Ethics & Values in Engineering Profession Short Notes Part-1

INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING ETHICS

Ethics is the study of the characteristics of morals and involves the moral choices made by individuals as they interact with other persons. Engineers need to be aware of ethics as they make choices during their professional practice of engineering.

Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.

Thus, Engineering ethics will be defined as the rules and standards governing the conduct of engineers in their roles as professionals and It is integral to the practice of engineering, part of engineering problem-solving. Safety and guarding against avoidable harm are built into engineering; they are the principles that underlie engineering codes and standards.

WHAT IS ENGINEERING PROFESSION?

Engineering practice can be defined as a “profession,” as opposed to an “occupation” or “job.” A profession has the following attributes:

• Work requires sophisticated skills, judgment, and exercise of discretion (work is not routine).
• Membership in the profession requires formal education.
• Special societies (controlled by members of the profession) establish standards for admission into the profession and conduct of its members.
• Significant positive public service results from the practice of the profession.

CLASSIFICATION OF ENGINEERING ETHICS

“micro-ethics”, concerned with individuals and the internal relations of the engineering profession and

“macro-ethics”, concerned with the collective, social responsibility of the engineering profession and societal decisions about technology.

Basic & Essential Concepts in Ethical Studies:

• Ethical standards are principles by which we judge whether a moral action is right or wrong; they include statute law, religious authority, public opinion, and conscience.
• Teleological ethical theories are those that judge conduct as right or wrong in relation to some end or goal considered good.
• Hedonism, Epicureanism, and utilitarianism consider pleasure or happiness to be the highest goal. John Stuart Mill denies the criticism that utilitarianism encourages selfishness; he maintains the greatest happiness of the greatest number is the standard of right conduct.
• Kant proposes a moral philosophy in which principles are either right or wrong, regardless of the situation. This position is sometimes called formalism.
• Self-realization, often referred to as humanism, promotes the development of humans to the highest possible degree. Platonic humanism and Aristotle’s view of self-realization are historically significant.
• Classical moral philosophy proposes that moral absolutes can be determined rationally.
• Natural law ethics is based on natural law, which can be discovered by reason. i.e. by empirical analysis of phenomena.
• Religious ethical ideals, as found in Judaism and Christianity, include two major views:
  • The will of God is sufficient justification to obey traditional maxims, and
  • The love of God inspires people to do the best to live as caring individuals – based on religious teachings.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN ENGINEERING:

The moral responsibility of engineers arises from special knowledge possessed by an individual in the profession.

Professional ethics

• covers professional relationships between engineers and other individuals who are their managers, clients, colleagues, and employers
• the role of engineers in industry and other organizations, professional engineering societies, and responsibilities of the profession
• example
  • Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice as recommended by the ACM/IEEE-CS says not to knowingly use software that is obtained or retained either illegally or unethically.

Usually, the professional and personal responsibility is represented in a code of ethics which are covered under professional competencies in that organization.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING ETHICS:

• Utilitarianism
  • An ethical theory that claims that utility, in the sense that whatever increases pleasure and decreases pain, should be the aim of acts and the criterion by which we judge them.
• Benevolence
  • It is the active pursuit of the enormous value that we can get from relationships with other people. Benevolence, as a major virtue, is key to living by the trader principle. i.e. trade creates enormous value, both material and non-material. Benevolence is the commitment to create trade and trading opportunities.
• Courage
  • Courage is the ability to act in the face of danger and uncertainty. Although it is more of an emotion or state of mind, it is an important part of one’s life. This is because the future is always uncertain. Life is not just about avoiding death. It is about achieving values and happiness. Courage must overcome both the fear of danger and uncertainty.
• Caring and Sharing
  • Caring for other persons and sharing their sorrows and happiness is the heart of the moral life. The morality of care leads to a refreshingly new picture of morality as centering on relationships, feelings, and connectedness rather than impartiality, justice, and fairness.
• Duties
  • Duties can be positive, such as the duty to look after one’s children, or negative, such as the duty not to murder another human being. When people use the language of duties, they usually do so in a way that implies that the duty is universal to all human beings (or at least to all adult humans of sound mind). We should treat people as an end, never as a means to an end. This means that people should be treated with dignity.
• Decision Making
  • The avoidance of disputes and conflicts requires careful and willing collaboration between the parties involved, at the outset of any collaborative effort. There must be a clear understanding of the aim of the project - what need is being met, and what are the surrounding circumstances. Physical, financial and temporal restraints need to be clearly defined, and the nature of the contribution required from each member of the team, established and recorded as understood.

CODES OF ETHICS:

Codes of ethics vary from one professional society to another, but they typically share common features in prescribing the responsibilities of engineers to the public, their employers and clients, and their fellow engineers. All modern codes state that the most significant responsibility of engineers is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Codes often also emphasize such characteristics as competence, trustworthiness, honesty, and fairness.

What does the code of ethics say?

• The code Express the rights, duties, and obligations of members of the profession
• They restate existing standards of responsible engineering practice „
• Create an environment within the profession where ethical behavior is the norm „
• They are not legally binding – an engineer cannot be arrested for violating an ethical code but may be expelled from or censured by the engineering society

NSPE CODE OF ETHICS OF ENGINEERS:

Preamble: Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct.

I. Fundamental Canons

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

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 faithful agents or trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

II. Rules of Practice

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
   1. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
   2. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards.
   3. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
   4. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.
   5. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firm.
   6. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved.
   
   1. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control.
   2. Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.

1. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current.
   1. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters.
   2. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.

1. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services.
   1. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.
   2. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
   3. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice.
   4. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.

1. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments.
   
   1. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.

III. Professional Obligations

1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
   1. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts.
   2. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful.
   3. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering employment, they will notify their employers.
   4. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
   5. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community.
   
   1. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project.
   2. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements.
   3. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development¹in order to protect the environment for future generations.
   4. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.

1. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the public. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact.
   
   1. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
   2. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel.

1. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge.
   
   1. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.

1. Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by conflicting interests. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product.
   
   1. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.

1. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be compromised.
   
   1. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
   2. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical considerations.

1. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
   
   1. Engineers in sales or industrial employees are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.
   2. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties.

1. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests cannot otherwise be protected. Engineers shall conform to state registration laws in the practice of engineering.
   
   1. Engineers shall not use association with a non-engineer, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.

1. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments.
   
   1. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership.
   2. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer for others without express permission.
   3. Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose.

For example:

NSPE Code of Ethics (The National Society of Professional Engineers is an American professional association representing licensed professional engineers) says

• Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
• Perform services only in areas of their competence.
• Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
• Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
• Avoid deceptive acts.

Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.