Defining Ethics
What are the moral rules that guide engineers in their profession?
Engineering ethics
What standard is created and enforced by the government?
Law
What does NSPE stand for?
National Society of Professional Engineers
What component failed during the Challenger launch?
O-rings
What should a team do first when studying an ethical case?
Research the issue
What must engineers protect above all else?
Public safety, health, and welfare
What are an individual’s beliefs about right and wrong called?
Morals
What does the NSPE Code say engineers must put first?
Public safety, health, and welfare
What company manufactured the Challenger’s O-rings?
Morton Thiokol
What should a team do first when studying an ethical case?
Research the issue
How are professional ethics different from personal morals?
They apply to responsibilities within a profession.
Why must engineers follow professional ethics instead of only their personal beliefs?
They have professional responsibilities to the public
How must engineers make public statements?
Objectively and truthfully
Which engineer warned against launching Challenger?
Roger Boisjoly
What should a balanced presentation include?
Both sides of the argument
What is it called when an engineer’s personal interests interfere with their professional duties?
Conflict of interest
How can something be legal but still unethical?
It can follow the law but still cause unnecessary harm
What must engineers do with confidential information from employers or clients?
Keep it confidential
What pressured NASA to launch despite safety concerns?
Management and schedule pressure
What should teams use to evaluate the ethical decisions in their case?
Engineering ethics principles and codes
Why do engineering ethics codes focus heavily on the public?
Engineers’ decisions can affect public safety
What conflict occurs when a legal company decision could still put people in danger?
Law can conflict with professional ethics
What should engineers do if their judgment is overruled and creates a dangerous situation?
Report the danger and protect the public
What ethical issue occurred when engineers were told to think like managers?
Safety concerns were put below management priorities
What should be the most important conclusion in an engineering ethics case involving danger?
Public safety must come first