...Major Essay Engineering is a very diverse field consisting of many different disciplines, methods of education and cultures. What is similar across all disciplines of engineering is the desire to design and create technology that will benefit humanity. In particular civil engineering is concerned with the design and construction of large scale infrastructure such as dams, bridges, roads and railway. Mostly all civil engineering projects have a significant impact on the public and the environment. It is therefore necessary for engineers to make morally responsible decisions that will result in the most positive outcome for the public and environment. Three concepts that must be analysed by engineers to ensuring a positive outcome are: safety, environmental impact and cultural consideration. A number of cases will be presented to illustrate the complex nature of engineering decision and to offer potential ways in which morally responsible engineers should act. Engineering requires a high level of knowledge and expertise. As well as having a high level of technical knowledge, engineers are required to make important moral decisions which may have significant future impacts. A morally responsible engineer is an engineer who goes out of their way to make sure they are doing their job to the best of their ability. This not only includes applying their skills to make an effective product, but making sure their end product has a positive impact both on the users and the environment...
Words: 1631 - Pages: 7
...ENGR 100 Exploring Engineering October 1, 2012 Engineering Ethics Case Study Assignment 2. What are the moral issues? The structural engineer has made a promise to the client to keep the report confidential. To break this promise would be immoral as an engineer. Also, the engineer is expected to stick to his own discipline and not work out solutions to problems that involve a field in which he is not an expert. However, the number one moral rule of being an engineer is to hold paramount the safety and well-being of fellow humans and society so it is important that he ensures the safety of the people living in this apparently unsuitable apartment building. 3. Who is affected by the decision you make? The client is directly affected by the decision made. The decision of the engineer to keep the report confidential could be crucial to whether or not he can sell this apartment building. Consequentially, if the client cannot sell this building at the fault of the engineer, the engineer will certainly lose his job or be turned away by future potential clients. Indirectly then, the engineer’s family could be affected if he were to lose his job. The client’s family could also be affected in a similar way if the client needs to sell this building to make a living. Of course, the inhabitants of the apartment will also be affected by the engineer’s decision because they are living in the potentially dangerous building. 4. What are your options? a. The engineer...
Words: 1133 - Pages: 5
...Engineering Ethics By Tyler Roberts There are many different factors and aspects in the division of engineering and one of the most important factors to know in this field is the engineering code of ethics. These moral codes that all engineers must work to abide by are a set of rules and standards that express the importance of the decisions that engineers must make. The engineering code of ethics requires the engineer’s full concentration of showing and acting on their honesty, integrity, and fairness while keeping in mind of enabling their work to protect the public’s health, welfare, and safety. Researching on these rules specifically created for engineers I learned that engineers must keep in mind all these factors listed above on top of their assignments. The basis for the code of ethics for engineers is the fundamental canons. These fundamental canons are provided by the NSPE (National Society of Professional Engineers) and the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), and for the most part both sets of fundamental canons were the same with the exception to the ASCE having an additional 7th rule. The fundamental canon states as follows, 1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties. 2. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence. 3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective...
Words: 1193 - Pages: 5
...mistaken in saying that the engineer shares responsibility for the project in its entirety? Does what he says apply only to the project engineer responsible for overseeing the entire project? Distinguish the applicable senses of ‘responsibility.’ CBS News had an article online regarding the court case involving the Army Corps of Engineers and their accountability with the levee failure during Hurricane Katrina. CBS News reports that the ruling could impact northern Texas. Congress made the decision that if something happened, the Army Corps of Engineers would not be held accountable. So when something happens, who is responsible? The city that the levee protects? The Federal Government is one thing, but what about all of the other engineering companies large, small, and everywhere in between? Obviously, one company can’t ever say “We cannot be held accountable if one of our products fails and injures people”. That’s wrong. So, how where would the accountability be pinned? If one of those smaller companies produced a product that ended up hurting or killing people, the entire company should be accountable. According to the Encyclopedia of Business, “businesses can be held liable for any damage or harm their products might cause”. However, this does not go into further detail. If a large corporation produced a product that hurt or killed people, is the entire corporation accountable or is the liability confined to the engineer/group of engineers that worked on that one...
Words: 1640 - Pages: 7
...Name:__________________________ 1. Herbert Hoover assumes that engineers are accountable for whether the products they make actually work according to expectations. But suppose, as is typical, that an engineer works on only a small part of a building or computer. Is Hoover mistaken in saying that the engineer shares responsibility for the project in its entirety? Does what he says apply only to the project engineer responsible for overseeing the entire project? Distinguish the applicable senses of ‘responsibility.’ [XXX words] 2. Debates over responsibility for safety as regards technological products often turn on who should be considered mainly responsible, the customer (‘buyer beware’) or the manufacturer (‘seller beware’). How might an emphasis on the idea of informed consent influence thinking about this question? A broad definition of informed consent includes the following conditions: a. The consent was given voluntarily. b. The consent was based on the information that a rational person would want, together with any other information requested and presented to them in an understandable form. c. The consenter was competent (not too young or mentally ill, for instance) to process the information and make rational decisions. For situations in which the subject cannot be readily identified as an individual: d. Information that a rational person would need, stated in understandable form, has been widely disseminated. ...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...Each profession holds a written code defining the ethics and limitations of what can be done within the boundaries around him/her. Ethics is one word that can unite all professions and prevent the negative outcomes of many decisions. However, it seems each profession possesses its own code. Doctors can’t abide by the engineering code and engineers can’t abide by the medical code. Should engineering ethics be taught to the future engineers? Is the engineering code well written enough to make the engineer abide by its limits? Every day an engineer make a crucial decision regarding an engineering problem; this decision can be fruitful or devastating regardless of what the code of ethics says. The decision itself will influence the surrounding matter. Many universities around the world especially in USA focus on engineering ethics and it is a mandatory course for students to become engineers. Is this influencing the student’s future decisions? If it actually does, then why not all countries are convinced with it? I mean an engineer is an engineer with the same expectations and ethics whether he was from USA or Japan or France. For instance, in 2000, the U.S Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) took an explicit step by stating in its criteria that engineering programs must always...
Words: 1875 - Pages: 8
...to the Professional Engineering Ethics Professional Engineers follow many ethical norms for them to become effective employees not only in the companies they work in, but also to the community. Because of the field they are working in, they are supposed to perform certain responsibilities that will affect their credibility. Together with these responsibilities there is a great impact in the personality of a professional Engineer if it is incorporated with Christian values. Christian values are teachings from the life of Jesus and Christian life. It helps us to be aware if our acts are favorable in His sight. These act as guides towards righteousness of an individual. When Christian values are incorporated in a professional Engineering ethics, it just doesn’t scope what is good, beneficial, desirable and useful for other people and for themselves, but they confer with the desires of God. When an individual works with morale, integrity and guidance of God, it will result to a better performance because he knows where he is headed to. It will also act as a conscience whenever you think of doing something that will affect in a bad manner other people around you and undesirable for God’s sight. These values will mold an individual to become a better person not only as professionals but as a person. As a professional Engineer, we are given enough education to perform what our tasks are. Together with these tasks, we are also equipped with values and ethics that help us in our...
Words: 288 - Pages: 2
...Opposition to nuclear power stations in Germany was generated by widespread agreement that nuclear power was not in the best interests if Germany society. This is reflected in legislation. However, if a significant proportion of Germany’s electricity supply is sourced from France – in particular, from nuclear power stations that are situated close to the German border – are there moral issues, or is this simply a cruel irony? Answer: By giving up nuclear power at this period of time would mean that Germany would have to rely heavily on non-renewable resources, such as coal, and on buying electricity from France. The electricity produced by France is mostly from their nuclear power stations, which are situated close to the German border. If we look back at the Chernobyl disaster, not only parts of Ukraine were affected but many parts of Belarus were affected too. So, if there happened to be a nuclear station accident in France, then, Germany would be affected too. Therefore, in my opinion, Germany has made the decision to quit from nuclear power too early as mentioned by the president of Germany, Ralf Gueldner, "A quick and rash exit from German nuclear power would raise costs for the whole economy, make us miss climate goals, raise our reliance on fossil fuels and make our power supply less secure, meaning more power imports and problems with network stability," (Pidd, 2011). The operating standards in French nuclear power stations are not necessarily those that would apply...
Words: 339 - Pages: 2
...The Australian education system which has been operating in Australia since European settlement has been unsuccessful in meeting the needs of Indigenous Australians. There is a long history of educational inadequacy where Aboriginal Australians are concerned. With a comprehensive understanding of the difficulty Indigenous children face in terms of acquiring an education in our education system, it is now possible to recognize particular techniques which may be used in an attempt to counteract or minimise troubles caused by feelings of discrimination amongst Indigenous children. We believe a problem with Aboriginal schooling retention rates is that the students don’t feel captivated or that the content being taught applies to them, and therefore they don’t care for education. We believe our education strategy needs to focus on correcting this by teaching the truth and history about colonisation and developing awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture. By incorporating Indigenous teachings into the curriculum, we will engage students and improve school completion rates. A good education determines many factors in an Indigenous child’s health, literacy, employment and productivity. It is widely believed that Aboriginal children learn best and most efficiently when educated by a culturally aware teacher, preferably an Indigenous teacher. Aboriginal teachers bring a bigger range of cultural perspectives into schools and develop relations with the Indigenous communities around...
Words: 1875 - Pages: 8
...Gari Components, Inc. TO: Sam McGillicuddy, GCI President DATE: March 22, 2006 SUBJECT: Position on the Kyoto Accords DIST: Martha Smith, GCI Chief Technical Officer FOREWORD: Gari Components, Inc. is well-known to emit quite a large volume of greenhouse gases throughout the course of routine operations. Recently, at a quarterly shareholder meeting, a group of vocal shareholders voiced their opinion on this particular facet of GCI, declaring that they wanted to see the company’s tendency to produce these gases substantially decrease. They also inquired into GCI’s standing on the Kyoto accords, a recent treaty signed by several major world powers advocating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. I, a civil engineer for GCI, was asked to inquire into these accords, as well as investigate our company’s ethical responsibilities in this matter. I have researched the matter thoroughly, and have come to several conclusions on these topics. The purpose of this memo is recommend a course of action for GCI in relation to a response to these shareholders for the next quarterly meeting, as well as give a justifiable explanation for these conclusions. SUMMARY: I soon discovered after researching the Kyoto Accord and its related subjects thoroughly that opinions vary widely on the topic. Overall, despite enjoying a fair amount of popularity throughout much of the world, several countries, such as the United States and Australia, have issues...
Words: 1511 - Pages: 7
...MODERN ENGINEERING ETHICS Most of code of ethics in worldwide are put public interest above all other by engineers consciously. When engineering individuals pursuit their own self-interest, public will have to be achieved in the fast but modern day world has been changed. Now people try to go with green, expectation is sustainable development so it emphasis on economic valuation and economic instruments for the sake of environmental protection. Ethical behavior and way of looking at thing on modern day engineer is changed. With respect to technological development, an economic determinism is prepared generally by the sustainable policy. Environmental and economic goals are major than the ethical issues. Environmental and economic requirement of modern day engineering work conflict every day and...
Words: 998 - Pages: 4
...than ever before. Accommodating for sustainability and creating economical designs must be ensured. This is the challenges professional engineer’s face on a daily basis, an engineer is a person who applies their knowledge in the sciences and mathematics to design and provide services required for the publics need. Engineers are abided by the code of ethics and section 77 of regulation 941 states that all licensed engineers act with the following statement “knowledge of developments in the area of professional engineering relevant to any services that are undertaken; and competence in the performance of any professional engineering services that are undertaken” [1]. Continued professional development, is a learning tool for professional to stay current and maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives [7]. On the basis that an engineer’s work is to provide development for society, the Professional Engineer of Ontario should mandate a professional development program to ensure that engineers remain competent throughout their professional careers. Current practices in Canada and around the world in engineering and similar practices, and the effects of the advancement of technologies requires CPD to ensure competent engineers. Regulating and launching a CPD program easily establishes the requirements of the publics need, regulator’s need, licensee’ need, and the employer’s need. As an engineer one of the main duties that must be...
Words: 1747 - Pages: 7
...PROCEEDINGS of the 3rd Christian Engineering Education Conference June 23-25, 1999 at the JAARS Facility of Wycliffe Bible Translators Waxhaw, North Carolina The Mission of Christian College Engineering Programs for Y2K and Beyond Preface THE FIRST CHRISTIAN ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN 1992 AT CALVIN COLLEGE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN. SEVERAL YEARS LATER, TTHE SECOND CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN 1996 AT MESSIAH COLLEGE, IN GRANTHAM, PENNSYLVANIA. THE 1999 CHRISTIAN ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE BROUGHT TOGETHER A DIVERSE GROUP OF DEDICATED CHRISTIAN ENGINEERS. IT WAS A DISTINCT PLEASURE TO HEAR THE WONDERFUL WAYS GOD IS WORKING IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS REPRESENTED AT OUR MEETING. THE JUNGLE AVIATION AND RADIO SERVICE (JAARS) FACILITY OF WYCLIFFE WAS A FANTASTIC LOCATION FOR OUR CONFERENCE, AND WE ARE VERY THANKFUL TO OUR GRACIOUS HOSTS. A SPECIAL THANKS GOES TO CAROL WEAVER, THE JAARS CONFERENCE COORDINATOR. The goal of these conferences is to glorify God, to foster community among Christian engineering educators, and to encourage and challenge each other in our work of kingdom building. Abraham Kuyper, one of the great thinkers within the Reformed tradition of Christianity, has said that there is not one square centimeter of the creation that is not claimed by Christ. As Christian engineering educators of whatever tradition, we seek to stake that claim in our discipline, exploring how...
Words: 29247 - Pages: 117
...Mect-4188 day 1 Engineers Duties in regard to Ethics Treat others the way you want to be treated 1. Duty to Public 2. Duty to Client 3. Duty to Profession and Other Engineers 4. Duty to Employees and /or Employer lEngineering Ethics Honesty 1. Client 2. Public 3. Professional 4. Employee/Employer Justice Courtesy Integrity Day 2 DUTY TO PUBLIC Cannon 1: ENGINEER WILL HOLD PARAMOUNT IN THE WELFARE, PROPERTY AND SECURITY OF THE PUBLIC IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PROFESSIONAL DUTIES. Rule 1: Will not private interest at the expense of the public good. Rule 2: will realize that they are responsible for the effect of their work. Rule 3: Will report only true facts or true evidence when expressing an opinion or conclusion in testimony or public forums. Rule 4: Will assist the public to understand the purpose and principals involved in engineering. Rule 5: Will recognize the need to serve the community, not only in a professional capacity, but also in a civic capacity. DUTY TO CLIENT Cannon 2: ENGINEERS WILL BE A FAITHFUL AGENTS OR TRUSTEES OF THE CLIENT. Rule 6: Will not exaggerate professional qualifications in advertising of testimony. Rule 7: Will not practice or offer to practice in any field in which they are not proficient and legally entitled to practice. They may engage the assistance of qualified persons to aid in the proper performance of services requested by the client. Rule 8: Will be honest in all estimates...
Words: 976 - Pages: 4
...Wage Gap, and Sex Segregation Gender Exercise #1 During my investigation I noticed that the occupations that I am interested in pursuing cater mostly to males. The professions that interest me are Engineering, Chemistry, and Anesthesiology. I came across an article that discussed the pay differences between male's, and female's in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) profession's. According to a data study provided by the American Chemical Society (ACS) male chemists earned thirty percent more than female chemists. The findings of their research showed that eighty-three percent of the wage gap is due to differences in work ethic, and productivity, while the remaining seventeen percent is because of discrimination, and other unmeasured allegations. The information that I obtained from the National Society of Professional Engineers, in 2004 there were approximately 192,900 female engineers (62,000 were software engineers) throughout the United States, compared to the overwhelming number of men in this profession, at over 1,515,000. Women are more likely to get hired in the environmental, and chemical engineering fields than men are. However, women are less likely to get hired in the mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering professions than men. In 2006 females made up approximately one quarter of all engineers under the age of 25 in the United Stated. After researching the field of Anesthesiology I found that men are...
Words: 347 - Pages: 2
