Morality and Ethics in Professional Engineering - Coursework Example

Introduction and Outline Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Outline Morality and Ethics in professional engineering This section defines and introduces the concept of business ethics and relates it to engineering innovation and entrepreneurship Theoretical perspectives of engineering ethics This aspect defines the theory and propositions relating to ethical practices especially in the engineering discipline Application of engineering ethics This section underscores the aspect of practice in various dimensions and areas in which ethics in the engineering context are applied and includes (Harris,et al. 2008, p.44); Intellectual property Occupational safety and health Community and environmental concerns Innovation and entrepreneurship This part establishes the role of ethics in innovation and entrepreneurship by looking into the specific areas as; Intellectual property rights Engineering priorities and policies Emerging issues in engineering innovation and ethics This section investigates current or emerging issues in engineering ethics especially regarding innovations in industrial environments such as plant or factories. Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Morality and Ethics in engineering 3 1.2 Analysis and evaluation of morality and ethics in engineering 4 1.2.1 Moral reasoning and ethical theories 5 1.2.2 Innovation and entrepreneurship 7 1.2.3 Application of morality and ethics in engineering; case study 7 1.2.4 Emerging issues in engineering ethics 8 1.3 Challenges in obtaining information 9 1.4 Lessons learnt and recommendations 11 1.5 Competencies demonstrated and magnitude 11 1.6 Conclusion 12 Lang, E. R. (2003). Applying Ethics to Engineers. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, ASCE/ July 2003, pp: 134-135. 13 Singer, J.A. & Vinson, N.G. (2002). Ethical Issues in Empirical Studies of Software Engineering. Second Edition, Washington DC: National Academy Press. 13 Sterckz, S. (2004). Patents and Access to Drugs in Developing Countries: An Ethical Analysis. Developing World Bioethics 4: 1471-8731.  13 1.0 Introduction This research paper attempts to analyze and evaluate morality and ethics as applied in the engineering discipline. As used in social, medical and political sciences, morality and ethics has gained much ground in engineering and has become a trending subject (Martin & Schinzinger, 2010).). This paper will highlight and provide details on morality and ethics, theoretical perspectives, empirical and case studies. It also provides focus on application and examples of engineering concepts relating to environmental protection, intellectual property and occupational health and safety (Sterckz, 2004). More importantly are the thoughts and own opinions that will help in learning and reflection. 1.1 Morality and Ethics in engineering Engineering ethics is the system of moral principles and applied ethics and examines the obligation of engineers to the profession, their clients and the larger society (Fleddermann, 2011, p.12). Evolution of science, engineering and technology has engendered a myriad of ethical issues that affect engineering excellence, sustainable development, social justice and innovative practice (Harris,et al. 2008, p.13). The theoretical foundation of ethics involves understanding the theory of ethics and science which have been critical in the analysis of ethical practices in manufacturing companies especially in the innovative engineering context (Harris,et al. 2008, p.50). According to Fleddermann (2011, p.31), code of engineering ethics provides a specific precedence on the consideration of conduct to welfare of employees and public, their occupational safety and health, and worker environment and compensation. Innovations in engineering and applied science has promoted talent and creativity which are tenets required to develop new products and services (Martin & Schinzinger, 2010). Protection of patents, trademarks and copyrights are important owing to emerging trends of aggressive competition and imitations of company’s engineering innovation and brand identity (Harris,et al. 2008, p.24). It remains a fundamental practice to institute a code of ethics that safeguards new innovations and entrepreneurship creativity in firms through intellectual property rights. The common remedy is adoption of engineering priorities and policies that guide companies on innovations and with regard to industrial relations, community awareness and occupational health and safety (Johnson, 2001). Morality and ethics addresses new and emergent issues in engineering ethics include environmental protection, sustainable development and offshoring (Harris,et al. 2008, p.13). Moreover, many engineering bodies and boards have been formed to emphasize the need for safety and welfare of the public in any innovations. Legal entities prevail on companies to develop systems and practices that pass on minimal harm to users of products originating from engineering innovations and product liability (Fleddermann, 2011). Morality ensures a human face is ingrained in innovations as they affect people especially if there are radical transformative changes within the manufacturing processes and systems (Martin & Schinzinger, 2010). New legislations are also being reviewed and revised to ensure that engineers are abiding by the code of conduct and ethics with regard to environmental protection and public welfare (Harris,et al. 2008, p. 68). Therefore, the concept of engineering ethics as paramount and cross-cutting with respect to theory and practice, legal frameworks and industrial relations. For sustainable organizations, ethics must be practiced and adhered by industrial organizations looking for long-term benefits from their engineering innovations. 1.2 Analysis and evaluation of morality and ethics in engineering Sterckz (2004) describes moral responsibilities and ethical reflection as prerequisites of an engineer that involves character development, acting thoughtfully and making ethical choices. Actions of engineers affect the modern world in so many ways such as environmental degradation, issues of equity, and health and safety (ibid). Given that technological systems provide people with a bounty of services and goods, the impact of such systems is global and enormous (Johnson, 2001). In this case, engineers are required to use their skills and knowledge to enhance human welfare, act with impartiality and honesty while serving clients, their employers and the public. Engineers strive to increase the prestige of engineering profession by increasing their competence and supporting their technical and professional societies related to their disciplines (Self & Ellison, 1998). While performing their professional duties, engineers should hold paramount their welfare, safety and health of the public. For example, while constructing a 5-storey building, the engineer should ensure the processes, machinery, ingredients used on site are up to the standards desired and proportions recommended by the architects and structural engineers. I have heard and watched many cases of building collapsing before habitation and results in loss of lives and property which is holding the engineering profession in disrepute. I think that an engineer has an obligation to protect lives by adhering to the industry code of ethics and proper compliance to occupational health and safety guidelines. Current technology involves software patent issues and intellectual property rights for sustainability (Pereira, 2009). Singer and Vinson (2002) in a study on the popularity of software engineering research empirical methods such as surveys, metrics and experiments investigated intellectual property rights software engineering products and processes in China. The results found that there are grave ethical issues that have all along been receiving little attention in software engineering literature. Piracy, plagiarism and violation of terms and conditions by distributors and clients were found to be serious ethical issues that need to be addressed (Singer & Vinson, 2002). I believe that for engineering profession to be rewarding and continue supporting innovation and creativity, it should act quickly to ensure that intellectual property rights of an invention are reserved to the inventor. I think the respect for intellectual property, moral reasoning and practice of ethics should be objective and applicable the world over. 1.2.1 Moral reasoning and ethical theories In the moral reasoning and ethical theories discourse, it would not pass without recognizing the contribution of Kohlberg in the psychology of moral development (Johnson, 2001). After developing the cognitive moral development theory based on the work of Dewey and Piaget, Kohlberg’s theory provided three levels of moral development; principled morality or post-conventional, conventional morality and pre-conventional morality (Kohlberg, 1976). Each of these theories constitutes two stages (ibid). For example, in pre-conventional morality level, the first stage is authority-punishment because what is considered right is that which authority figures have said. In such as case, avoiding punishment is the only reason for loyalty and obedience. The second stage is egoistic which means whatever satisfies the needs of an individual is instrumental exchange meaning what is considered right (ibid). However, it infers that there is an attempt to promote a sense of fairness in agreements that demand terms of equal exchange between parties (Lang, 2003). In essence, there is an attitude that goes for words like “what’s in it for me”, or if you’ll scratch mine, “I’ll scratch your back too” approach which is morally unacceptable (Lau, 2007, p. 12). I feel that the approach by Kohlberg is timely in the sense that something that is wrong should be done because the authorities silently encourages or doing the wrong thing just to satisfy a need. To an engineer whether mechanical, civil, chemical, environmental, electrical or software, there is needed to observe and go beyond the pre-conventional morality level of doing something to avoid punishment. Several studies have attempted to investigate moral reasoning skills development and social issues in engineering. In a study specifically addressing the social and ethical issues in engineering, Self and Ellison (1998) assessed the influence on moral reasoning skills on teaching of engineering students. A test (Defining Issues Test) was administered based on cognitive moral development theory where the students were pretested then post-tested at the end of the semester after being taught an engineering ethics course. In 1996, 317 students completed the DIT at both the post-test and pre-test. The data analyzed for both semesters showed a statistically significant increase in the moral reasoning skills of the students. Age and change in moral reasoning scores also had a significant correlation with younger students showing more change. From this study, I can now understand that moral reasoning skills develop when taught and inculcated in a student. I think that it is essential to teach morality and ethics to young students and practitioners because they show high levels of compliance and subservience than older peers. Current span of ethics are mainly technical involving proper designs, good customer service and avoiding ‘short-cuts’ or ‘cutting corners’ (Self & Ellison, 1998). Industries attempt to prevent systems failure but only in relation to application of the systems instead of how they may have been actually utilized, or whether construction was viable in the first place (ibid). From this statement I can observe that humans especially engineers are not amoral, but there is a possibility that human beings have steered themselves into a place where morality has a smaller scope. 1.2.2 Innovation and entrepreneurship Inventions that harm or cause social or environmental injury are not sustainable (Harris et al. 2008). In ethical education, emphasis has been laid on the development of moral imagination which is a creative element of ethical problem solving. Moral Imagination as defined by Johnson (2001) is envisioning the potential harm and help by discerning various possibilities through imaginative ways acting in a given situation. In developing ethical skills, one develops a creative element or the ability to imagine many consequences and possibilities of actions (Lang, 2003). They also conjure a more rational element which is the ability to evaluate the possibilities morally. People become sensitive to the pervasiveness of ethical choices when they get more skilled in using their moral imagination (ibid). Serious unintended moral consequences have emerged from the lack of attention to technologies or the moral importance of actions (Arnold, 2007). Many unintended consequences with better moral imagination can be considered and imagined in the decision-making process. 1.2.3 Application of morality and ethics in engineering; case study Engineers should be skilled in using their moral imagination (Pereira, 2009). The benefit of such is in the openness to the larger realm of possibilities and moral implications of an action (ibid). For example, in 2009, a major carpet manufacturer, Interface, had one of the processes requiring a piping loop while designing a new facility in Shanghai. The conventional design recommended requisite pump of 95 hp and a certain piping size. During the conventional design process, the engineer recognized assumptions as; pollution production, resultant resource use and impact of the conventional design on energy use (Singer & Vinson, 2002). Jan Scholl, the engineer at Interface thought of a 92 percent reduction in energy and re-designed the piping system to use only 7 hp. To achieve this, the engineer reduced the number of turns and pipe length by using a larger diameter pipes. Large horse power pumps and relatively small diameter pipes turns out to be the conventional design wisdom and least considers the placement of components to allow for straight, short runs (Pereira, 2009). This has become conventional practice of keeping the costs low. In this case highlighted above, the moral imagination ignores the environmental and resource consequences of this design. By switching to large pipes, the pumps became smaller in size and power, thereby offsetting the higher cost of the piping and reducing their cost. More importantly, the large pipe system reduced on resource use, resultant pollution and less operating energy Singer & Vinson, 2002). Mr. Scholl assisted by his engineering skills and moral imagination first considered the moral implications of energy inefficiency and pollution, and consequently designed an effective system that was cheap, saves energy, and uses minimal resources. From the case of Mr. Scholl, it is evident that becoming a good engineer not only requires technical competence, but also demands an evaluation of moral and ethical implications of designs. I believe that engineering education can be improved when the next generation of engineers becomes better equipped with ways of resolving ethical issues, fulfilling the dreams of society of a better world and anticipating negative consequences. 1.2.4 Emerging issues in engineering ethics The cultural shift from a social to scientific engagement has simply not happened (Arnold, 2007). As the engineering profession aims for a less-reductionist and bigger vision of engineering, encouraging attempts have been made through written mission statements, redrafted codes of ethics and re-designed engineering curricula (Fleddermann, 2011). I realized that the profession is essentially producing engineers who are able to undertake technical and complex projects required by the industry. However, I have learnt that the engineering profession has professionals with limited in-depth understanding of technology in the social complex state. I believe we need both. It is apparent that there is little to say about political and social sciences but something valuable is evident in science and technology; vested interests, roles, and prejudices of engineers and scientists. For example, engineers in many ways have helped improve the lives of many and built the modern world (Lang, 2003). I am rightfully proud of these developments. However, a very small minority of engineers are developing privacy-invading algorithms and busy making weapons. I believe we constitute industrial modernity with all its flaws, might and advantages that has flourished and ruined humanity in equal measure. I can tell that there are no simple answers to questions raised regarding engineers and their power to influence ethics and morality, but I believe there is room to do better. I feel that humans can live up to, claim or become social custodians of technology. I also think that engineering ethics recognizes the dangers and strengths that one can use to navigate to engender social, political, ecological and technical dimensions alike. This requires more years in the university to study ethics in engineering degrees. In a recent case, a materials engineer at the University of Illinois, John Manion, reported in the journal Science a brilliant an invention about an epidermal electronic medical device. In a featured article appearing recently about him, the New Yorker Magazine captured his comments regarding his invention on the possibility of turning people into soulless robots. The response from the engineer was; “…basically, I'm just an engineer and people should think about it” (Manion, 2002, p. 5). The statement depicts Manion as a smart inventor and innovator but lacks the intellectual capacity and will to engage bigger questions on the social, political and ethical ramifications of their inventions. I believe that the inventor embraces values and ethics so that inventions can suit and benefit humanity. 1.3 Challenges in obtaining information There were few challenges that arose when writing this paper; 1. Reliable resources – I had to look for scientific, social science and internet libraries to obtain information on engineering ethics. I found that it is a fairly new concept and was least addressed in classical textbooks found in the university library. To overcome this, I had to expand my sources to include magazines, online contributions of independent authors and journals. I also had to read extensively on roles of engineers and their moral obligation in order to understand the concepts in-depth. 2. Planning and writing the paper - At first I could not think of a specific format to use when deciding the flow of the paper. I felt I was getting mixed up and lacked the general flow and logical sequence of information. I decided to draft in a paper and provide guidelines through the main points which helped in creating a continuous paper. I found that it was easier to include all the concepts, arguments and theories after arranging the format on paper. 3. Presentation – I thought of including some pictures of some of the buildings that have collapsed due to construction and structural mistakes but found that I needed to deeply understand the specifics of those building. I decided to have a descriptive presentation that uses few words to pass the same message. 1.4 Lessons learnt and recommendations I have learnt that morality and ethics is a field that transcends all the disciplines from research, science, technology and politics. I found that when ethics and morals are lacking in an invention or innovation, it becomes difficult to sell or get implemented. I also learnt that intellectual rights are important to keep the benefits accruing to the owner for the creativity and innovativeness in the modern world. I also learnt of emergent engineering issues such as pollution, occupational safety and health as well as environmental protection. I feel that the critical areas have been mentioned especially on intellectual property rights, welfare and safety of employees, clients and the general public. I recommend that this course be expanded to include various theories and concepts that are of particular interests to engineers such as ethical manufacturing and nuclear war designs. I also recommend the implementation of morality and ethics in the engineering discipline by developing a compliance body that becomes the agent of change. 1.5 Competencies demonstrated and magnitude 1. Research skills – I engaged research skills on getting secondary information from various sources. At first, I approached the themes by picking and looking up on the key words. Later, I used the key words to search for sub-thematic areas such as intellectual property, occupational health and safety and engineering ethics issues. To a greater degree, I demonstrated this skill. 2. Analytical skills – I demonstrated the capability to link empirical studies, concepts, examples and theories to create a logical flow of information on morality and ethics of engineering. This helped me in connecting statements and creating coherence in the paper. 3. Communication skills – I learnt to write and communicate ideas more eloquently and simplistic. By writing in plain English, I realized I was able to connect with various authors and readers who will find my paper interesting or worth reading. To a greater extent, I was able to advance these skills which have also been useful when making oral presentation in class. 4. Creative or critical thinking – I think this aspect of creativity has helped me to come up with a convincing paper in terms of content, flow and sequence. I feel to a very great extent, I was able to be much more creative and think within a shorter time span, and produce a paper. My critical thinking aspect has also ensured that I remain within the topic and choose a theme that is aligned to my thoughts at this point in time. 1.6 Conclusion Morality and ethics are enshrined in code of conduct in many engineering firms but implementation is still low (Singer & Vinson, 2002). The research study has exploited various empirical and case studies, and found coherence in results for companies that view themselves as having a moral and ethical obligation to the public, clients and employees. I learnt to connect morality and ethics as a reigning theme and linked to intellectual property, occupational health, and safety and protection of environment. I found challenges such as getting reliable sources, planning the study and presentation though I provided counter measures. Despite these challenges, I have learnt various skills while writing this paper such as research, analytical skills, communication and creativity. As an engineer I found this topic on engineering ethics enlightening. References Arnold, T. (2007). Planning for Environmental Justice. Planning & Environmental Law; Mar 2007; 59, 3; ProQuest Business Collection. Fleddermann, C.B. (2011). Engineering Ethics (4th edition), Prentice Hall. Harris, C.E., Pritchard, M.S., & Rabins, M.J. (2008).Engineering Ethics: Concept and Cases (4th edition), New York: Wadsworth Publishing. Johnson, D.G. (2001). Ethical Issues in Engineering, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Kohlberg, L. (1976). Moral Stages and Moralization: The Cognitive-Developmental Approach, in Lickona, T. (Ed.), Moral Development and Behavior: Theory, Research and Social Issues, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York, pp. 31-53. Lang, E. R. (2003). Applying Ethics to Engineers. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, ASCE/ July 2003, pp: 134-135. Lau, A. (2007). Is Ethics Important to Engineers? Rock Ethics Institute, Penn State University. Manion, M. (2002). Ethics, Engineering and Sustainable Development. New York Magazine, Fall 2002. Martin, M & Schinzinger, R. (2010). Ethics in Engineering, 3rd Ed. McGraw Hill. Pereira, T. (2009). Sustainability: An integral engineering design approach, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13:1133-1137 Self, D.J. & Ellison, E.M. (1998). Teaching Engineering Ethics: Assessment of Its Influence on Moral Reasoning Skills. Journal of Engineering Education. Vol. 5(2): 29-34. Singer, J.A. & Vinson, N.G. (2002). Ethical Issues in Empirical Studies of Software Engineering. Second Edition, Washington DC: National Academy Press. Sterckz, S. (2004). Patents and Access to Drugs in Developing Countries: An Ethical Analysis. Developing World Bioethics 4: 1471-8731.  Read More

Legal entities prevail on companies to develop systems and practices that pass on minimal harm to users of products originating from engineering innovations and product liability (Fleddermann, 2011). Morality ensures a human face is ingrained in innovations as they affect people especially if there are radical transformative changes within the manufacturing processes and systems (Martin & Schinzinger, 2010). New legislations are also being reviewed and revised to ensure that engineers are abiding by the code of conduct and ethics with regard to environmental protection and public welfare (Harris,et al. 2008, p. 68).

Therefore, the concept of engineering ethics as paramount and cross-cutting with respect to theory and practice, legal frameworks and industrial relations. For sustainable organizations, ethics must be practiced and adhered by industrial organizations looking for long-term benefits from their engineering innovations. 1.2 Analysis and evaluation of morality and ethics in engineering Sterckz (2004) describes moral responsibilities and ethical reflection as prerequisites of an engineer that involves character development, acting thoughtfully and making ethical choices.

Actions of engineers affect the modern world in so many ways such as environmental degradation, issues of equity, and health and safety (ibid). Given that technological systems provide people with a bounty of services and goods, the impact of such systems is global and enormous (Johnson, 2001). In this case, engineers are required to use their skills and knowledge to enhance human welfare, act with impartiality and honesty while serving clients, their employers and the public. Engineers strive to increase the prestige of engineering profession by increasing their competence and supporting their technical and professional societies related to their disciplines (Self & Ellison, 1998).

While performing their professional duties, engineers should hold paramount their welfare, safety and health of the public. For example, while constructing a 5-storey building, the engineer should ensure the processes, machinery, ingredients used on site are up to the standards desired and proportions recommended by the architects and structural engineers. I have heard and watched many cases of building collapsing before habitation and results in loss of lives and property which is holding the engineering profession in disrepute.

I think that an engineer has an obligation to protect lives by adhering to the industry code of ethics and proper compliance to occupational health and safety guidelines. Current technology involves software patent issues and intellectual property rights for sustainability (Pereira, 2009). Singer and Vinson (2002) in a study on the popularity of software engineering research empirical methods such as surveys, metrics and experiments investigated intellectual property rights software engineering products and processes in China.

The results found that there are grave ethical issues that have all along been receiving little attention in software engineering literature. Piracy, plagiarism and violation of terms and conditions by distributors and clients were found to be serious ethical issues that need to be addressed (Singer & Vinson, 2002). I believe that for engineering profession to be rewarding and continue supporting innovation and creativity, it should act quickly to ensure that intellectual property rights of an invention are reserved to the inventor.

I think the respect for intellectual property, moral reasoning and practice of ethics should be objective and applicable the world over. 1.2.1 Moral reasoning and ethical theories In the moral reasoning and ethical theories discourse, it would not pass without recognizing the contribution of Kohlberg in the psychology of moral development (Johnson, 2001). After developing the cognitive moral development theory based on the work of Dewey and Piaget, Kohlberg’s theory provided three levels of moral development; principled morality or post-conventional, conventional morality and pre-conventional morality (Kohlberg, 1976).

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