the theory and disregarding others
Forging inventing some or all the research
data that are reported, and even reporting
experiments to obtain those date that were
never been performed

5. The nature of Engineering

corruption
i. Lying: Intentionally or at least knowingly
convey false or misleading information.
(intention to deceive)
ii.Deliberate Deception:implying
knowledge that he in fact does not have to
impress an employer of potential customer
he is certainly engaging in deliberate
deception even if he is not lying.
iii.Withholding Information: If an
engineer deliberately fails to bring up some
of the negative aspects of a project he is
promoting to his superior he engages in

7. Confidentiality in Engineering
information which the employer would
like to have kept secret in order to
compete effectively against business rival
Privileged information- covers
information which has not yet become
public or widely known within an
organization.
Proprietary information:-new
knowledge generated within the
organization which can be legally
protected from use by others.
8. Conflict of interests
individuals outside financial interests
could directly and significantly affect the
individuals professional actions or
decisions.
9. Types of Intellectual properties

i.Patent: It is a legal document defining

ownership of a particular area of new
technology. An invention must be some
product or process that embodies the
idea
ii.Trade secret: is a confidential piece of
intellectual property that provides a
company with a competitive advantage.
Examples of trade secrets include:
formulas, processes, proprietary designs,
strategic plans, customer lists, and other
collections of information.
10.
Copyrighted Material
Copyright is a form of protection provided
to the authors of original works and
includes such things as literary, dramatic,
musical, artistic, and certain other
intellectual creations, both published and
unpublished

The owner of a copyright has five

principal rights:
The right to reproduce the copyrighted
work
The right to distribute copies of the work
to the public
The right to display copies of the work in
public
The right to perform the work in public
The right to produce new works derived
from the copyrighted work

CHAPTER 6: Codes of Ethics &

Professional Employee Rights
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

1. Scope
Integrity.
Competence.
Individual Responsibilities.
Professional Responsibilities.
Human Concerns

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

2. Why is the Code of Ethics important

It is a SYMBOLE of Professionalism.
A BASIC qualifying requirement.
An EDGE in competition.
Ultimate BENEFIT of the profession.

3. Limitations
i.
vagueness (Health, Safety, Welfare).
ii.
Conflict in various codes.

iii.

iv.

They cannot serve as ultimate or final

moral authority for professional
conduct.
The proliferation of codes of ethics for
different branches of engineering gives a
feeling that ethical codes are relative.
4. Major Professional Engineering
Bodies In Malaysia
i.
The Board of Engineers (BEM
ii.
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
(IEM
iii.
The Association of Consulting
Engineers, Malaysia (ACEM)

5. Professional Employee Rights

INTERNAL RESPONSIBILITIES
i- Collegiality : Considered a
professional virtue
- Four central elements:
Respect: for colleagues, clients
Commitment: to overall good
Connectedness: to broader picture
Cooperation: with the team
ii- Loyalty.
Agency loyalty (Owed, fulfil contractual
duties, Do your job and follow the rules)
VS Identification loyalty (More to do
with emotions, attitudes, and a sense of
belonging).
iii- Respect for authority.

- Authority is the right to have control

over decision affecting the interests of
the employer and the business.
- Two kind of authority:
1 Institutional authority: associated
with administrative position
2 Expert Authority: results from
specialized knowledge

ii.

iii.

iv- Collective bargaining:

A- Attack problems not people.
B- Build trust.
C- Start with discussion and analysis of
interests, concerns, needs not solutions.
EXTERNAL RESPONSIBILITIES
i- Confidentiality.
ii- Reporting.
iii- Occupational crimes
iv- Conflict of Interests:

CHAPTER 7: Relationship
Between Religion & Science
1. Religion & Science: Comparison
i.
Both pursue knowledge.
ii.
Different methodologies.
-Science: reason, empiricism &
evidence.
-Religion: revelation, faith &
sacredness.
iii.
Prior to scientific revolution most
scientific and technical innovations
were achieved by societies organized
by religious traditions.
2. Western Standpoint
i.
Conflict between the disciplines.
ii.
Independence of the disciplines.
iii.
Dialogue between the disciplines
where they overlap.
iv.
Integration of both into one field.
3. Islamic Standpoint
i.
Science, the study of nature, is
considered to be linked to the concept
of Tawhid (the Oneness of God), as are
all other branches of knowledge.

iv.

In Islam, nature is not seen as a

separate entity, but rather as an
integral part of Islam's holistic outlook
on God, humanity, and the world.
The Islamic view of science and nature
is continuous with that of religion and
God. This link implies a sacred aspect
to the pursuit of scientific knowledge
by Muslims, as nature itself is viewed
in the Qur'an as a compilation of signs
pointing to the Divine.
It was with this understanding that
science was studied and understood in
Islamic civilizations, specifically during
the eighth to sixteenth centuries, prior
to the colonization of the Muslim
world.

4. Epistemic & Non-Epistemic Values

i.
Epistemic values: An epistemic value is
one for which one has reason to believe
that it will, if pursued, help toward the
attainment of epistemic goals; all other
values are non-epistemic values.
ii.
Non-epistemic values: refer essentially
to values that are ideological, economical,
or political (like feminism, sexism,
Marxism, fascism, capitalism, and
racism), or ethical, environmental,
esthetical, or religious.
5. Role of values in science
selectors among different fields of
investigation.
ii.
selectors among alternative, empirically
equivalent theories or hypotheses (these
are often referred to as epistemic values).
iii.
"regulative" ideas of science, that is, as
indicators of the place and meaning that
the scientific enterprise as a whole should
have in our culture, in society, and in our
life in general.
iv.
guides to the application of our scientific
knowledge and technology to practical
decision making.
i.