1

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
21LEM201T

DR N. TARRNE N. KULSHRESTHA
Unit I 2

Rationale: To connect the learners to their potential -

understand moral, professional and personal values.

Course Outcome: Equip themselves with an understanding of

moral, professional and personal values.
Unit I - Topics 3

1. Individual and Professional Ethics

2. Introduction to Professional Ethics, Morals, Values and Ethics - Personal and Professional

3. Sense of Engineering Ethics

4. Code of Ethics by NSPE

5. Making decisions with ethical dimensions – definition

6. Roadmap to ethical decision-making

7. Common standards

8. Internal obstacles - bias – empathy

1. Individual and Professional Ethics 4

Definition: Professional ethics are standards set by professional organizations for the behaviour and
values of people working within a specific field.

Professional ethics are principles that govern the behaviour of a person or group in a business
environment. Like values, professional ethics provide rules on how a person should act towards other
people and institutions in such an environment.

Individual Ethics: Individual ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide an individual’s
behaviour in their personal life. It involves making decisions and choices based on one's own moral
compass, sense of right and wrong, and personal values. Individual ethics are shaped by a variety of
factors such as upbringing, cultural background, personal beliefs, and life experiences.
2. Introduction to Professional Ethics, Morals, 5
Values and Ethics - Personal and Professional
Morals: Morals are principles or beliefs about what is right or wrong, good or bad, that guide an
individual's behavior and decision-making. Morals are often influenced by factors such as culture,
religion, and personal beliefs.

Values: Values are fundamental beliefs or ideals that individuals hold dear and consider important in
their lives. Values represent what individuals prioritize and consider to be desirable. They shape an
individual's attitudes, behaviors, and judgments. Values can be personal, such as honesty, respect, or
integrity, or they can be collective, reflecting societal or cultural norms.

Ethics: Ethics refers to a system of moral principles and values that guide behavior and decision-
making. Ethics provides a framework for evaluating the rightness or wrongness of actions and
determining what is morally acceptable.
3. Sense of Engineering Ethics 6

Engineering ethics refers to the set of moral principles and values that guide engineers' professional
behaviour and decision-making.
Some key aspects of engineering ethics include:
1. Professional Responsibility
2. Integrity and Honesty
3. Ethical Decision-Making
4. Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
5. Professional Development and Lifelong Learning
4. Code of Ethics by NSPE 7
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) has established a comprehensive Code of Ethics to guide the
professional conduct of engineers. The NSPE Code of Ethics is designed to ensure that engineers uphold the highest
standards of integrity, protect public safety and welfare, and act in an ethically responsible manner. Here is an overview of the
fundamental principles outlined in the NSPE Code of Ethics:

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 a faithful agent or trustee

5. Avoid conflicts of interest

6. Build their professional reputation on merit and perform services only in areas of their competence

7. Act in a manner that upholds the honour, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession

8. Continue professional development throughout their careers and provide opportunities for the professional development of those under
their supervision
5. Making decisions with ethical dimensions – definition 8
Making decisions with ethical dimensions refers to the process of considering moral
principles, values, and ethical considerations when faced with choices or dilemmas
that have ethical implications.

The process of making decisions with ethical dimensions typically involves the
following steps:
1. Identifying Ethical Dimensions
2. Gathering Information
3. Analyzing Ethical Considerations
4. Evaluating Alternatives
5. Decision-Making
6. Implementing and Reflecting
6. Roadmap to ethical decision-making 9

1. Identify the Ethical Dilemma

2. Gather Information
3. Identify Ethical Principles and Values
4. Evaluate Alternative Courses of Action
5. Consider Consequences and Stakeholders
6. Reflect on Rights and Duties
7. Make a Decision
8. Implement and Review
9. Seek Input and Consultation
7. Common standards 10

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Adopted by the United Nations

General Assembly in 1948, the UDHR outlines a set of fundamental human rights that
should be universally protected. It covers a wide range of rights, including civil,
political, economic, social, and cultural rights, serving as a basis for promoting
equality, justice, and dignity.
1. Utilitarianism
2. Deontology
3. Ethical Relativism
4. Professional Codes of Ethics
5. Duty of Care
6. Respect for Autonomy
8. Internal obstacles - bias – empathy 11

Bias: Bias refers to preconceived notions, prejudices, or preferences that can unconsciously influence
our judgments and decisions. Bias can manifest in various forms, such as racial bias, gender bias,
confirmation bias, or cognitive biases like anchoring or availability bias.
Empathy: Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and experiences
of others.
Overcoming these internal obstacles:
1. Self-awareness
2. Education and Training
3. Seek Diverse Perspectives
4. Consider the Consequences
5. Practice Empathy
6. Collaborative Decision-Making
 12

~ THANK YOU ~