Print this page Classic Ethics and Engineering
Thomas Mason, PE
Course Outline
This two hour online course presents the concepts and examples of use of engineering ethics. The concepts are referenced to sources which you can review independently. The examples are from recent engineering catastrophes and less serious failures which may illustrate the consequences of different choices.
The course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be able to explain "meta-ethics", the decision as to whether ethical principles can be applied to the question at hand;
- Be able to explain "normative ethics", obligation and permissions;
- Be able to explain "theory of value", intrinsic good;
- Be able to list at least 5 different ethical standards that impact engineering decisions;
- Be able to list the 5 action items of the Engineers Creed of the NSPE;
- Be able to list the 6 Canons of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) 2006 Code of Ethics for Engineers;
- Know where to find the 24 Rules of Practice of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) 2006 Code of Ethics for Engineers;
- Know where to find the 38 Professional Obligations of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) 2006 Code of Ethics for Engineers;
- Be able to orally review the National Academy of Engineering version of the Challenger Disaster;
- Be able to orally review the National Academy of Engineering version of unsafe procedures at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation;
- Be able to orally review the National Academy of Engineering version of structural deficiencies in the CitiCorp Tower, New York City;
- Be able to orally review James Watt's rejection of high-pressure boilers; and
- Be able to orally
review the Oppenheimer controversy about nuclear weapons.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, project managers, engineers, contractors and construction managers who must make daily engineering decisions. The initiating force was the New Mexico 2006 requirement for 2-pdh in ethics for PE renewal, though there is nothing specific to New Mexico in the content (per private communication with the NM Board of Registration). Interested technical persons will get value for insights into how philosophy interacts daily with engineering design and construction.
Benefit to Attendees
Some questions do not lend themselves to easy answer. The value is created by identifying the stakeholders, carefully thinking through consequences and making and documenting the most acceptable rational and emotional decision. This course does not present "right" answers, but does present some tools to assist in analysis of the questions.
Course Introduction
The study of ethics is simple: Do good. Avoid evil. Or, Pursue right. Avoid wrong.
The study of ethics is complex; stakeholders include the innocent (naive) public, each business trying to profit from the construction, public services, politicians seeking re-election, muckrakers, whistle-blowers and mis-informed partisans. Each group defines right and wrong differently.
There are a wide range of acceptable ethical decisions, but we must work from a single set of facts.
These are the things we will discuss and demonstrate in this course. I hope that you will be able to participate in each of the various viewpoints and use the experience to help you make better ethical decisions.
Course Content
The course content is in Classic Ethics and Engineering (PDF File). You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Course SummaryEthics are as real
as every design decision you make. On the other hand, guides available are absolute,
in a world of probable future outcomes rather than clear consequences. There
are legal and licensing liabilities to wrong design decisions but also life-safety
consequences. Unfortunately, there are also commercial and career continuity
consequences. This course attempts to present the guides available and real-world
interpretations. The goal is that you are in a better position to justify and
live with the decisions you have to make.
Related Links
These sources are offered for reference and educational value. None of the products is particularly recommended by the author or PDHonline.
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Ethics
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/value-intrinsic-extrinsic/
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33263
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Honor
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Plausible_deniability
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/James_Watt
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Robert_Oppenheimer
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Feynman
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
