ME 212 Intro. To Eng. Design
Prof. Yurgartis
The National Soc. of Professional Engineers Code of Ethics has the following fundamental
canons.
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance
of their professional duties.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to
enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
Cases for class discussion
CASE 1: A hardworking engineering student, John Smith, and his good friend are taking a course
together. For this course the homework is supposed to be done individually. The homework grade is
worth 20% of the final grade. There is a homework assignment due tomorrow. Smith knows he
understands the homework material, but it will still take time to write it up and he really needs to free up
time to study for a Strengths exam tomorrow and a Calc exam the next night. Smith’s friend is in the
same bind, and suggests that if they work together on the homework they can get it done a lot quicker.
What should Smith do? What typically is done? Are the friends doing something wrong? Give arguments
for both sides of the issue. How do the Canons above, broadly interpreted, apply?
CASE 2: An engineer has a job with a manufacturer of firearms. The company makes sporting rifles and
handguns. The National Anti-Handgun Association offers the engineer an expense-paid weekend fishing
trip because they want a chance to present their agenda to the engineer and solicit his opinions. What
should the engineer do? Give arguments for both sides of the issue. How do the Canons above apply?
CASE 3: A new mechanical engineer is hired by a tool manufacturer. He is given the job of redesigning a
handheld paint sprayer. The engineer soon discovers that the current design is heavy because it uses an
induction electric motor. He proposes a new design which uses a smaller, brush commutator motor. This
design is lighter and will also be cheaper to build. Is this engineer doing a good job? How do the Canons
above apply?
CASE 4: An engineer working for an auto company has designed the seatbelt warning system (buzzer and
lights if not buckled) for a new model car. After the design has been in production for two years the
engineer discovers that he has overlooked a possible failure mode. The electronics are located in the
center console, between the front seats. If a high-sugar content drink is spilled here it may short the
electronics with the result being that the "seat belts not buckled" warning will not operate. A recall would
probably cost millions. No one knows about this potential problem but the engineer. What should he do?
Give arguments for both sides of the issue. How do the Canons above apply?