IT1710

Engineering Ethics Defined

Engineering
• It is the profession in which a knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences is applied to develop ways to
utilize economically the materials and forces of nature for the good and betterment of mankind and the society.

Figure 1. The application of scientific knowledge to the needs of society is the domain of engineering

What does ethics mean to you?

• Is a person’s behavior ethical when:
o S/he does what his/her feelings tell him/her what is right or wrong
o S/he does what is best for everyone
o S/he does what the law requires
o S/he has good intentions, no matter how things turn out
Ethics
• It is also known as the Moral Philosophy.
• It refers to the well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do.
• It refers to the study and development of one's ethical standards.

Engineering Ethics
• It is the understanding of moral values, resolving moral issues, and justifying moral judgments involved in
engineering practice.

Connection Between Engineering and Ethics

• Social Responsibility
o Is it safe? If it isn’t, don’t do it.
o Does my choice lead to the greatest good for the greatest number? If it doesn’t, don’t do it.
• Professional Responsibility
o Is it just, balanced, and fair? If it isn’t, don’t do it.

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Engineering Code of Ethics

Professional Engineering Societies

Retrieved from:
Retrieved from:
Retrieved from: Retrieved from: https://asme.berkeley.
https://www.ieee.org/about/toolkit/masterbrand/
http://www.onlineethics.org/File.aspx?id=36051& edu/wordpress/wp-
ieee_tag_blue.gif
v=b9f7cb87 content/uploads/2016/
12/logo.png

Fundamental Canons of the NSPE Code of Ethics

• Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
Scenario

o Hold paramount the safety, health, and

welfare of the public;

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/2004-01-27

Scenario

o Perform services only in areas of their

competence;

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/2011-02-23

Scenario

o Act for each employer or client as faithful

agents or trustees;

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/1998-11-15

Scenario

o Avoid deceptive acts;

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/2004-02-04

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o Conduct themselves honorably,

responsibly, ethically, and lawfully to
enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession; and

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/2008-08-03

o Issue public statements only in an

objective and truthful manner.

Retrieved from: http://dilbert.com/strip/2007-10-21

Ten (10) Commandments of God Ten (10) Commandments of Computer Ethics

from the Bible (Exodus 20:2-17/Deuteronomy 5:6-21) from Computer Ethics Institute
• You shall not murder. • Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
• Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer
• Honor your father and your mother.
work.
• Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's
• You shall not make idols.
computer files.
• You shall not steal. • Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
• You shall not bear false witness against your
• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
neighbor.
• Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for
• You shall not covet.
which you have not paid.
• Thou shalt not use other people's computer
• You shall not take the name of the LORD your God
resources without authorization or proper
in vain.
compensation.
• Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual
• You shall not commit adultery.
output.
• Thou shalt think about the social consequences of
• Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. the program you are writing or the system you are
designing other people.
• Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that
• You shall have no other gods before Me. ensure consideration and respect for your fellow
humans.

REFERENCES:
Case 90-5. (n. d.). Retrieved from: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~bmclaren/ethics/caseframes/90-5.html
Case 92-1. (n. d.) Retrieved from: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~bmclaren/ethics/exaframes/92-1.html
Definition of engineering/engineering technology. (n. d.). Retrieved from: http://wmich.edu/engineer/ceee/miller/082903/Lecture%20Notes.pdf
Engineering ethics. (n. d.). Retrieved from: http://engineering.missouri.edu/mae/files/engineering_ethics1.pdf
Ethics. (n. d.). Retrieved from: http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/
Ethics in engineering. (2009). Retrieved from: http://paulywogbog.net/455/Engineering%20Ethics%20(unit%203)/Ethics%20in%20Engineering.ppt
Explain the difference between laws, values, morals and ethics? (n. d.). Retrieved from:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111003172950AAlCpm6

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Is accounting a profession? (n. d.). Retrieved from: http://www.slu.edu/departments/accounting/keithleyj/Spring%202010/614/PPSlides/Profession.ppt

Professional responsibility: the role of engineering in society. (n. d.). Retrieved from: http://www.me.utexas.edu/~srdesign/paper/
Ten commandments of computer ethics you should follow without fail. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.buzzle.com/articles/ten-commandments-of-
computer-ethics.html
The purpose and meaning of the ten commandments. (2007). Retrieved from: http://www.the-ten-commandments.org/ten_commandments-
purpose_meaning.html
The seven fundamental canons of ASCE’s code of ethics. (2008). Retrieved from: http://www.asce.org/question-of-ethics-articles/apr-2008/
What is engineering? – the definition. (2016). Retrieved from: http://whatisengineering.com/
What is ethics? (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/what-is-ethics/

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