Gage Moorman

Navigating Ethical Challenges in Engineering

Ethics are the backbone of successful engineering, ensuring our innovations help society

ethically and responsibly. The "Code of Ethics" is central to this framework, providing engineers

with a moral starting ground. In this essay, I explore the purpose of this code and share my

personal experience with ethical decision-making, discuss classroom conversations on ethical

questions, compare these discussions with my personal beliefs, and analyze the Virtue of Ethics

in a specific timeframe.

The "Code of Ethics" is a starting point, setting out the principles and standards that

should exemplify our professional behavior. In engineering, bodies like IEEE have crafted codes

assisting honesty, integrity, and social responsibility. These codes not only ensure public safety

but also maintain the integrity of our work.

When faced with ethical dilemmas, I take a personal yet educated approach. I consider

the situation using the 5 P's of Ethics – Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Pressure, and Principles.

This helps me weigh the consequences of my actions, considering the interests of those involved

and aligning my decisions with the ethical guidelines provided by IEEE.

In class, we discussed various ethical issues like the VW scandal, Big Data, Pinto, and

the Amazon Echo. These discussions highlighted the complicated nature of ethical

decision-making. Comparing classroom ethics with my personal beliefs helped me understand

fundamental principles such as integrity and social responsibility. However, differences arose

due to the diverse viewpoints within the class. These discussions encouraged us to appreciate

different perspectives, helping our overall learning experience.

 Reflecting on the Virtue of Ethics in the case study of the VW scandal, three virtues stood

out: Integrity, Courage, and Compassion. Integrity was one of the most important, emphasizing

the need for honesty and truthfulness in our professional interactions. Showcasing the integrity or

lack thereof for data and research in our case helped identify not that something was just wrong

but why the thought of being unethical was brought up in the first place. Courage played a

significant role in understanding the importance of making tough decisions and embracing

responsible risks. Compassion provided an understanding of empathy and concern for others'

well-being. While other virtues hold value, these three were chosen for their direct relevance to

class, class-related discussions, and my beliefs.

Ethics in engineering is a complex field, providing diverse perspectives and intricate

decision-making processes. Engineers can navigate ethical challenges responsibly by adhering to

a Code of Ethics, providing personal principles, and embracing virtues such as integrity, courage,

and compassion. Classroom discussions and cases increase this understanding, cultivating an

environment where ethical engineering practices succeed. This collective effort ensures a future

where the engineering profession operates ethically, benefiting society.