Sustainability and Ethical Issues in Mechanical Engineering - Book Report/Review Example

Sustainability and ethical issues in mechanical engineering Abstract The focus of this paper is to analyse various issues that relate to sustainable and ethical issues in mechanical engineering. The pro quo of the discipline is, “public interest first”. To achieve this objective, different sections will be analysed as: public interest, environmental consideration, health, safety and public disclosure. Finally the paper will discuss the component and offer a conclusion. Contents Introduction 2 Public interest 2 Environmental consideration 3 Health and safety 4 Public disclosure 4 Discussion 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Introduction Mechanical engineers, like other engineers, are bound by code of ethics that puts public interest at the apex. However, there are numerous challenges because, in many instances, there are conflicts between individual and public interest; this is so, given the concept of sustainability and observance of ethical standards (PLENDERLEITH 2008). Technology advancement have tended to erode the ideology of sustainability and, as such, left many mechanical engineers in dilemma as a result of conflicts that relate to ethics and the economic expectations of the career. The focus of this paper is to highlight the various sustainable and ethical issues in mechanical engineering in the light of modern times. Public interest In course of the development of mechanical engineering, like other engineering branches, the focus has been on the need to enhance public safety and interest. In this regard, the codes of conduct that have been established have emphasised that the public interest, health and safety standards are extensively catered for. In this regard, it is the duty of the professionals to place the interest of the public above the professional interest. An example of such an undertaking is evident in the Australian engineering Institution, which like most other organizations, has underscored it within the pro quo that it is the duty of the professionals to hold the interest of the public, given the privilege of governing themselves that the public has given (KING et al 2010). Unlike in the past where ethics and morality had to do with laws, religion and cultural expectations, the trends have changed and the focus has been issues that relate to the life and death. In addition, passage of time has lessened the grasp of laws to the extent that they do not necessarily compel engineers to make the best judgment (BOEDECKER 2008). Ethics in mechanical engineering means surpassing the individual egoism. However, despite this reality empirical evidence suggests that, given that most of the engineer’s works are subordinate in nature, they are bound to observe organization’s requirements other than the technical expectation of the profession. In that regard, it takes people of high moral standards to obey the ethical requirements (KING et al 2010). Environmental consideration The 21st century has brought a lot of environmental questions not only to the engineering profession but to the entire world. Numerous competing interests have surfaced. For example, before any engineering work is done, there is need for environmental assessment but because of the interest; there is declining trust in those assessments (BOEDECKER et al 2008). There are numerous cases all over the world of communities that learn that, despite the assessment and subsequent approval of massive engineering works, the communities suffer from negative environmental impacts of the plants, constructions and other related engineering works. Local communities have lost faith in the engineers tasked with carrying out the engineering assessments because they tend to side with the proponents of the projects rather than with the communities where the plants are constructed. Furthermore, in many cases there are instances where the environment impact assessment findings are edited to suit the proponents at the expense of the local people. Health and safety Health and safety encompasses the safety of the engineers themselves and the general public. The general public refers to the end product users as well as communities living near the engineering plants. The process begins with an assessment of the working conditions as well as the effects of the plants to the general community. Further, it entails strict observance of the safety and health standards and guidelines (KING et al 2010). The ideology is to encourage an injury free society. The works of engineers is to make equipment and facilities that bring joy to the communities and not injury. With care and observance of health and safety standards, there could be minimal injury cases. Health and safety education should be availed to the engineers during training. The same should continue on periodic intervals in the course of their entire professional standards. Similarly, there should be frequent audits to ensure that that there are relevant safety and health standards; and the same are followed to the later (BOEDECKER et al 2008). Public disclosure The essence of mechanical engineering, like other engineering disciplines, is to understand the challenges within design and enhance performance while, ultimately, considering the public safety. As a matter of fact, the code of conduct requires that engineers must put the public welfare at the apex. Similarly, mechanical engineers are required to disclose to the public- either directly or indirectly, through the community representatives, any information- in the course of their work, which can undermine the public safety. However, while disclosing to the public such kinds of information, engineers are bound to ensure that the information should not be as a result of personal gain or interest. Ultimately, the mechanical engineers are required to avail to the public any knowledge of information with regard to the equipment facilities or work with a view to eliminating the potential of any harm to the general public and to the engineers (KUMAR et al 2007). The engineers have duty to ensure they enlighten the public on the safety standards while using products. This is preceded by the duty of ensuring that the products made meet safety and legal standards; and adequate measures put to ensure ease in use (KANOGLU et al 2009). In course of carrying out viability studies, mechanical engineers and all other relevant bodies have a duty to ensure public participation, since public safety is the paramount goal. Discussion Sustainability is associated with the concept of intergenerational equity. It calls for the safe use of available resources to cater for the needs of the present generation without hindering the prospects of future generations from securing development .If looked from a consequential perspective, it relates to the use of resources; considering the impacts of the decisions made currently on the future. In this regard, factors such as environmental impact, health safety of present and future generations and equitable use and distribution of resources (KUMAR et al 2007). Scholars argue that international equity and sustainability calls for the use of resources in such a manner that the future generations do not have to pay the price. Environment is considered as a natural resource. In order to ensure that the future generations do not pay for present mistakes, it is important to ensure that people value environment, as they do man made resources; this means that monetary value should be attached to environment and other natural resources. Researchers view environmental degradation as a result of lack of current generations to attach monetary figures to the natural resources (KUMAR et al 2007). The advent of capitalism brought with it individualism and self-interest. However, ethical consideration point that, for there to be sustainable development, there must be collective responsibility and shared values; engineering is a discipline that cannot elude that path. As a discipline, mechanical engineering has to build upon what the pioneers of the discipline advocated for as well as consider the best way going forward with regard to the choice of technology paradigms and regimes (KANOGLU et al 2009). Since engineering choices and designs are, normally, not individual but collective responsibility, there is an adherent call to ensure collective bargaining and subsequent outcome of sustainable choices. Observations of ethics in all stages of manufacture are inevitable. This is a task that should be inherent in all engineers (KING et al 2010). Conclusion It is ocular that sustainable development is necessary, if the future generation are to enjoy development. Engineers have a duty to ensure strict observance of both ethical and sustainable approaches keeping in mind that the public interest supersedes any other interest. Mechanical engineers have different duties that relate to environmental consideration, public disclosure and observing code of conducts and regulations. References BOEDECKER, K.A., MORGAN, F.W. and SAVIERS, A.B., 2008. Continuing duty to warn: Public policy and managerial views. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 17(1), pp. 127-131. KANOGLU, M., DINCER, I. and CENGEL, Y.A., 2009. Exergy for better environment and sustainability. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 11(5), pp. 971-988. KING, W.J. and SKAKOON, J.G., 2010. the unwritten laws of engineering. Mechanical Engineering, 132(12), pp. 43-47. KUMAR, V., HAAPALA, K.R., RIVERA, J.L., HUTCHINS, M.J. and AL, E., 2007. Infusing Sustainability Principles into Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering Curricula. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 24(3), pp. 215-225. PLENDERLEITH, D., 2008. cleanup duty. Mechanical Engineering, 130(2), pp. 41-43. Read More