NED

UNIVERSITY OF
ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

NAME: MUHAMMAD ISHRAQ

ROLL NO: IM-21066
SUBJECT: APPLIED ECONOMICS FOR ENGINEERS
COURSE CODE: MF-303
DEPARTMENT: INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING
SUBMITTED TO: Prof. SADIA MAJEED
ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF ENGINEERING
DECISION MAKING:
Engineering decision making involves making choices that have ethical
implications. Ethical dimensions of engineering decision making refer to
the moral considerations that engineers must take into account when
making decisions that affect people's lives and well-being¹. Engineers
must consider the impact of their decisions on society, the
environment, and future generations.
An engineering code of ethics represents a clear application of
consequentialism. Consequentialism evaluates a morally significant
action on the basis of its actual or expected outcomes¹. Society
frequently judges engineers in this manner, subjecting them to criticism
and liability whenever failures occur.
A pragmatic approach to ethical decision-making in engineering
practice involves characteristics such as transparency, accountability,
and responsibility. This approach also involves evaluation criteria such
as fairness, respect for persons, and social responsibility.
A framework for ethical decision-making in problem definition and
project selection enumerates five approaches that your team should
consider in navigating ethical issues throughout the senior design
process: the Utilitarian Approach, the Rights Approach, the Justice &
Fairness Approach, the Virtue Approach, and the Common Good
Approach.
In summary, ethical dimensions of engineering decision making involve
moral considerations that engineers must take into account when
making decisions that affect people's lives and well-being. Engineers
must consider the impact of their decisions on society, the
environment, and future generations. A pragmatic approach to ethical
decision-making in engineering practice involves characteristics such as
transparency, accountability, and responsibility. This approach also
involves evaluation criteria such as fairness, respect for persons, and
social responsibility. A framework for ethical decision-making in
problem definition and project selection enumerates five approaches
that your team should consider in navigating ethical issues throughout
the senior design process: the Utilitarian Approach, the Rights
Approach, the Justice & Fairness Approach, the Virtue Approach, and
the Common Good Approach.

EXAMPLE OF VOILATION OF ETHICAL

DIMENSIONS:
One example of a violation of ethical dimensions in Pakistan's industry
is the case of adulteration of food products, specifically the
adulteration of milk and dairy products. In 2021, it was reported that a
significant number of milk and dairy products in Pakistan were found to
be adulterated with harmful substances, such as water, urea, and
detergent, to increase volume and shelf life, and to deceive consumers.
This violation of ethical dimensions is a serious concern as it involves
dishonesty, deception, and compromise of public health and safety.
Adulterated food products can have detrimental effects on consumers'
health, causing illnesses, allergies, and other health complications,
especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant
women, and the elderly.
The adulteration of milk and dairy products also violates ethical
principles such as integrity, transparency, and consumer rights. It goes
against the trust that consumers place in food producers and suppliers
to provide safe and authentic products. It also reflects a lack of ethical
responsibility on the part of the producers and suppliers who prioritize
profit over the well-being of consumers.
This violation of ethical dimensions is illegal as per Pakistan's food
safety laws, which prohibit the adulteration of food products and
mandate strict quality standards. It also goes against international
standards and guidelines on food safety, including those set by the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The case of food adulteration in Pakistan's industry underscores the
need for stringent enforcement of food safety regulations, ethical
business practices, and consumer awareness and education. It calls for
the implementation of robust quality control measures, regular
monitoring and testing of food products, and strict penalties for those
involved in adulteration. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of
promoting ethical values, transparency, and consumer rights in the
food industry to ensure that safe and authentic products are provided
to consumers.

REFERENCE:
1.Adulteration of milk rampant in Pakistan: Study," Dawn, August 2, 2021.
(https://www.dawn.com/news/1637804)
2.https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more-focus-areas/engineering-ethics/ethical-considerations-
in-the-senior-design-project/a-framework-for-ethical-decision-making-in-problem-definition--project-
selection/

3.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20524076/