User:HPL2023/sandbox/Engineering Ethics Prototype

Introduction

This article covers the topic of engineering ethics, both as a historic subject and as a field of study on its own. By the end of this article the reader should: Have an overview of what has constituted the ethics of engineering in different cultures and at different times in history. Have an overview of how engineering ethics concerns might differ between the different branches of engineering. Be familiar with some general concepts from ethics that are especially applicable with problems arising in engineering. Know about some case studies showcasing how engineering ethics problems arise in practice.

Engineering ethics is the study of ethics applied to problems from engineering. Engineering is a field that has a profound impact on modern society. From the buildings we live and work in, to the transportation we use to get around, to the technology we use to communicate and access information, engineers play a critical role in shaping our world. As such, it is essential that engineers consider the ethical implications of their work.

Consider the impact of transportation on modern society. Engineers have designed and built everything from cars to airplanes to trains, which have revolutionized the way we move around the world. However, these advancements have also brought about ethical considerations, such as the impact of transportation on the environment, the safety of passengers, and the accessibility of transportation to different communities.

History

The history of engineering ethics can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where individuals were expected to adhere to certain moral codes and principles in their professional and personal lives. However, the formal study and development of engineering ethics as a field began in the mid-20th century, in response to growing concerns about the ethical implications of technological advancements.

Theory

A simplified model of how to apply engineering ethics to make decisions may read like the following:

1. Identify the problem: Engineers must first identify the ethical issue at hand.
2. Gather information: They should gather all relevant information about the issue, including legal requirements and the potential consequences of various actions.
3. Identify stakeholders: Engineers should consider the interests of all stakeholders who may be affected by the decision.
4. Evaluate options: They should consider various options for addressing the issue and evaluate each one based on its ethical implications.
5. Make a decision: Based on the evaluation, engineers should make a decision and be prepared to justify it.
6. Take action: Finally, engineers should take action and implement their decision

Case studies

We present here some case studies, which the reader is strongly encouraged to use as exercises in applying the material of the Theory section.

Case Study: The Ford Pinto

In the 1970s, Ford Motor Company produced the Pinto, a subcompact car with a design flaw that caused the gas tank to rupture in rear-end collisions. Ford engineers were aware of the issue but chose not to fix it, as they believed that the cost of doing so would be greater than the cost of potential lawsuits resulting from accidents. This decision led to numerous deaths and injuries and became a notorious case study in engineering ethics.

For this first case study, we include a worked example on how the simplified decision-making model:

Identify the problem: The problem is that a potentially fatal flaw in a car already in the hands of customers has been discovered. Gather information: Relevant information to gather could be; is this a problem with all produced cars of this type? Is it likely that this flaw will cause harm or death? Identify stakeholders: The stakeholders are most notably the owners of the Ford Pinto. Secondly it’s the stakeholders of Ford. Evaluate options: The major decision to be made (or that was made) was on doing something or doing nothing. In this case, doing nothing will cause unnecessary deaths, but potentially save money. Make a decision: Most frameworks of ethics would come to the conclusion that the better option is to call back the cars in order to fix the flaw or destroy the dangerous cars. Take action: Call back the cars.

Discussion Questions

• What do you think the Ford engineers should have done in this situation?
• How can engineers balance the competing demands of safety and cost when designing products?

See also this list of other case studies. We encourage the reader to read up on a few of this and try to apply the framework of engineering ethics to them

See also: General Motors ignition switch recalls and Deepwater Horizon oil spill

General Motors ignition switch recalls (2014) Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010) Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (2003) Space Shuttle Challenger disaster (1986) Therac-25 accidents (1985 to 1987) Chernobyl disaster (1986) Bhopal disaster (1984) Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse (1981) Love Canal (1980), Lois Gibbs Three Mile Island accident (1979) Citigroup Center (1978), Minamata disease (1908–1973) Aberfan disaster (1966) Chevrolet Corvair safety problems (1960s), Ralph Nader, and Unsafe at Any Speed Boston molasses disaster (1919) Quebec Bridge collapse (1907), Theodore Cooper Johnstown Flood (1889), South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Tay Bridge Disaster (1879), Thomas Bouch, William Henry Barlow, and William Yolland Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster (1876), Amasa Stone

External links

• www.example.com