a fA variety of Moral Issues Oe | These exists two distinct approaches of engineering ethics. One emphasizes typical every day problems that can take on significant proportions in an engineer's life is Bi [mown as micro ethics. The other type of engineering ethics addresses societal problems that are often not addressed until they affects on regional or national yale is known as macro ethics. In an engineer's personal or professional life both ‘micro ethics and macro ethics affects one another. or n + The personal values and judgements affect individual engineering decisions, and considered these to be the unique factors that characterize the engineer as a moral agent.jo) Av product. goes. through various engineering staged) 10 =tcesetm™ testing, sales and service. These stages are carried out or supported by : engineer. Various activities are grouped or inter-related with each other. of ignorance or intentionally the product may be unsafe, not useful also ¢ product may be intentionally designed for early obsolescence. When such product is circulated in market many people may be affected. Such problems may _ arise because of temptations of bribes and any forms of corruption. Examples on Engineering Ethics A) An inspector declares a instrument not to be used from safety point of view but \ his superior may view this as minor infraction of safety regulation and may permit the use of equipment. The inspector may be objected and was threatened with disciplinary action. B) An electronic company engaged in manufacturing of a popular new item. The product is not yet ready but its advertisement is very impressive. The prospective customers get attracted and rush to the dealer, when they don't get the product, they believe that it was available off the shelf and the product is drawn away from competing lines. C) A chemical plant dumping wastes in land fill hazardous substances found their way into the underground water table. The plant's engineer is well aware by the situation but did not change the disposal method because the competitor is following the same cheap method. No law is prohibiting by doing so. Plant supervisor's view is that it is the responsibility of local government to identify the problem and penalize the defaulters. * All above examples show how ethical problems arise most often due to differences in judgement and expectations. The engineer may face different contrary opinions from within the organization, from various social and local authorities. Various professional and personal contrary opinions to an engineering profession as shown. in Fig. 2.2.1. (See Fig. 2.2.1 on next page.)Engnearns lesson Fig, 224 Contrary opinions of professianal engineer Types of Inquiry ea ‘+ Engineering ethics involves three types of inguiry, these are ~ 8) Normative inquiry ') Conceptual inguiry «) Factual inquiry EEE Normative naviry + Normative inquiry ste ingury which incides to dently the values that should gud individuals and groups. aims to justly the nomallydesiabe nore ROME RRUEONE Mee at imagan Professional Ethics in Engineering 2-9 Engineering Ethiog standards that suppose to guide individuals or groups. The normative uestionaries include what ought to be and what is good. The examples of normative questions are - 4) How far does the obligation of engineers to protect public safety extend in given situations ? i) When should engineer highlight on dangerous practices of the employers for whom they work ? 4) Whose values supposed to be primary in making judgements about acceptable risks in designing a public transport system ? 4) Which particular laws and organizational procedures affecting engineering practice are normally warranted ? ¥) What moral right should engineers have in order to fulfill their professional obligations ? vi) What are the reasons engineers have obligation to their employers, clients and society ? Conceptual Inquiry * The conceptual inquiries are directed toward clarifying the meaning of concepts, Principles and issues in engineering ethics. For example, 1) What does safety mean and how it is related to risk ? ii) What is a bribe ? iii) What is the meaning of profession and professionals ? iv) What is the concept of professionalism ? EEE] Factual inquiries * The factual inquiri uncovers value issues and is conducted based on proven scienttic techniques are also called as factual inquiry. The factual inquir2 ‘+ Ethical theories has following three important 4 In understanding moral dilemmas. 2. In justifying professional obligations and ideals. 3, In relating ordinary and professional morality. Understanding Moral Ethical theories provide information for solving moral dilemmas. AI the agree about the potential harm to the public are directly and urgently relevant, «The ethical theories rank the relevant moral considerations as per the importance, ‘The priorities are ranked 8 ~ ‘The special importance of rights to life and to informed consent concering risks fo one’s life. ‘The importance of duties to protect the vulnerable public. 3. The degree of immorality involved in death and risk of death compared to economic benefit of corporations. 1+ The theories also help in identify the alternative courses of action, also provides the framework for moral reasoning. The theories strengthen the ability to reach balanced and insightful judgements. . ilemmas ERIES Justifying Professional Obligation «Ethical theories also used in justifying general obligation to engineers and all those involved in technological development safety is involved in most of the issues in cengincering ethics, An architectural metaphor shows how the safety obligation of ‘engineers are justified by appealing to ethical theories. Fig. 2.10.1 shows four levels of moral claim about safety in engineering. Level 1: Claims about an action being right. Level 2: Claims that a person has special safety obligations. Level 3: Principles specifying the special safety obligations of engineers. Level 4: Ethical theories - eg. ulilitarianism, duty ethics, right ethics, virtue ethics. Level - 1, at the top represents claims about particular actions being right or obligatory.Fig. 2.10.1 Justifying moral claims about safety In engineering Level - 2, represents claims that specific engineers have special moral ot conceming safety Level - 3, represents the special safety principles Level - 4, is concemed with the most general and basic foundational or philosphical principles. Vertical connecting columns represents the morally relevant information needed to move from one type of normative claim to another, Relating Ordinary and Professional Morality ‘+ The ethical theories are also useful in justifying the obligations of professionals, TECHICAL PLBUCATIONS™. Jo wo rit ropeEngineering Ethies q ineers acquire moral obligation is regarding safety by being subject to laws or ced codes. This constitutes legalistic approach to morality engineers acquire special obligations by joining a professional organization or society and thereby agreeing to live by that society's code of ethics The engineers acquire safety obligations through the contractual agreements by “which they are hired by other companies or employers. promise the society to protect and 4 * The engineers by entering in their career, Mefeeuard it in due course.rofessions and Professionalism ferbert Hoover after working in various capacities describes the honour and abilities of engineering profession as : gngineering is a great profession. There is the fascination of watching a product of mental invention emerging through the aid of science to a plan on paper. It gives job and home to individual. Then it elevates the standards of living and add comfort to the life, That is the engineer's high privilege’ " The great liability of the engineer compared to other professionals is that the works of engineer are open and out where all can see them. An engineer can not bury his mistakes in grave like the doctors. He can not argue them like lawyers, he cannot cover his mistakes with trees and a climbing plant like architect, he cannot screen his short comings by blaming his short comings by blaming his opponents. The engineers simply cannot deny that he did it. If his work do not work he is damned”.‘+ Usually the word profession is used as a synonym for‘ And ‘one eas through some activity then hei called as professional, But now a da profession word is applicable only to certain occupations which meets following speciality 4. Knowledge b, Organization «Public good. a. Knowledge : + When the activity involves exercising sophisticated ails, theoretical judgement and fecedom to take unique decisions. And requires extersive formal ‘elacation, technical sides in certain aveas and humanistic studies Genealy profesional requires continuing education and updating knowledge. ». Organization : + Dedicated societies and organizations controled by members ofthe profesion are plying a major role in seting standards, new upcoming tends for the profession, Grafting codes of ethics, enforcing standards of conduct and representing the profession before the society and government «©, Public good + The profession serves some important aspect of public good indicated inthe codes of ethics. For example, medicine 6 dieced towards promoting health law for protecting publics right simissly engineering towards promoting the publics Inalth, safety and welfare. Professional keals and Virtues = + Any profession is dedicated on moral ideals. The moral ideals specify virtue te. desirable feature of character. Virlues are desirable ways of relating to other individuals, groups. and organizations, Virtues involve motives, attitudes and emotions ‘+ Aristotle defined the virtues as ~ “Acquited habits that enable us 1o engage effectively in rational activities that define tus as human beings” The tendencies acquired through habit formation to reach a proper balance between extremes in conduct, emotion and attitude ate called as moral virtues. ‘Aristotal thought of each virtues which governs aspects of our lives, for example, courage govems confrontations with danger and risk ; truthfulness govems truth telling, generosity governs giving and friendliness governs personal relationships. Moral virtues tenable us 49 pursue different socal goods TEOWCALPLBUCATONS An at romei bse and comprehensive professional virtue is profesional | Mesponsblity. Profesional esponsibility encompasses specific virtues in important situations. These important vite are ~ 8) Self direction +) Publi spirited virtues Hb dusts ea )Team work virtues) Proficiency uiraae + All the virtues are inerconnected by using self direction virtues, for example, Integrity and self respect, EA inegrity + Moral integrity is the unity of character on the basis of moral conceen and honesty. Moral itgrty impics uly and honesty Unity: Unity is consistency among our alludes, emotions and justified mora values Honesty : Honesty has two aspects 4, trthflnes and trustworthiness. Trutfaines means meting responce conceing th teling, ‘Trustworthiness means meeting responsiblitesconceming rus. * Bath tnstworhness and trlnes are inerrelated as + being. truthful ie essential to being worthy of trast and vie-vere. Few more virtues ae - 2) Honesty i acts 1) Honesty in speech ©) Honesty in baits <4) Discretion (sensitivity to privacy) Solf Respect + Self respect means valuing oneself in morally appropriate ways, Selérspet isa ‘oral concept it refers tothe vstue of properly vahing oneal Sell ropect Ie ‘Prerequisite for pursuing other moral ideals and vstues, + Seltrespect is closely related to selteseem But selesteem is a psychologial ‘concept. Self esteem means having a postive attitude toward onesel Selfrespect has two forms - a ') Recognition self-respect - : ‘+ Recognition self-respect is properly valuing oneself because of one's inherent mora worth, aEngineering Ethes More examples of self-respect virtues are - 1, Sense of honour (dignity) 2. Self control 3. Courage 4. Good judgement.Theories About Right Action * It is the view that we ought to produce the most good for the most people, giving equal consideration to every one affected. Act itarianism * Act utilitarianism focuses on individual actions, rather than general rules. An act is Tight if it is likely to produce maximum good for most people involved in the Particular situation. Mill expressed that happiness is the only intrinsic good. All other good things are instrumental good as they provide means for happiness. Rule utilitarianism + As per this view we always act on those rules that if generally followed, would produce the most good for most people. Individual actions are right when they conform to such rules. EEA Duty Ethics + Immanuel Kant, a famous ethicists describes duty ethics as right actions are those required by a list of duties such as - be honest, keep your promises, don’t inflict suffering on other people, be fait, show gratitude for kindness extended by others. * John Rawl, leading ethicist describes duty ethics as valid principles of duty are those that would be voluntarily agreed upon by rational persons in an imaginary contracting situation. * Alll rational people will agree the situation to abide by two basic moral principles - TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS”. An up thrust fer knoprofessional Ethics in Engineering 2a) Engineering Ethics 1. Fach person is entitled to the most extensive amount of liberty compatible with equal amount for others. 2 Differences in social power and economic benefits are justifed only when they are likely to benefit every oneEEE self-confidence Gelf-confidence is an attitude which allows individuals to have positive yet realistic views of themselves and their situations Self-confident people trust their own abilities, have a general sense of control in their lives, and believe that, within reason, they will be able to do what they wish, plan, and expect.Professional Ethics in Engineering 1-13 not mean that individuals will be able to do le have expectations that are realistic. Even when some of their expectations are not met, they continue to be positive and to accept Having self-confidence does everything. Self-confident peop themselves. People who are not self-confident depend excessively on the approval of others in order to feel good about themselves. They tend to avoid taking risks because they fear failure. They generally do not expect to be successful. They often put themselves down and tend to discount or ignore compliments paid to them. By contrast, self-confident people are willing to risk the disapproval of others because they generally trust their own abilities. They tend to accept themselves; they don’t feel they have to conform in order to be accepted. Gelf-confidence is not necessarily a general characteristic which pervades all aspects of a person's life. Typically, individuals will have some areas of their lives where they feel quite confident, e.g., academics, athletics, while at the same time they do not feel at all confident in other areas, e.g., personal appearance, social relationships Lack of self-confidence or low self-esteem is classified as a negative emotion or delusion, as it exaggerates one’s limitations in capacity, quality and potential for growth. Lack of self-confidence can be made up of several different aspects like: guilt anger turned inward, unrealistic expectations of perfection, false sense of humility, fear of change or making mistakes, depression etc. Depression can actually also be a result of a lack of self-confidence.Service Learning + Service learning is a method of teaching, leaming and reflecting that combines: academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service, frequently, youth service, throughout the community. As a teaching methodology, it falls under the category of experiential educational. More specifically, it integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities, + Picking up trash on a riverbank is service, Studying water samples under a microscope is leaning. When science students collect and analyze water samples, document theit results, and present findings to a local pollution control agency that is service-learning. Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities. Young people apply ‘academic skills to solving real-world issues, linking established learning objectives, with genuine needs, They lead the process, with adults as partners, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to concerns such as hunger, pollution, and diversity. Key components Service learning combines experiential learning, and community service opportunities. It can be distinguished in the following ways «Curricular connections - Integrating learning into a service project is key to successful service learning, Academic ties should be clear and build upon existing disciplinary skills «Student voice-Beyond being actively engaged in the project itself, students have the opportunity to select, design, implement, and evaluate their service activity, encouraging relevancy and sustained interest + Reflection - Structured opportunities are created to think, talk, and write about the service experience. The balance of reflection and action allows a student to be constantly aware of the impact of their work. © Community partnerships - Partnerships with community agencies are used to identify genuine needs, provide mentorship, and contribute as: completing a project. In a successful partnership, both sides will give to and benefit from the project. In order for this partnership to be successful, clear guides ts towards TECHIICAL PUBLICATIONS ~ An up tst or knowledgemplemented as to how often a student engages in service to a particular community needs —Local community members or service recipients are in determining the significance and depth of the service activities ent - Well structured assessment instruments with constructive feedback Teflection provide valuable information regarding the positive ‘reciprocal and serving outcomes for sustainability and replication.dilemmas may requir moval dilemma during their careers: ‘stops in Resolving Moral Dilemmas eae eectaanal of finer cUaranasl Ot the need for several steps approaching dilemmas. ‘+ While dealing with moral dilemoa, Varlout steps are involved which are jnter related or it can be taken as jointly. step 1: To identify the relevent moral actos and reasons. It includes identifying what re. the conflicting responsibilities, competing rights and clashing ideals involved. stop 2: Collect all avaiable facts that are elated (0 the moral factor. . Stop 3 Arrange all the moral considerations in order as per the importance for that situations. Stop 4; Find allerative courses of action for resol¥ing dilemma. Tt usually involves factual inquiry Step 5: Speak with all the concerned people, consider their suggestions and alternative perspectives on the dilemma stop 6: Considering all the relevant moral factors and alternative, 4 Engincering ethics helps to develop the skills required forall above SeP& ‘These shills can be enhanced by reading case EEE Moral Autonomy The meaning of autonomy is ‘independent’ or ‘selidetermining. And moral Totonomy is defined as - “the skills and habits of thinking rationally about ethical jssues based upon moral concern arrive at a reasonable studies, discussions and practice. 4s ‘The moral concer is different for different professionals. Various practical skills fare to improve for an effective thought about moral issue. As related to engineering ethics these skills include the following ~ CHMCAL PUBLICATIONS ~ An upto noua») oO d) Oo) f 8) ) ‘+ Moral autonomy is a refined form of a mature moral outlook ie, one wl more than passively adopted. Moral autonomy is an integral part of being a responsible person. 2-12 Engineering Ethies Expertise in recognizing moral problems and issues in engineering. It involves distinguishing of various moral problems and interrelation between them. Skill in understanding, clarifying and assessing arguments on opposing sides of moral issues Ability to conclude from relevant facts. Prediction about the alternative responses. (Creative solutions for practical difficulties. Sensitivity to genuine difficulties. Positive approach. Understanding importance of integrating one’s professional life feelings. and personal hich is12.5 | Why Study Engineering Ethics : May-05,14,16,17, Dec.-05,14,16,17 i Engineering ethics is a means to increase the ability of concerned engineers, managers and other citizens to face moral issues raised by technological activity. Engineering ethics tells about moral obligations in different conflicting circumstances (moral dilemmas). Engineering ethics also tells about skills and habits of thinking rationally about ethical issues on the basis of moral concern (moral autonomy).5 wines v0 oF more clealy | principles come ino conflict or a principle sems to indicate | Giferent outcomes, such a problem is called as moral dilemma, 1 Though dilemmas are not always so easily addressed. Sometimes dilemmas may require searching and may cause pain also, Most engineers ‘moral dilemma during their carers, i: ‘steps in Resolving Moral Dilemmas s 2 Various problems of moral dilemmas suggest the need for several steps in “© While dealing with moral dilemma, Various steps are involved which are a Bericis Feanve wien jan | Stop 1; To identify the relevent moral factors and reasons, It includes identifying what fare the conflicting responsibilities, competing rights and clashing ideals involved ‘Step 2: Collect ll available facts that ave related to the moral factor Stop 3: Arrange all the moral considerations in order as per the importance for that ‘stuatons Step 4: Find altemative courses of action for resolving dilemma, It usually involves factual inquiry ‘Step 5: Speak with all the concerned people, consider their suggestions and ternative perspectives on the dilemma Stop 6: Considering. all the relevant’ moral factors and arrive at a reasonable atematve «Engineering ethics helps to develop the skills required forall above steps, These | sSuils can be enhanced by reading case studies, discussions and practice, | ‘Autonomy 4s The meaning of autonomy is ‘independent or ‘selfdetermining’. And moral | lautonomy is defined a5 ~ “the skills aid habits of thinking rationally about ethical Jssues based upon moral concer 1+ The moral concer is different for diferent professionals. Various practical skills fare. to improve for an effective thought about moral issue. As related to pncering ethics these skills include the fllowing + oe‘moral problems and issues in engineering. It involves ‘moral problems and interrelation between them. clarifying and assessing arguments on opposing sides of 9 conclude from relevant facts. about the alternative responses solutions for practical difficulties. ity to genuine difficulties. “Understanding importance of integrating one's professional life and personal feelings. “Moral autonomy is a refined form of « mature moral outlook ic. one which is "more than passively adopted. Moral autonomy is an integral part of being 9 responsible person.Importance of Professional Ethics in Engineering Regardless of profession or the field of work one belongs to, ethics is an important part of work. The success or the expected results depend on how the workers deal with the situations. Whether ethically or unethically. If they are dealt ethically, the chances are positive for growth and development. Good Ethics is a fundamental requirement of any profession. It is integral to the success of the business as well. Ethics is a system of moral principles governing the appropriate conduct of a person or a group. Maintaining good ethics is being consistent with the principles of correct moral conduct constantly. "Good ethics is good business.", as it not leads to run the business successfully, but it also provides many ways for growth and development by leaving a good impression about an organization in the market. An organization strives continually to be in pursuit of its goals while benefiting the employees in building up their high competencies. In this direction, the adherence to high ethical standards of the employees can be very much contributory to the impressive achievements of business goals being turned out as planned and intended. Ethics refers to human conduct as to make judgements between what is right and what is wrong. It could be that there are several factors that may encourage one to TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS”. An up thrust for knowledgeProfessional Ethics in Engineering 2-23 Engineering Et adopt uncthical behaviour, but the right person is he who, despite facing ethical dilemmas, assesses the situations and makes differentiation between what is morally good and bad in order to follow the rules and code of professional conduct. * Good ethics causes to gain confidence of superiors while promoting integrity, which means to continue doing right things even when we are not watched. + The importance of ethics in professional life can be evidenced by a number of instances showing failure of businesses and several scandals. It may be rightly said that the situations would not have been so worsened had there been observance of ethical standards. Therefore, maintaining ethical standards is must for the prosperity of an organization as well as the development of one's personality. Good ethics will lead us to maintain our honest image. It will enable us to refrain from such activities that may discredit to our profession. Thus, adhesion to good ethics is to let our conscience be our guide at all times. Albert Schweitzer says, "Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality.ion refers to the practice of people or greater entities working common with commonly agreed-upon goals and possibly methods, instead ‘working separately in competition. Co-operation is the antithesis of competition, however, the need or desire to compete with others is a very common impetus that motivates individuals to ‘organize into a group and cooperate with each other in order to form a stronger competitive force.as such as, farming and housing may be in the form of a ately, in the form of a conventional business. forms of co-operation are illegal in some jurisdictions because they alter = nature of access by others to economic or other resources. Thus, co-operation the form of cartesls or price-fixing may be illegal. A few mechanisms have been Suggested for the appearance of cooperation between humans or in natural systems. Personal commitment is an interaction dominated by obligations. These obligations may be mutual, or self-imposed, or explicitly stated, or may not Distinction is often made between commitment as a member such as a, sporting team, a religion or as an employee of an organization,the cultivation of personal living that are claimed to be important ss of the community. The identification of the character traits that 1@ is morality or a standard of righteous behavior in relationship to a Ys involvement in society. An individual may exhibit civic virtue by voting, teering, organizing a book group, or attending a PTA meeting.