Cases for Developing
Ethical Awareness
Marilyn A. Dyrud
Oregon Institute of Technology
CIEC 2006
“People are
story-telling
animals.”
~Walter Fischer
“The ideas of
engineering
are in our bones.”
~Henry Petroski
Overview
Definitions
Benefits of cases
Pedagogical techniques
Resources
Why Cases?
Allure of stories
Proven pedagogical technique
Flexible
Definitions
Micro: individual engineers
Issues:
Autonomy
Duty/loyalty
Integrity
Responsibility
Whistleblowing
Macro: engineering profession
Issues:
Product liability Social contract
Public safety
Responsibility
Sustainable development
Benefits
Active learning
Practical
application
Problem-solving
skills
Communication
skills
Enhanced class
atmosphere
Case Activity
With a person
sitting next to you,
read and discuss the
case.
Develop answers
for the 3 questions
Decide who will be
the spokesperson
Results
Does the engineer’s action constitute a
breach of confidentiality?
Is his behavior proper?
What, if any, action against the engineer
would be appropriate?
Pedagogical Techniques
Discussion
Problem-solving
Moral imagination
Decision-Making Guide
State problem
Check facts
Identify relevant factors
Develop list of options
Test options
•Harm
•Publicity
•Defensibility
•Reversibility
•Colleague
•Professional
•Organization
Make a choice
Review
Resources
Textbooks
Websites
NSPE’s Board of
Ethical Review
State examining
sites
Conclusions
Involve mind & emotions
Develop reasoning, problem-solving,
communication skills
Prepare for future situations
“Engineering ethics is part of thinking like an
engineer. Teaching engineering ethics is
part of teaching future engineers how to
practice the profession.”
~Michael Davis