College of Engineering Education

2nd Floor, B&E Building

Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

UNIVERSITY OF MINDANAO
College of Engineering Education
Civil Engineering Program

Physically Distanced but Academically Engaged

Self-Instructional Manual (SIM) for

Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

Course/Subject: CE 545 – CE LAWS, CONTRACTS,

SPECIFICATION & ETHICS
Name of Teacher: Engr. REYNALDO P. SAHAGUN JR.
Engr. Jose S. Condonar Jr.

THIS SIM/SDL MANUAL IS A DRAFT VERSION ONLY; NOT FOR REPRODUCTION AND
DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE OF ITS INTENDED USE. THIS IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE
USE OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE OFFICIALLY ENROLLED IN THE COURSE/SUBJECT.
EXPECT REVISIONS OF THE MANUAL.
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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Course Outline: CE 545 – CE Laws, Contracts, Specification & Ethics

Course Coordinator: Reynaldo P. Sahagun Jr., RCE

Email: jcondonar@umindnao.edu.ph
Student Consultation: LMS BB, messenger or phone
Mobile: 0909-236-3587
Phone: (082) 296-1084 or 300-5456 loc. 133
Effectivity Date: May 2020
Mode of Delivery: Blended (On-line with face to face or virtual sessions)
Time Frame: 54 hours
Student Workload: Expected Self-Directed Learning
Pre-requisite: 5th Year Standing
Co-requisite: None
Credit: 3.0 units lecture
Attendance Requirements: A minimum of 95% attendance is required at all
scheduled Virtual or face-to-face sessions

Course Outline Policy

Areas of Concern Details

Contact and Non-contact Hours
Assessment Task Submission
This 3-unit course self-instructional manual is
designed for blended learning mode of instructional
delivery with scheduled face to face or virtual sessions.
The expected number of hours will be 54 including the
face-to-face or virtual sessions. The face-to-face
sessions shall include the summative assessment tasks
(exams).
Submission of assessment tasks shall be on 3rd, 5th, 7th
and 9th week of the term. The assessment paper shall
be attached with a cover page indicating the title of the
assessment task (if the task is performance), the
name of the course coordinator, date of submission
and name of the student. The document should be
emailed to the course coordinator. It is also expected
that you already paid your tuition and other fees
before the submission of the assessment task.

If the assessment task is done in real time through the

features in the Blackboard Learning Management
System, the schedule shall be arranged ahead of time
by the course coordinator.

You will be required to take the Multiple-Choice

Question exam inside the University. This should be
scheduled ahead of time by your course coordinator.
This is non-negotiable for all licensure-based
programs.
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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Turnitin Submission To ensure honesty and authenticity, all assessment

(if necessary) tasks are required to be submitted through Turnitin
with a maximum similarity index of 30% allowed. This
means that if your paper goes beyond 30%, the
students will either opt to redo her/his paper or
explain in writing addressed to the course coordinator
the reasons for the similarity. In addition, if the paper
has reached more than 30% similarity index, the
student may be called for a disciplinary action in
accordance with the University’s OPM on Intellectual
and Academic Honesty.

Please note that academic dishonesty such as cheating

and commissioning other students or people to
complete the task for you have severe punishments
(reprimand, warning, expulsion).
Penalties for Late The score for an assessment item submitted after the
Assignments/Assessments designated time on the due date, without an approved
extension of time, will be reduced by 5% of the
possible maximum score for that assessment item for
each day or part day that the assessment item is late.

However, if the late submission of assessment paper

has a valid reason, a letter of explanation should be
submitted and approved by the course coordinator. If
necessary, you will also be required to present/attach
evidences.
Return of Assignments/ Assessment tasks will be returned to you two (2)
Assessments weeks
after the submission. This will be returned by email or
via Blackboard portal.

For group assessment tasks, the course coordinator

will require some or few of the students for online or
virtual sessions to ask clarificatory questions to
validate the originality of the assessment task
submitted and to ensure that all the group members
are involved.
Assignment Resubmission You should request in writing addressed to the course
coordinator his/her intention to resubmit an
assessment task. The resubmission is premised on the
student’s failure to comply with the similarity index
and other reasonable grounds such as academic
literacy standards or other reasonable circumstances
e.g.
illness, accidents financial constraints.
Re-marking of Assessment You should request in writing addressed to the
Papers and Appeal program
coordinator your intention to appeal or contest the
score given to an assessment task. The letter should
explicitly explain the reasons/points to contest the
grade. The program coordinator shall communicate

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Grading System
Preferred Referencing Style
Student Communication
Contact Details of the Dean
Contact Details of the Program
Head
Students with Special Needs
College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133
with the students on the approval and disapproval of
the
request.
If disapproved by the course coordinator, you can
elevate your case to the program head or the dean
with
the original letter of request. The final decision will
come from the dean of the college.
All culled from BlackBoard sessions and traditional
contact
Course discussions/exercises – 30%
1st formative assessment – 10%
2nd formative assessment – 10%
3rd formative assessment – 10%
All culled from on-campus/onsite sessions (TBA):
Final exam – 40%
Submission of the final grades shall follow the usual
University system and procedures.
Depends on the discipline; if uncertain or inadequate,
use the general practice of the APA 6th Edition.
You are required to create a umindanao email
account which is a requirement to access the
BlackBoard portal.
Then, the course coordinator shall enroll the
students to have access to the materials and resources
of the course. All communication formats: chat,
submission of assessment tasks, requests etc. shall be
through the portal and other university recognized
platforms.
You can also meet the course coordinator in person
through the scheduled face to face sessions to raise
your issues and concerns.
For students who have not created their student email,
please contact the course coordinator or program
head.
Dr. Charlito L. Cañesares
Email: clcanesares@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: (082) 296-1084 or 300-5456 loc. 133
Engr. Showna Lee T. Sales
Email: ssales@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: (082) 296-1084 or 300-5456 loc. 133
Students with special needs shall communicate with
the course coordinator about the nature of his or her
special needs. Depending on the nature of the need,
the course coordinator with the approval of the
program coordinator may provide alternative
assessment tasks or extension of the deadline of
submission of assessment tasks. However, the
Page 4 of 21
 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

alternative assessment tasks should still be in the

service of achieving the desired course learning
outcomes.
Help Desk Contact Frida Santa O. Dagatan
Email: cee@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: 0956-208-2442 / 082-2272902
Library Contact Brigida E. Bacani
Email: library@umindanao.edu.ph
Phone: 0951-376-6681

Course Information- see/download course syllabus in the BlackBoard LMS

CC’s Voice: Hello future engineer! Welcome to this course CE 545: CE Laws, Contracts, and
Specification and Ethics. By now, I am confident that you really wanted to pursue your path of
becoming a Civil Engineer. I hope that you maintain your focus and strive harder to achieve
your goal and finish this subject.

CO: Upon completion of the course, you are expected to:

CO 1. Identify and be aware of the Civil Engineering Laws, Code of Ethics and
Obligation.
CO 2. Be familiar with the standard contract and documents such as the pro-forma
constructions to Bidders, Technical Specifications, Bid documents, Philippine
Bidding Documents for consulting services and works.

Let ug begin!

Big Picture

Week 1-3: Unit Learning Outcomes-Unit 1 (ULO-1): At the end of the unit, you are expected to

a. Identify the Civil Engineering Code of Ethics and Obligations.

b. Distinguish and know the value formation towards the practice of Civil
Engineering.

Big Picture in Focus: ULO-1a. Identify the Civil Engineering Code of Ethics and
Obligations

Metalanguage

The most essential terms below are defined for you to have a better understanding of
this section in the course.

1. Code of Ethics. It is a guide of principles designed to help professionals conduct business

honestly and with integrity.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

2. Fundamental Canons. The body of rules, principles, or standards accepted as axiomatic

and universally binding in a field of study or art: the neoclassical canon. A fundamental
principle or general rule: the canons of good behavior.
3. Principle. Fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of
belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.

Essential Knowledge

Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession,

engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering
has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services
provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated
to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a
standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical
conduct.

Code of ethics states the oral responsibilities of engineers as seen by the profession and
as represented by a professional society. Engineering is an important and learned profession.
As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of
honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all
people. Listed below are the Civil Engineering Ethics:

- Honesty
- Impartiality
- Fairness
- Equity
- Dedicated to the protection of public health, safety and welfare
-

Importance of Engineering Ethics

Ethics is the study of the characteristics of morals. Ethics also deals with the moral
choices that are made by each person in his or her relationship with other persons.

Engineering ethics is the study of moral values, issues and decisions involved in
engineering practice. The moral values take many forms, including

- Responsibilities
- ideal character traits
- social policies
- relationships desirable for individuals
- corporation engaged in technological development.

Practicing engineers are more apt to get into trouble as a result of a failure to properly
anticipate and handle ethical problems rather than as a result of a traditional engineering
problems.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Results of Ethical Equations

Ethical Issues faced by Engineers.

- Public Safety
- Bribery and Fraud
- Environmental Protection
- Fairness
- Honest in Research and Testing
- Conflicts of Interest

Engineering ethics should be studied because it is important, both in preventing grave

consequences of faulty ethical reasoning and in giving meaning to engineers’ endeavors, but it
is complex. It cannot be understood through casual observation. Listed below are the reasons
why we need to study engineering ethics

- Increased awareness of importance due to publicity surrounding high profile

engineering failures.
- Engineering decisions can impact public health, safety, business practices and
politics.
- Engineers should be aware of moral implications as they make decisions in the
workplace.
- Study of ethics helps engineers develop a moral autonomy.
- Ability to think critically and independently about moral issues.
- Ability to apply this moral thinking to situations that arise in the course of
professional engineering practice.

Fundamental Principles

As stated in the Code of Ethics of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Civil
engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil engineering
profession by following these 4 principles.

First Principle. Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of
the civil engineering profession by using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement
of human welfare and the environment.

Second Principle. Being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their
employers/employees and clients.

Third Principle. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil
engineering profession.
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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Fourth Principle. Supporting the professional and technical societies of their

disciplines.

Geoff French, ICE president also listed these 3 principles of the civil engineering
profession.

First Principle. Integrity is not a word that civil engineers tend to use every day. In most
cases it’s something we take for granted – yet we should recognize that it’s vital to
everything we want to achieve. Integrity, of course, means being ethical. But it also
embraces the need to be sustainable in what we build – and to support the diversity of
engineering talents and backgrounds. Professional Integrity is what gives you your
strength. It’s what gives you lasting value.
Second Principle. Communication has many different target audiences. These include
members, prospective members, students, academia, policy makers, industry, clients,
multinationals, investors and of course communities and wider society. These different
audiences need to be addressed indifferent ways – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution
to the issue of communication. The ability to communicate to the public will help change
perceptions of civil engineers. Remember, pessimists think a glass is half empty, but the
engineer knows it’s the glass that’s the wrong size.

Third Principle. The value of engineering knowledge and solutions depends on them
being communicated effectively to an engaged audience. Many of us are already engaged
in understanding how necessary civil engineering and infrastructure are for a society to
function – transporting resources, people, produce and trade goods, providing essential
services and ultimately reducing poverty. Around the world and across the centuries,
bridges, railways, highways, ports and airports have been built to facilitate the ever-
increasing pace of human progress.

6 Fundamental Canons

Fundamental canons talks about the central importance of exhibiting honesty and
integrity. It helps engineers to ensure the quality and standard services to give for all people’s
lives.

1. Hold Paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. If engineers'
judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall
notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with
applicable standards. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the
prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this
Code. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures
with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent, unlawful, or
dishonest enterprise.

2. Perform services only in areas of their competence. Engineers shall undertake

assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical
fields involved. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents
dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document
not prepared under their direction and control.

3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Engineers shall
be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall
include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony,
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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

which should bear the date indicating when it was current. Engineers may express
publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and
competence in the subject matter.

4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Engineers shall
disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to
influence their judgment or the quality of their services. Engineers shall not solicit or
accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside
agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible. Engineers shall not
solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of
their organization serves as a member.

5. Avoid deceptive acts. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts in solicitation of

professional employment.

6. Conduct themselves: Honorably, Responsibility, Ethically and Lawfully. To

enhance the honor, reputation and usefulness of the profession.

Obligations of the Civil Engineer

Obligation is something one must do because of a law, agreement, promise, etc. Below
are the obligations of the civil engineer.

1. The The Civil Engineer shall perform Scope of the Services as stated in Section 2 of the
Republic Act No. 544 “Civil Engineering Law” Article 1 Section 2.

(a.) The practice of civil engineering within the meaning and intent of this Act shall
embrace services in the form of:
- consultation, design, preparation of plans,
- Specifications, erection, installation and supervision of the construction of streets,
bridges, highways, railroads, airports, hangars, port works, canals river and shore
improvements, lighthouses and dry docks;
- Buildings, fixed structures for irrigation, flood protection, drainage, water supply and
sewerage work.
- Demolition of permanent structures; and tunnel

2. The Civil Engineer shall exercise reasonable skill, care and diligence in the
performance of his obligations.

3. The Civil Engineer shall act independently and, as required by the contract, perform
with the necessary skills and professional judgement, when required to certify, decide
or exercise discretion between the client and a third party with whom the client has a
contract.

4. The Civil Engineer is authorized to act as the client’s faithful agent when required but
only as implied in Section 2 or implied in the contract adopted for the project.

5. When aware of any matters which will change or has changed the scope of the
services, the Civil Engineer shall give written notice to the client containing particulars
of the change.

6. For specified staged services, the Civil Engineer shall not initiate or proceed with any
subsequent stage of the services without the approval of the client.
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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

7. When required, the Civil Engineer shall direct and co-operate with all other
professionals and integrate their work where applicable into that being undertaken by
the Civil Engineer and other professions but shall not be professionally liable for their
work.

8. The Civil Engineer may recommend specialist suppliers and/or contractors to design
and execute certain parts of the works, in which case the Civil Engineer shall co-ordinate
the design of such part or parts with the overall design of the works but he/she shall be
relieved of all responsibility for the design, manufacture, installation and performance
of any such part or parts of works.

9. The Civil Engineer shall notify the client of any interest the Civil Engineer has which
significantly conflict with the interests of the client under their contract.

Self-Help

In understanding the lesson, the book “Ethics and Professionalism, Introduction to

Engineering Ethics” by Martin et al. can be utilized. The topic Identify the Civil Engineering code
of ethics and obligations can be read in chapter 1 of the book. Use this link
http://course.sdu.edu.cn/G2S/eWebEditor/uploadfile/20131018102149728.pdf .

This YouTube links https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGsn0Ua16zY and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KZx81crb48 are also essential to help you understand
extensively why it is necessary to know the Civil Engineering Code of ethics. Also, a video presentation
will be uploaded in blackboard.

Let’s Check

Listed below are the activities that students must comply at the end of this topic:

➢ Group 1 will report on:

a. Civil Engineering Code of Ethics and Obligations.

Each member of group 1 will create a video presentation of the given topic of at least 15
minutes duration. The video file must be emailed to the course coordinator for
assessment and grade. The rubric for video reporting will be uploaded in Blackboard.
Also, the video file will be uploaded in blackboard after the validation is done by the
course coordinator.

➢ ALL students will create an essay of about the Civil Engineering Code of Ethics. Students
will elaborate why it is important to apply the code of ethics at work. The essay must have
at least 500 words and must be Turnitin checked. The essay must be emailed to the course
coordinator for checking.

The essay will be graded according to the grading rubric provided below.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Let’s Analyze

Provide your personal idea of the following questions.

1. Identify and explain the 6 fundamental canons.

2. Identify and explain extensively the obligations of a Civil Engineer.
3. Explain briefly the fundamental principles presented by the PICE and Geoff French.
4. What do you think will happen in a workplace without code of ethics to follow? Explain.
5. Identify and explain the issues faced by Engineers.

You will be graded according to the grading criteria below.

Reason -2
Content -2
Accuracy -1

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Nutshell

Engineers create products and processes to improve food production, shelter, energy,
communication, transportation, health, and protection against natural calamities—and to
enhance the convenience and beauty of our everyday lives.
This chapter identifies some of the moral complexity in engineering, defines engineering
ethics, and states the goals in studying it. It also underscores the importance of accepting and
sharing moral responsibility within the corporate setting in which today most engineering takes
place, and also the need for a basic congruence between the goals of responsible professionals,
professions, and corporations.

Process (Essay)

Students will do the following steps:

➢ Create an essay of how ethics can be applied in our lives and eventually how it made life
different.
➢ Give practical examples of the application in real life situation.
➢ The essay must have at least a minimum of 500 words and must be Turnitin checked.
➢ The essay will be graded according to the grading rubric provided. (see pg. 13)
➢ Email output to the course coordinator for checking.

Q&A List

The class will be divided into five groups for a video conference through messenger with the
Course Coordinator, to address significant concerns like questions and clarification about the
lesson topic.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

Big Picture in Focus: ULO-1b. Distinguish and know the value formation
towards the practice of Civil Engineering.

Metalanguage

The most essential terms below are defined for you to have a better understanding of
this section in the course.

1. Moral. Concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or
badness of human character.
2. Ethics. Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

3. Frameworks. It is a particular set of rules, ideas, or beliefs which you use in order to deal
with problems or to decide what to do.
4. Moral Reasoning. It is a study in psychology that overlaps with moral philosophy. Starting
from a young age, people can make moral decisions about what is right and wrong; this
makes morality fundamental to the human condition. Moral reasoning, however, is a part
of morality that occurs both within and between individuals

Essential Knowledge

Moral Frameworks

Moral frameworks is an ethical theory seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on

morality that clarifies, organizes, and guides moral reflection. As one of their applications, ethical
theories ground the requirements in engineering codes of ethics by reference to broader moral
principles.

Five Types of Ethical Theories

1. Right Ethics. All ethical theories leave some room for rights, but the ethical theory
called right ethics is distinctive in that it makes human rights the ultimate appeal the
moral bottom line. Human rights have been appealed to in all the major social
movements of the twentieth century, including the women’s movement, the civil rights
movement, the farm workers’ movement, the gay rights movement, and the patients’
rights movement (in health care). Rights ethics applies to engineering in many ways. It
provides a powerful foundation for the special ethical requirements in engineering and
other professions.

2. Duty Ethics. Rights and duties are typically correlated with each other. Duty ethics
reverses the order of priority by beginning with duties and deriving rights from them.
For example, we should be honest because honesty is required by duty; it is required by
our basic duty to respect the autonomy of others, rather than to deceive and exploit
them for our own selfish purposes.

3. Utilitarianism. Rights ethics and duty ethics agree that some types of actions, for
example being fair and truthful, are obligatory for reasons independent of their
consequences. In contrast, utilitarianism says the sole standard of right action is good
consequences. Also seems a straight-forward way to interpret the central principle in
most engineering codes: “Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare
of the public in the performance of their professional duties.”

4. Virtue Ethics. Character is the pattern of virtues (morally desirable features) and
vices (morally undesirable features) in persons. Virtues are desirable habits or
tendencies in action, commitment, motive, attitude, emotion, ways of reasoning, and
ways of relating to others. Vices are morally undesirable habits or tendencies. The Greek
word arete translates as either “virtue” or “excellence,” an etymological fact that
reinforces our theme of ethics and excellence going together in engineering. This
umbrella virtue implies four (overlapping) categories of virtues:
 Public-spirited virtues
 Proficiency virtues
 Teamwork virtues
 Self-governance virtues

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

5. Self-realization Ethics. Self-realization ethics, however, gives greater prominence to

self-interest and to personal commitments that individuals develop in pursuing self-
fulfillment. As with the other ethical theories, we will consider two versions, this time
depending on how the self (the person) is conceived. The community-oriented version
of self-realization ethics says that each individual ought to pursue self-realization, but it
emphasizes the importance of caring relationships and communities in understanding
self-realization. Self-realization ethics points to the highly personal commitments that
motivate, guide, and give meaning to the work of engineers and other professionals.
These commitments enter into the core of an individual’s character. We might sort the
motives of professionals into three categories:
 Proficiency motives
 Compensation motives
 Moral motives

Ethical Egoism

Ethical egoism is a more individualistic version of self-realization ethics that says each
of us ought always and only to promote our self-interest. The theory is ethical in that it is a
theory about morality, and it is egoistic because it says the sole duty of each of us is to maximize
our well-being.

Moral Reasoning and Code of Ethics

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. Yet, although moral dilemmas comprise the most difficult occasions for moral
reasoning, they constitute a relatively small percentage of moral choices, that is, decisions
involving moral values. The vast majority of moral choices are clear-cut, although we
sometimes fail to act responsibly because of negligence and weakness of will.

Steps in resolving ethical dilemmas

Reasonable solutions to ethical dilemmas are clear, informed, and well-reasoned.

1. Moral Clarity: Identify the relevant moral values

The most basic step in confronting ethical dilemmas is to become aware of them.
This means identifying the moral values and reasons applicable in the situation, and
bearing them in mind as further investigations are made.

2. Conceptual Clarity: Be clear about key concepts

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?

3. Informed About The Facts: Obtain relevant information

Sometimes the primary difficulty in resolving moral dilemmas is uncertainty

about the facts, rather than conflicting values.

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 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, B&E Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082) 296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 133

4. Informed About The Options: Consider realistic options

Initially, ethical dilemmas seem to force us into a two-way choice: Do this or do

that. 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.)

5. Well-Reasoned: Make a reasonable decision

Arrive at a carefully reasoned judgment by weighing all the relevant moral

reasons and facts. If there is no ideal solution, as is often the case, we seek a satisfactory
one.

Right-Wrong or Better-Worse

“Right” means that one course of action is obligatory, and failing to do that action is
unethical (immoral). In most instances 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. On the other hand, some dilemmas have two
or more reasonable solutions, no one of which is mandatory, but one of which should be chosen.

Moral Decision Making as Design

Engineering design provides an illuminating model for thinking about all moral decision
making, not just decisions within engineering. Engineering design is in many respects a model
for “designing” courses of action in many moral situations, in engineering and elsewhere.

Responsible Professionals, Professions, and Corporations

Moral responsibility is an idea that applies to individual engineers, groups of

engineers, and the corporations in which most engineers do their work. It is also a multifaceted
idea that combines obligations, ideals of character, accountability, praiseworthiness, and
blameworthiness.

Meanings of Responsibility
 Obligations
 Accountability
 Conscientious
 Blameworthy / Praiseworthy

If we say that LeMessurier was responsible, as a person and as an engineer, we might

mean several things: He met his responsibilities (obligations); he was responsible
(accountable) for doing so; he acted responsibly (conscientiously); and he is admirable
(praiseworthy).

Obligations.

▪ Responsibilities are obligations—types of actions that are morally mandatory. Some

obligations are incumbent on each of us, such as to be honest, fair, and decent. Other

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obligations are role responsibilities, acquired when we take on special roles such as
parents, employees, or professionals.

Accountable

▪ Being responsible means being morally accountable. This entails having the general
capacities for moral agency, including the capacity to understand and act on moral
reasons. It also entails being answerable for meeting particular obligations, that is, liable
to be held to account by other people in general or by specific individuals in positions of
authority.

Conscientious (Integrity)

▪ Morally admirable engineers such as LeMessurier accept their obligations and are
conscientious in meeting them.
▪ They diligently try to do the right thing, and they largely succeed in doing so, even under
difficult circumstances.

Blameworthy / Praiseworthy

▪ In contexts where it is clear that accountability for wrongdoing is at issue, “responsible”

becomes a synonym for blameworthy. In contexts where it is clear that right conduct is
at issue, “responsible” is a synonym for praiseworthy

Engineering As a Profession

A profession is any occupation that provides a means by which to earn a living. In the
sense intended here, however, professions are those forms of work involving advanced
expertise, self-regulation, and concerted service to the public good.

Advanced Expertise

▪ Professions require sophisticated skills (knowing-how) and theoretical knowledge

(knowing-that) in exercising judgment that is not entirely routine or susceptible to
mechanization.

Self-regulation

▪ Well-established societies of professionals are allowed by the public to play a major role
in setting standards for admission to the profession, drafting codes of ethics, enforcing
standards of conduct, and representing the profession before the public and the
government.
▪ When we become professionals we become part in setting and upholding standards just
like NSCP and etc. for the next generation of professionals to follow and uphold. We
should always remember that we are not just there to earn profit but we are there to
uphold standards.

Public Good

▪ The occupation serves some important public good, or aspect of the public good, and it
does so by making a concerted effort to maintain high ethical standards throughout the
profession.

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Self-Help

In understanding the lesson, the book “Ethics and Professionalism, Introduction to

Engineering Ethics” by Martin et al. can be utilized. The topic distinguish and know the value
formation towards the practice of civil engineering can be read in chapter 1 of the book. Use
this link http://course.sdu.edu.cn/G2S/eWebEditor/uploadfile/20131018102149728.pdf .

This YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXlPr6HkQ-s is also essential to

guide you how to fully understand the process of distinguishing and knowing the value formation
towards the practice of Civil Engineering. Also, a video presentation will be uploaded in blackboard.

Let’s Check

Listed below are the activities that students must comply at the end of this topic:

➢ Group 1 members will report on:

b. the value formation towards the practice of Civil Engineering.

Group 1 members will create an video presentation of the given topic of at least 15
minutes duration. The video file must be emailed to the course coordinator for
assessment and grade. The rubric for the video reporting will be uploaded in
blackboard. Also, the video file will be uploaded in blackboard after the validation is
done by the course coordinator.

➢ Students will create an essay about how engineering as a profession would elevate both
social and economic state of an individual and how would it impact the society. The
essay must have at least 1000 words and must be Turnitin checked. The essay must be
emailed to the course coordinator for checking.

The essay will be graded according to the grading rubric provided below.

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Let’s Analyze

Provide your personal idea of the following questions.

1. Identify and explain extensively the five types of ethical theories.

2. Explain extensively how blameworthy and praiseworthy corelates with each other.
3. Identify and explain the steps in resolving ethical dilemmas.
4. Explain the term Ethical Egoism.
5. Explain briefly the following:
 Public-spirited virtues
 Proficiency virtues
 Teamwork virtues
 Self-governance virtue

You will be graded according to the grading criteria below.

Reason -2
Content -2
Accuracy -1
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Nutshell

The study of Engineering ethics, where such ethics are implemented in engineering by
the engineers, is necessary for the good of the society. Engineering Ethics is the study of decisions,
policies and values that are morally desirable in engineering practice and research.

Morals

The word “Morality” originates from the Latin word “mos” meaning “custom”. Morals are
the principles or habits with respect to right or wrong of one’s own conduct. They are not
imposed by anyone. Morals are what you think is good and bad personally.
Though morals are not imposed, they can be understood as the preaching of our inner
self. Depending on a few factors, our mind filters things as good or bad. These are the ideas that
help frame our personality so that we can distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.
A moral is the code of conduct that you develop over time and set for yourself to follow, just like
• Being good to everyone
• Speaking only the truth
• Going against what you know is wrong
• Having chastity
• Avoid cheating
• Being a nice human being etc.
Morals are always defined by one’s own personality. Morals can be changed according to
one’s beliefs as they are completely dependent on one’s perception towards the ethical
values.

Ethics in Engineering

Ethics are principles followed depending upon the moral responsibility that a person
feels. The study of related questions about moral ideals, character, policies and relationships of
people and organizations involved in technological activity, can be termed as Engineering
ethics.
An engineer whether he works individually or works for a company, has to go through
some ethical issues, mostly under the conditions such as, conceptualization of a product, issues
arising in design and testing departments, or may be on the issues involving the manufacturing,
sales and services. Questions related to morality also arise during supervision and team works.
The ethical decisions and moral values of an engineer need to be considered because the
decisions of an engineer have an impact the products and services - how safe they are to use, the
company and its shareholders who believe in the goodwill of the company, the public and the
society who trusts the company regarding the benefits of the people, the law which cares about
how legislation affects the profession and industry, the job and his moral responsibilities and
about how the environment gets affected, etc.

Not only an engineer, but everyone has to follow a set of morals in order to keep away
from getting morally degraded. Our behavior should include the following −
• Respecting others and ourselves.
• Respecting the rights of others.
• Keeping promises.
• Avoiding unnecessary problems to others.
• Avoiding cheating and dishonesty.
• Showing gratitude towards others and encourage them to work.

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Morality commands respect for persons, both others and ourselves. It involves being fair and just,
meeting obligations and respecting rights and not causing unnecessary harm by dishonesty and
cruelty or by hubris.

Performance Task (Slogan Making)

Students will do the following procedures:

➢ Create a slogan about distinguishing and knowing the value formation towards the
practice of civil engineering.
➢ Provide a practical reason of their self-portrait slogan in a separate paper.

Materials needed:
➢ A4 Bond Paper
➢ Coloring Materials
➢ Any writing tools will do (ballpen, pencil, pentel pen, etc.)
➢ Other fancy/decorative materials (optional)

You will be graded according to the given criteria.

Originality - 35points
Relevance - 35points
Creativity - 30 points
Total 100 points

Originality - the slogan must be personal and not copied

Relevance - the slogan must be relevant and should support the given topic
Creativity - the use of materials (slogan), words (reason) and overall presentation
which includes cleanliness and artistry.

Note:
➢ Scan or photograph the slogan and the practical reason.
➢ Email your output to the course coordinator for checking.

Q&A List

The class will be divided into five groups for a video conference through messenger with the
Course Coordinator, to address significant concerns like questions and clarification about the
lesson topic.

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