CLO1
To explain the ideas and principle of variety of traditional ethical systems.
Professional ethics
Professional ethics are principles that govern the behavior of a person or group in a business
environment. Like values, professional ethics provide rules on how a person should act towards
other people and institutions in such an environment.
Variety of Ethical systems
Ethical systems can generally be broken down into four categories:
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Deontological
teleological
virtue-based ethics.
Utilitarianism
The first two are considered deontic or action-based theories of morality because they focus entirely
on the actions which a person performs.

Deontological system:
Deontological moral systems are characterized primarily by a
focus on adherence to independent moral rules or duties. In order to make the correct
moral choices, you simply have to understand what your moral duties are and what
correct rules exist which regulate those duties. When you follow your duty, you are
behaving morally. When you fail to follow your duty, you are behaving immorally. A
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deontological moral system may be seen in many religions, where you follow the rules
and duties that are said to have been established by God.
Key principle of deontological system
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Freedom(autonomy)is the ultimate moral good.
Each & every relation being has infinite moral worth
We must respect the dignity & autonomy of all human beings in all situations.
It is never permissible to treat a human being as a means to an end only.
All the human beings have to fulfill certain absolute duties
 The duty not to lie.
 The duty not to commit suicide.
 The duty to develop one’s talent.

Teleological system:
Teleological moral systems are characterized primarily by a focus
on the consequences which any action might have (for that reason, they are often referred
to as consequentialist moral systems, and both terms are used here). In order to make
correct moral choices, you have to have some understanding of what will result from
your choices. When you make choices which result in the correct consequences, then you
are acting morally; when you make choices which result in the incorrect consequences,
then you are acting immorally. The problem comes in determining correct consequences
when an action can produce a variety of outcomes. Also, there may be a tendency to
adopt an attitude of the ends justifying the means.

Virtue-based ethical system:
Virtue-based ethical theories place much less emphasis on which
rules people should follow and instead focus on helping people develop good character traits,
such as kindness and generosity. These character traits will, in turn, allow a person to make the
correct decisions later on in life. Virtue theorists also emphasize the need for people to learn how
to break bad habits of character, like greed or anger. These are called vices and stand in the way
of becoming a good person.
Key principle of Virtue system
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Human excellence is the ultimate moral good.
When contemplating what to do, ask yourself…
 What would a morally virtuous person do?
Try to shape your own character by doing good acts habitually.
Try to imitate the behavior of virtuous role models.
Perform actions that are an expression of the 5 cardinal virtues.
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
Don’t perform actions that are an expression of vice.
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Utilitarianism:
It is a theory of morality which advocate the actions that promotes the goods
for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism promotes the greatest number of good
for greatest number of people. when it is used in sociopolitical construct or decisionmaking process it aims for the betterment of the society as whole.
Utilitarianism is reason-based theory to determining right and wrong, but it has in
limitations. Utilitarianism does not account for things like feeling and emotions, culture,
or justice.
Ethical principles
The expression "basic ethical principles" refers to those general judgments that
serve as a justification for particular ethical prescriptions and evaluations of
human actions.
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Respect for Persons:
Respect for persons incorporates at least two ethical convictions:
first, that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents, and second, that persons
with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection. The principle of respect for persons
thus divides into two separate moral requirements: the requirement to acknowledge
autonomy and the requirement to protect those with diminished autonomy.
In most cases of research involving human subjects, respect for persons demands that
subjects enter into the research voluntarily and with adequate information.
To respect autonomy is to give weight to autonomous persons' considered opinions and
choices while refraining from obstructing their actions unless they are clearly detrimental
to others. Respect for the immature and the incapacitated may require protecting them as
they mature or while they are incapacitated.
Some persons are in need of extensive protection. The extent of protection afforded should
depend upon the risk of harm and the likelihood of benefit. The judgment that any
individual lacks autonomy should be periodically reevaluated and will vary in different
situations.
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
Beneficence:
Persons are treated in an ethical manner not only by respecting their
decisions and protecting them from harm, but also by making efforts to secure their well being. Such treatment falls under the principle of beneficence. Two general rules have been
formulated as complementary expressions of beneficent actions in this sense: (1) do not
harm and (2) maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms. As with all hard
cases, the different claims covered by the principle of beneficence may come into conflict
and force difficult choices.

Justice:
Who ought to receive the benefits of research and bear its burdens? This is a
question of justice, in the sense of “fairness in distribution” or “what is deserved.” An
injustice occurs when some benefit to which a person is entitled is denied without good
reason or when some burden is imposed unduly. Another way of conceiving the principle
of justice is that equals ought to be treated equally.
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Autonomy :
It is the principle that addresses the concept of independence. The essence of this principle is
allowing an individual the freedom of choice and action. It addresses the responsibility of the
counselor to encourage clients, when appropriate, to make their own decisions and to act on their
own values. There are two important considerations in encouraging clients to be autonomous.
First, helping the client to understand how their decisions and their values may or may not be
received within the context of the society in which they live, and how they may impinge on the
rights of others. The second consideration is related to the client's ability to make sound and
rational decisions. Persons not capable of making competent choices, such as children, and some
individuals with mental handicaps, should not be allowed to act on decisions that could harm
themselves or others.
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Nonmaleficence:
It is the concept of not causing harm to others. Often explained as "above all do no harm", this
principle is considered by some to be the most critical of all the principles, even though
theoretically they are all of equal weight. This principle reflects both the idea of not inflicting
intentional harm, and not engaging in actions that risk harming others.
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Beneficence:
Its reflects the counselor's responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the client. Simply stated it
means to do good, to be proactive and also to prevent harm when possible
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
Justice:
It does not mean treating all individuals the same. Kitchener (1984) points out that the formal
meaning of justice is "treating equals equally and unequal unequally but in proportion to their
relevant differences" If an individual is to be treated differently, the counselor needs to be able to
offer a rationale that explains the necessity and appropriateness of treating this individual
differently.
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Fidelity:
Its involves the notions of loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments. Clients must be able
to trust the counselor and have faith in the therapeutic relationship if growth is to occur.
Therefore, the counselor must take care not to threaten the therapeutic relationship nor to leave
obligations unfulfilled.
Ethical Principles and Professional Relationships
Interpretations of ethical questions center on the ethical principles which are adopted.
Ethical principles enable us to reach normative judgments. They guide our thinking by
providing us with a basis for determining how we should act when an ethical issue arises.
They do not provide definitive answers; only answers that can be justified by way of
argument depending on the ethical viewpoints adopted, and the decision-making models and
processes employed. Most ethical theories fall between the following types: rule-based ethics
which focuses on actions and duties, also known as the deontological tradition according to
which duty is primary.
It is better described as 'duty-based' and 'right' based ethics as Kant himself
distinguishes duties from rules. In Kant's version of 'duty-based' ethics the intrinsic duty to
act is our duty to do what is right. Duty is not contingent on the outcome, although it is not
totally ignored. We may not want to obey the moral law; for that reason all moral laws
appear to us as imperatives. More over because nothing can justify disregarding our moral
obligations, they obligate us absolutely, or categorically. eg do not kill or do not lie.
Consequently, in the Foundations Kant called the ultimate moral norm the 'categorical
imperative'.
The notion of the rational autonomous agent is an important Kantian
contribution. The dignity of each person is based on his/her own reason and on the doctrine
of autonomy, that is each person has control over his/her own destiny. Any individual maxim
must be able to be translated into a universal law. All obligations are binding on any rational
being. The moral worth is not in what will be accomplished but in the agent's intention. A
person of good moral character is one who not only does what is right but also does so from
the specifically ethical motive of dutifulness. The advantage to this approach is that duties
coupled with rights bond human relationships.
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The problem is that it does not help resolve conflicts between duties. If two
duties conflict consequences cannot in theory be considered. An example of applying this
approach includes questions such as: Is my duty and the action taken universally acceptable
to those directly affected by it? Could I inform others about my decision? For example,
balancing objectives of profitability with producing a safe product.
Rights-based ethics or contractarianism is based on a right defined as an
entitlement, in which moral rights, unlike legal rights, cut across all notions of legal
jurisdiction. For example the right to privacy is seen as necessary for autonomy. Its
application includes questions such as whether an act violates a person's rights, and which
rights are violated.
Another ethical tradition is ends-based or goal-centered theory. It is also known
as the teleological or consequentialist tradition in which goals or purposes of actions and
their consequences are fundamental. One considers the good from the decision, ie the
consequence; so the end justifies the means. Consequentialism is a modem form of this
theory. Its best known form is utilitarianism which focuses on the social good and social
harm of actions. In the classic utilitarianism or ethical universalism of Jeremy Bentham the
good or end (telos) is the happiness or the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Singer's cooperative model fits here. The problem with utilitarianism is that it is not possible
to predict all the consequences of an action, that is, what will be the best outcome for the
greatest number of people. The minority is often sacrificed. Utilitarianism may be applied in
cost benefit analyses by selecting an approach that maximize the benefit for all parties or
stakeholders affected by the decision; that is, the greatest net benefit approach. How the ends
are achieved is secondary and individual rights are often ignored. It can be used to rationalise
unethical behavior, for example, monitoring staff performance for maximizing staff
productivity.
Agent-based ethics, also known as virtue ethics, is sometimes included within
teleological approach, and has its origin in a revitalised version of Aristotelian ethics. The
emphasis is on the qualities of a person which will ensure that he/she will make the right
decisions. Virtues such as integrity, honesty, fidelity, and probity are motives for the right
actions. In its modem version it is tied to ethics of a community, a form of
communitarianism, originally defined as universal virtues. It is useful for character building,
for education, for application to professional ethics. Virtue ethics offers a strong set of
principles for professional practice. The problems in this approach revolve around virtues
that may conflict. Ethical theories that operate on responding to the 'demands' that arise in
human relationships in specific situations are also agent-centered. The 'ethical demand' is a
response to another human being's needs which presupposes that all interaction between
human beings involves a basic trust. The demand is not derived from any rule and trust is
part of what it means to be human.
One takes care of the life which trust has placed in our hands, so exploiting a person
would be unethical. The motive for actions is not central. The emphasis is on person to
person relationships, thus emphasising that ethics is a question of personal responsibility,
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which is essential to professional decisions. Ethical collectivism is a form of discourse ethics
which insists that the correct conclusion about ethical matters is a collective achievement, a
consensus constructed out of the diverse points of view of the participants in the discourse.
The collective agreement is the closest individuals at that time and place can come to the
truth.
Professional ethics is also a form of discourse ethics as it reflectc; a consensus view
of a profession at a point in time.
 ln summary, a number of ethical principles, including Kantian duties,
consequential actions, virtues, the ethical demand, and rights-based theories, can
be adapted to professional relationships. Within professional and other
relationships rights and corresponding obligations such as privacy or
confidentiality can be respected via ethics, as distinct from legal protection, in
terms of the moral agency of role, a notion also found in virtue ethics. Ethical
duties in various 'roles' form part of social relationships; the obligations and right~
between parties based on mutual respect and trust rather than through legal
pressures of sanctions drawn from the 'demand' position. Concepts of trust are
central to the nature of professionalism.
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CLO2
To demonstrate professional ethical concepts and guidelines in solving major
problems in civil engineering practices in corporate culture
Professional ethical concepts
Professional Ethics are the guiding principles that are to be followed by or expected to be
followed by the people in that profession.
These principles in any company or group can be termed as ethics.
Similarly, professional ethics are to be applied by the people of a particular profession if they can
be based on the duties that they have to follow, their skills and specific knowledge.
Every profession has its particular rules, regulations, or you could say principles.
A person when choosing a job must know that specific profession. Ethics means principles of
something. In different roles, they have ethics according to their knowledge about the situation,
how people belonging to that profession should behave.
Professional ethics is guidance for people working in a particular profession that tells them what
they supposed to do and what they are not supposed to do while working there.
Examples of Professional Ethics
Professional Ethics’ best example can be the one Doctors take. The Hippocratic Oath,
taken by doctors when they are rewarded the degree in medicine. This oath is one of the ethics
that have to follow before practicing medicine. And, every ethics differs depending upon the type
of profession a person has.
It becomes easier to understand something when somebody describes it with a commonly
seen example. Professional ethics might sound critical to understand, but it is not. A common
cause can explain the whole thing.
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Types of Professional Ethics
Every profession has its way of dealing and making the profession work.Although ethics
differ in every profession, some principles ethics are universal.
ethics are guiding principles encompassing the standards of behavior expected by a person or
group. Professional ethics are those that apply to a specific profession and will vary based on
the specific knowledge, skills and duties of those in the role. One of the best -known examples
of professional ethics is the Hippocratic oath sworn by doctors to do no harm to those they are
treating. While this is a good ethical standard for most people, it applies more directly to those
in the medical profession than those working as a lawyer. That is why there are many types of
ethics for many different professions.
They are followed by each profession, which is being honest in their work and serving the
people along with trustworthiness, respecting others, honesty, accountability, abiding by the rules
and avoiding harming anyone.
Generally, the rules mentioned above are followed by every professional.
And, if anyone fails to do so, s/he becomes unworthy of being in that profession. Some particular
associations around the world and nation determine the ethics of a specific profession. And it has
to be followed by the people with full honesty.
1. Media and their Professional Ethics :
But journalists have to be honest and unbiased while reporting the news. Any news that is about
making people aware of their surroundings. Therefore, ethics in media is crucial and is about
sticking to the facts instead of presenting their opinions. In short, we can say that media ethics
are about “seeking truth and reporting it.”
2. Judicial and Legal Professional Ethics:
Anyone who is in the field of law and justice is required to abide by its rules and ethics.
Here, the lawyers or anyone in the legal area should balance their duty to prosecute criminals and
defend the clients. It should be under the obligation of ethics to uphold the law and be truthful
regarding it.
People from the Legal field are to maintain the confidentiality of their clients and avoid conflicts.
Everything should be balanced, and they should be honest about their duty. The most important
thing is that they should not make their clients fools. If any lawyer is unable to convince their
clients then s/, he should drag themselves away from the case.
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In the judiciary, field balance is a must. This balance is the primary principle of their profession.
A person involved in a legal or judicial business, must defend their clients or prosecute the
criminal with honesty. It’s not always winning the case but being honest with the laws. They
cannot force anyone to say something even if they know it’s a lie, but they can make them
confess the truth with tricks.
3. Engineer’s Professional Ethics
Engineers also have specific ethical codes that they have to follow anyhow.There is so much
responsibility on the shoulders of Engineers. They are the one building houses, dams, highways,
any gadget or even a car. They have to be honest enough while designing and making them.
National Society of Professional Engineers created an ethics code for engineers to make
sure that engineers know that in their profession, they need to be honest and responsible. Being
fair, taking care of public health and their safety should be their priority as a professional. This
code is the principle they follow.
The ethical code of engineering was created to facilitate the tenets of impartiality, equity,
honesty and fairness in their work. When they are to conduct any building making or designing,
they have to do it with full sincerity to decrease the risk of harm. For the highway, people use it
very often, and it should be safe. Therefore the one making it should be honest.
Ethical Guidelines in solving major problems of civil engineering practices in
corporate culture
Ethics are principles followed depending upon the moral responsibility that a person feels. The
study of related questions about moral ideals, character, policies and relationships of people and
organizations involved in technological activity, can be termed as Engineering ethics.
An engineer whether he works individually or works for a company, has to go through some
ethical issues, mostly under the conditions such as, conceptualization of a product, issues arising
in design and testing departments, or may be on the issues involving the manufacturing, sales and
services. Questions related to morality also arise during supervision and team works.
The ethical decisions and moral values of an engineer need to be considered because the decisions
of an engineer have an impact the products and services - how safe they are to use, the company
and its shareholders who believe in the goodwill of the company, the public and the society who
trusts the company regarding the benefits of the people, the law which cares about how legislation
affects the profession and industry, the job and his moral responsibilities and about how the
environment gets affected, etc.
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Not only an engineer, but everyone has to follow a set of morals in order to keep away from
getting morally degraded. Our behavior should include the following −
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Respecting others and ourselves.
Respecting the rights of others.
Keeping promises.
Avoiding unnecessary problems to others.
Avoiding cheating and dishonesty.
Showing gratitude towards others and encourage them to work.
Morality commands respect for persons, both others and ourselves. It involves being fair and just,
meeting obligations and respecting rights and not causing unnecessary harm by dishonesty and
cruelty or by hubris.
 Steps to Deal with Issues
Whenever there occurs an issue, one should possess a few skills in order to sort out the problem.
The issues that engineers face, have to be dealt with patience and few moral goals have to be kept
in mind while dealing with such issues. They are as follows −
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Moral Awareness − One should be able to recognize the moral problems and issues that
occur in Engineering. The analysis on the problem is necessary in order to differentiate
and judge according to ethics or according to the rules to follow.
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Cogent Moral Reasoning − In order to come to a conclusion on an issue, the argument
has to be assessed and comprehended. The argument on both sides has to be considered
with all the probabilities and the nature of the argument should be logical and moral.
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Moral Coherence − After having gone through all the logical and moral facts, consistent
and comprehensive view points are to be formed based upon a consideration of relevant
facts.
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Moral Imagination − The moral issues and the practical issues have to be dealt separately.
Alternative responses are to be found out for dealing with moral issues while creative
solutions should be found out for practical difficulties.
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Moral Communication − The language to communicate about one’s moral views should
be so precise and clear, that the expression or words should not alter the original meaning.
Though one has all these moral goals, the ethical reasoning for achieving moral conduct with
responsibility and commitment is obtained by a few skills that are described below.
 Important Skills for Ethical Reasoning
Let us now discuss the important skills for ethical reasoning −
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Moral Reasonableness − The ability and willingness to be morally reasonable
that one should have while dealing such issues. Unless one is willing and improve
such ability, justice cannot be done.
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Respect for Persons − The persons involved in the issue, should be treated with
genuine concern by one. Such concern should also be there with oneself along
with being there for others.
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Tolerance of diversity − One should have a broader perspective towards ethnic
and religious differences that the people have. Every person differs with another
when compared on grounds of moral reasoning. The acceptance of those
differences is really important.
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Moral hope − The moral conflicts can be resolved by using better communication
and having rational dialogue which is evident-based and open-ended which is
acceptable and appreciable by both the parties.
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Integrity − The moral integrity has to be maintained. Being honest and having
strong moral principles helps one to resolve an issue in an efficient manner. An
individual also needs to consider other’s professional life and personal convictions while
solving a problem.

Engineering Ethics - Moral Issues
A moral issue can be understood as an issue to be resolved not only by considering the technical
stuff but also by keeping moral values in mind. To be more precise, let us consider the definition
in general.
“Moral issue is a working definition of an issue of moral concern is presented as any issue with
the potential to help or harm anyone, including oneself.”
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 Types of Moral Issues
There are mainly two types of Moral issues that we mostly come across while keeping the ethical
aspects in mind to respond. They are −
Micro-ethics
This approach stresses more on the problems that occur on a daily basis in the field of engineering
and its practice by engineers.
Macro-ethics
This approach deals with social problems which are unknown. However, these problems may
unexpectedly face the heat at both regional and national levels.
Examples
Let us now understand a few examples related to moral issues.
Example 1
After a recent collapse of a structure in which many people died, an Engineer came to know about
a bridge which is marginally safe. He informed his superior who asked him to stay calm and not
to discuss with anyone, while waiting for the next year budget sessions to get some financial help
for the repair required. What should the engineer do?
Example 2
What should an Engineer who observes his colleague copying confidential information
unauthorized, do immediately? If he chooses to stop his friend, what if this gets repeated without
his notice? If he chooses to report the management, what if his friend loses the job? Which is
morally correct?
Example 3
An engineer who develops a proto-type for the project, loses it due to a mishap exactly the day
before the submission. Is it morally correct to outsource the prototype of the project and reduce
the risks of job insecurity? What should he do?
These are the few examples just to understand the kind of moral dilemmas. There might be one
or more correct answers at times. There can be some other way around to deal with the issue,
which one can’t easily notice. However, the decisions have to be made by following a slow and
clear process in order to avoid further problems and also to solve this in a manner that leads to no
regrets.
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Engineering Ethics - Moral Dilemmas
At times, the situations occur where one cannot make immediate decisions as the moral reasons
come into conflict. The moral reasons can be rights, duties, goods or obligations, which make the
decision making complex.
 Types of Complexities:
The difficulties in arriving to a solution, when segregated, can be divided into the following three
sections.
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Vagueness
This refers to the condition where the doubt lies in whether the action refers to good or bad. This
is just like having a thought that following the rules is mandatory. This sometimes includes the
unwritten rules like being loyal, having respect, maintaining confidentiality, etc.

Conflicting reasons
When you know about the solutions you have, the making of better choice among the ones you
have, will be the internal conflict. Fixing the priorities depends upon the knowledge and the moral
values one has. The reason why the particular choice is being made, makes sense.

Disagreement
When there are two or more solutions and none among them is mandatory, the final solution
selected should be best suitable under existing and the most probable conditions. The
interpretation regarding the moral reasons behind the choice and analysis should be made keeping
in mind whether this is the better or the worse solution in the probable aspects.
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 Steps in Facing Moral Dilemmas
Whenever a person is faced with a moral dilemma, the issue is to be solved with a stepwise
approach as this will generate a better output. The steps include the following −
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Identification
The step of identification involves the following −
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The issue has to be thoroughly understood.
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The duties and the responsibilities of the persons involved are to be clearly known.
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The moral factors related to the issue are to be understood.
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The conflicting responsibilities, the competing rights and the clashing ideas involved are
to be identified.
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Ranking
The considerations in the issue are to be listed down. Then they have to be ranked according to
the priorities. The moral aspect has to be considered to rank the issues. The advantages of a single
person should never be given any importance unless any moral reason is there behind it. No
partiality is allowed.

Inquiries
The inquiry of details involved in the issue is to be completely made. All the facts related to the
issue are brought into light. Considering the alternative courses of action for resolving and tracing,
full implications are also needed.

Discussions
Discussions are to be made with other members, as different minds look at the issue in different
views to give different solutions. The complete analysis of a problem gives chances to different
viewpoints, perspectives and opinions from which a better solution can be drawn.

Final Solution
After analyzing different perspectives and considering the facts and reasons on the basis of truths
and understanding the flaws which lead to the issue, a final solution has to be drawn out. This
solution will add value to the whole analysis, in all aspects.
Engineering Ethics - Moral Autonomy
Moral Autonomy is the philosophy which is self-governing or self-determining, i.e., acting
independently without the influence or distortion of others. The moral autonomy relates to the
individual ideas whether right or wrong conduct which is independent of ethical issues. The
concept of moral autonomy helps in improving self-determination.
Moral Autonomy is concerned with independent attitude of a person related to moral/ethical
issues. This concept is found in moral, ethical and even in political philosophy.
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 Moral Autonomy – Skills Needed
In this section, let us discuss the skills needed for moral autonomy.

Ability to relate the problems with the problems of law, economics and religious
principles − It is essential to have the ability to analyze a problem and finding the relation
with the existing law or the topic of issue with the existing principles on that topic. The
ability to distinguish between both of them and finding the moral reasons.

Skill to process, clarify and understand the arguments against the moral issues − If
the issue is against some moral values or the ethical values to be followed in the society,
then clarity should be maintained about the differences and similarities. Both of these
differences and similarities are to be judged based on why they are a matter of concern
and in what aspect.

Ability to suggest the solutions to moral issues on the basis of facts − If the moral issues
are not fulfilling and needs to be, then the solutions are to be suggested according to the
moral issues based on the facts and truths of the issue. These suggestions must be
consistent and must include all the aspects of the problem. No partiality is to be allowed
in any such aspect.

Must have the imaginative skill to view the problems from all the viewpoints − After
having known about the facts and illusions of the issue, a clear understanding is attained
in viewing the problem in all kinds of viewpoints. This enables one to be able to suggest
a proper alternative solution.

Tolerance while giving moral judgment, which may cause trouble − When the whole
analysis is made considering all the viewpoints of the issue, the final output might be or
might not be pleasing to the persons involved. Hence while declaring the judgment or the
decisions taken, a detailed description of the actions done should be given, while the
actions ought to be done should be presented in a better way, to ensure others that the
decisions have been taken without any partialities towards any party.

Tolerance while giving moral judgment, which may cause trouble − When the whole
analysis is made considering all the viewpoints of the issue, the final output might be or
might not be pleasing to the persons involved. Hence while declaring the judgment or the
decisions taken, a detailed description of the actions done should be given, while the
actions ought to be done should be presented in a better way, to ensure others that the
decisions have been taken without any partialities towards any party.
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 Skills for Improving Moral Autonomy:
Moral autonomy reflects the concept of individuality. This relates to the idea of building one’s
self with the moral values one has while developing psychologically.
To have moral autonomy in all the aspects, one should have a lot of patience and interest. One
should adhere to the basic principles of humanity and should be strict with the Don’ts he has in
mind and liberal with his Do’s. The kindness towards his fellow beings is also an important
concept to be kept in mind. Inculcation of all these important qualities, enhances the skills of
Moral autonomy in a person.
A Person must have adequate knowledge and understanding about the use of ethical language so
as to defend or support his views with others. He must have better knowledge in understanding
the importance of suggestions and better solutions while resolving moral problems and also about
the importance of tolerance on some critical situations.
Above all, one must understand the importance of maintaining moral honesty and should be
liberal to understand the human behavior under certain circumstances.
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CLO 3: To adapt ethical principles in learning engineering educations:
What is engineering education?
Engineering education is the activity of teaching knowledge
and principles to the professional practice of engineering. It includes an initial education
(bachelor's and/or master's degree), and any advanced education and specializations
that follow.
Ethical principles in engineering
“Among the universal ethical values are honesty, integrity, promisekeeping, fidelity, fairness, respect for others, responsible citizenship, pursuit of excellence
and accountability.” – Michael Josephson
Why Study Engineering Ethics?
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To Understand the Standards Governing What is Acceptable Behavior in the Practice of
Engineering.
Why Practice Engineering Ethically?
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Personal Injury/Property Damage.
Disciplinary Action.
Impact on Reputation, Employer, Clients, Profession.
Possible Loss of Job, Business, etc.
Professional Codes of Ethics
A code of professional ethics results when a field organizes itself into a profession. The
resulting code is central to advising those professionals how to conduct themselves, to
judge their conduct and to understand the profession.
 Hierarchy of Ethical Obligations
Primary: Ethical Obligations to the Public.
Secondary: Ethical Obligations to Employer or Client.
Tertiary: Ethical Obligations to Other Professionals and Other Parties.
Three Basic Ethical Obligations –
(1) Public.
(2) Employer/Client.
(3) Other Professionals.
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Seven Principles Impacting Each Obligation
1. Protecting The Public Health, Safety and Welfare.
2. Demonstrating Professional Competence.
3. Maintaining Objectivity/Truthfulness.
4. Addressing Conflict of Interest.
5. Preserving Confidentiality.
6. Receiving and Providing Valuable Consideration.
7. Emerging Areas/Emerging Challenges.
1 Trust:
Trust is the foundation of individual cooperation and collective action. Robert
Greenleaf argues that “trust is the cement that makes possible institutional solidarity,
from the family to the world society” (Greenleaf, 1996). It is difficult to define trust.
David Carnevale defines trust as “faith or confidence in the intentions and actions of a
person or group to be ethical, fair and non-threatening concerning the rights and interests
of others in social exchange relationships” (Carnevale and Weschler, 1992). Francis
Fukuyama defines trust as “the expectation that arises within a community of regular,
honest, and cooperative behavior, based on commonly shared norms, on the part of other
members of that community” (Fukuyama, 1995). Trust is indispensable for forming
“social capital,” or ability to collaborate for common purposes. Human nature has a
sociable aspect, and societies require pervasive trust and “spontaneous sociability” in
order to function. Trust is based on past experience. Trust is not something that you are
automatically given. It must be earned, carefully and over time. Trust must be built on
and protected. Trust implies fair dealing. Trust implies no hidden agendas. Above all,
trust implies truth.
Trust is increasingly being recognized as indispensable for social relations and the
functioning of institutions. Now, having trust in someone is one side of the coin, being
trustworthy to someone is the other side.
2 Trustworthiness:
Whilst responsibility for one’s actions is a very general virtue,
trustworthiness is a very specific one. According to Günter Ropohl, responsibility is
“often discussed…without stating more precisely the moral rules or social values on
account of which certain consequences of action are to be supported and others are to be
avoided.” Trustworthiness literally means being worthy of trust (Rophol, 2001).
A trustworthy professional:
• is honest: does not deceive, cheat or steal.
• is reliable: do what he/she says he/she will do
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• has the courage to do the right thing.
• builds a good reputation.
• is loyal: stand by his/her family, colleagues, friends and country.
• is competent: has the range of knowledge and skills necessary to deliver optimum
results.
For instance, as an engineer you are expected to be honest in all your dealings with
clients, colleagues, the public; not telling half truths or misleading clients or others.
Secondly, you are expected to keep promises. Therefore, if you offer to do something or
find out information for someone, then this offer is a promise and, as a professional, it is
essential that you keep that promise. If you cannot do it, then you will need to find some
way to avoid making them without discrediting yourself and the profession. Thirdly, you
should not betray confidences. You must honor consistently your engagements. Finally,
you are expected to master your area of expertise. Character traits such as trustworthiness
are called ‘virtues’ in the language of ethics. Virtues are habits that are viewed as morally
good because they predispose one to do what is right. Maybe it is not too adventurous to
say that being professional means being trustworthy.
3 Honesty:
Honesty as we have already expressed, entails a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive
in any way. Honesty is characterized by truth and sincerity. This character trait was
unconditionally praised by Emmanuel Kant. In his book Doctrine of Virtue, he has
expressed, “By a lie a man throws away and…annihilates his dignity as a man.”
According to him, it is our duty to be truthful in all situations (Kant, 1996). Honesty
suggests “an active or anxious regard for the standards of one’s profession, calling, or
position” (Encyclopædia Britannica, 2004). Engineers are expected to act as faithful
agents or trustees of their clients and employers with objectivity, fairness and justice to
all parties. With respect to the handling of confidential or proprietary information,
engineers are expected not to reveal relevant facts, data or information without the prior
consent of its owner. The only exception to this is when the public interest is at risk. The
use of any proprietary information of a former employer, without his consent, is also
considered dishonest and can be legally prosecuted. Engineers are often hired in legal
cases requiring technical knowledge (i.e., accidents, structural defects, patent
infringements, defective products). As an expert witness, an engineer is expected to
testify honestly, to be objective and unbiased.
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Critique of Code of Ethics
An ethical code can be counterproductive, which happens
when there is a discrepancy between actual and professed behavior. It can also suppress
moral autonomy through the belief that the code is the gospel and independent, that
original thinking is not permitted.
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What does it mean to critique ethically?
A formal evaluation of the moral grounding of a
proposed academic or research project before it is begun. The review is an attempt to
ensure that the research will treat its subjects fairly and safely, without exposing them or
society at large to undue risk.
Three provisions that professional codes are meant to address:
1. “Provisions that address problems of moral hazard.” There is often an
asymmetry of knowledge between professionals and their clients. The asymmetry
provides numerous opportunities for professionals to take advantage of their client
or the general public by exploiting their lack of expertise. Codes can prohibit such
actions.
2. “Provisions that provide norms of professional courtesy.” Professions might see
a need to place restrictions on the way that members act towards each other. In
general, codes can prohibit members from lying, cheating, stealing, or acting
unfairly towards each other. 3. “Provisions that define the public interest.” Here
the code lays out any obligations a professional has towards the public at large.
Now, what that means will change amongst professions—it can be ambiguous or
precise, and everywhere in between.
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