Chapter - SIX
eNGINeerING
ethICS
What is Ethics?
Ethics
Ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies
moral principles and standards of right and
wrong behavior, guiding how individuals and
groups should act in personal, social, and
professional life.
Ethics
Normative Ethics
Normative Ethics is the branch of ethics that
develops general principles and standards to
determine what actions are right or wrong and
how people ought to behave.
Example: A student should not cheat on an
exam because fairness is a moral duty.
Applied Ethics
Applied Ethics is the branch of ethics that
examines specific, real-life moral issues and
dilemmas and applies ethical principles to
guide practical decision-making in areas such
as medicine, business, the environment, and
technology.
Example: A company choosing to reduce
carbon emissions balances profit with
environmental responsibility.
Metaethics
Metaethics is the branch of ethics that studies
the nature, meaning, and foundation of moral
concepts, exploring questions about what
“right” and “wrong” really mean, whether
moral values are objective, and how moral
judgments influence human behavior.
Example: Asking whether “stealing is wrong” is
universally true or just a personal opinion.
What is Morality?
Morality
Morality is the set of beliefs, principles, and
values that guide individuals or societies in
distinguishing right from wrong and good
from bad behavior.
Ethics vs Morality
Ethics = Rules and reasoning about right
and wrong
Morality = Personal or societal sense of
right and wrong
Professional Ethics
Professional Ethics refers to the set of moral
principles, values, and codes of conduct that
guide individuals within a profession in
determining right and wrong while performing
their duties.
Example:
If an engineer knows there is a flaw in a
design, choosing not to hide it and taking steps
to correct it for the sake of public safety is an
example of professional ethics.
Engineering Ethics
Engineering Ethics is the branch of professional
ethics that examines the moral responsibilities and
decisions of engineers, guiding them to prioritize
public safety, honesty, fairness, and accountability
in their work.
Example: If a mechanical engineer discovers that a
machine part in a factory has a design flaw that
could cause it to overheat and explode, ethically,
they must report the issue and recommend
stopping operation until it is fixed to ensure worker
safety.
Why is Engineering Ethics Important?
1. Public Safety and Welfare
2. Building Public Trust
3. Safeguards the Company’s Interests
4. Fosters Sustainability
5. Accountability and Integrity
6. Navigating Conflicts of Interest
7. Enhances Quality
8. Empowering Ethical Decision-Making
9. Secures Company Assets
10. Protects Other Engineers
Ethical Responsibilities of Mechanical Engineers
1. Responsibility to Public Safety and Welfare
2. Professional Competence
3. Honesty and Integrity
4. Responsibility to Employers and Clients
5. Environmental Responsibility
6. Accountability and Professional Responsibility
7. Avoidance of Conflict of Interest
8. Respect for Colleagues and Profession
Typical Ethical Issues or Ethical Dilemmas in
Mechanical Engineering
1. Safety vs. Cost
2. Environmental Impact
3. Conflicts of Interest
4. Whistleblowing
5. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
6. Professional Competence and Integrity
What is a Professional Code of Ethics?
Professional Code of Ethics
A professional code of ethics is a formal set of
principles and standards that guide professionals to
act with integrity, responsibility, and competence
while protecting public safety and maintaining trust
in the profession.
Why Do Engineers Need Codes of Ethics?
1. Serving and protecting the public
2. Providing Guidance
3. Offering Inspiration
4. Establishing Shared Standards
5. Supporting responsible professionals
6. Education and mutual understanding
7. Deterring wrongdoing
8. Strengthening the profession’s image
Major Engineering Codes of Ethics
1. National Society of Professional
Engineers (NSPE) Promotes the
ethical and competent practice of
engineering to protect public safety and
advance the engineering profession.
2. American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE) Emphasizes sustainability,
environmental protection, and, in cases
of conflict, public safety above all else.
Major Engineering Codes of Ethics
3. Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) Focuses on the
ethical use of technology, honesty, and
professional competence.
4. Engineers Canada Highlights
ethical practice through competence,
integrity, and compliance.
Major Engineering Codes of Ethics
5. World Federation of Engineering
Organizations (WFEO)
Provides a global model focusing
on sustainable development and ethical
leadership.
Fundamental Canons of the NSPE Code of Ethics
1. Hold Paramount the Safety, Health, and
Welfare of the Public
2. Perform Services Only in Areas of
Competence
3. Issue Public Statements Only in an Objective
and Truthful Manner
4. Act as Faithful Agents or Trustees for
Employers and Clients
5. Avoid Deceptive Acts
6. Conduct Themselves Honourably, Responsibly,
and Ethically
Importance of Codes of Ethics in the Bangladesh Context
1. Ensuring Public Safety
2. Combating Corruption and Unethical
Practices
3. Improving Quality of Engineering Projects
4. Protecting the Environment
5. Promoting Professional Integrity
6. Enhancing National Development
7. Building Public Trust in the Engineering
Profession