College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department of Biomedical, Industrial,

and Human Factors Engineering

BME / IHE 601

Academic Engineering Integrity
Engineering Ethics

Dave Kender

June 1, 2011
General Definition of Ethics

n  The study of the characteristics of morals

n  The study of the moral choices made by each person

in his or her relationships with other persons

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

 Engineering Ethics

n  The rules and standards which govern the conduct of engineers
in their role as professionals

n  Engineering ethics are similar to general ethics, but apply to the
specific issues which affect engineering professionals

n  Because of its importance to all engineers, ABET

(Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) now
mandates that ethics be included in the engineering curriculum

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

n  There is an increased awareness of its importance to

engineers due to publicity surrounding recent high
profile engineering failures

n  Decisions made by engineers can impact public

health, safety, business practices and politics

n  Engineers should be aware of moral implications as

they make decisions in the workplace

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

Why study engineering ethics?

n  The study of ethics can help engineers to develop a moral autonomy:
n  The ability to think critically and independently about moral issues
n  The ability to apply this moral thinking to situations that arise in the course
of professional engineering practice

n  Ethical problems in engineering are often complex and involve

conflicting ethical principles. Engineers must be able to intelligent
resolve these conflicts and reach a defensible decision

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

 Personal vs. Professional Ethics

n  Personal Ethics:

n  Deals with how we treat others in our day-to-day lives

n  Business/Professional Ethics:

n  Involves choices regarding relationships between organizations and other
organizations, government, and groups of individuals
n  The complexity of these relationships often pose dilemmas not encountered
in personal ethics

Reference: Engineering Ethics by Fleddermann

 Engineering Ethics

Standards, Rules, Guidelines

Moral or Socially Approved Conduct
Honesty, Truthfulness, Trustworthiness
Acting in the best interest of society
Ethical Standards exist independently -
accessible to all rational thinkers
Codification merely summarizes, rather than defines
Applies only to conduct that has significant impact
 Ethics vs. Legalities

Legal Standards are defined in legal documents by a properly

appointed body. Legal documents and legal experts
determine what the law is and who must obey the law.
Ethical Standards are assumed to exist independently of any
sanctioning body and are apparent to rationale thinking.
Written forms of the standards merely describe the pre-
existing standards rather than define their very nature.
Ethical standards always supersede legal standards.
NCEES Model Rules of Professional Conduct

Preamble -
Safeguard life, health, and property
Promote the public welfare
Maintain high standards of integrity and practice

Issues -
Registration is a privilege not a right
Fair competition and avoid of conflict of interest

Rules -
Obligations to Society, Employers / Clients, other Engineers