Engineering ethics

Original Tay Bridge before the 1879 collapse

BostonMolassesDisaster

Citigroup center from ground

File:Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer Stamp 2000 Zoomed.JPG

Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer Stamp 2000 Zoomed

Challenger explosion

Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and system of moral principles that apply to the practice of engineering. The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their clients, and to the profession. As a scholarly discipline, it is closely related to subjects such as philosophy, sociology, and law.

History

The concept of engineering ethics has evolved over time. Early engineering societies, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (founded in 1818), did not initially have formal codes of ethics. However, as engineering projects grew in scale and complexity, the need for ethical guidelines became apparent. The first formal code of ethics for engineers was established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1914.

Fundamental Principles

Engineering ethics is based on several fundamental principles, including:

• Public Safety and Welfare: Engineers must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public in their professional duties.
• Competence: Engineers should only undertake tasks for which they are qualified by education or experience.
• Integrity: Engineers must be honest and impartial, and serve with fidelity the public, their employers, and clients.
• Confidentiality: Engineers should respect the confidentiality of their clients and employers.
• Sustainability: Engineers should consider the environmental impact of their projects and strive for sustainable solutions.

Codes of Ethics

Various professional engineering organizations have established codes of ethics to guide their members. Some of the most notable include:

• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

Case Studies

Engineering ethics often involves the analysis of case studies to illustrate ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes. Notable case studies include:

• The Challenger disaster
• The Chernobyl disaster
• The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse

Education and Training

Many engineering programs include courses on ethics to prepare students for the ethical challenges they may face in their careers. These courses often cover topics such as professional responsibility, risk assessment, and the social impact of engineering projects.

Related Topics

• Professional responsibility
• Risk assessment
• Social impact of technology
• Sustainable engineering
• Whistleblowing

See Also

• Institution of Civil Engineers
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers