LECTURE NO.

5
 MORAL REASONING AND CODES OF
ETHICS.

• Ethical dilemmas :
Are situations in which moral reasons come into conflict , or in which
applications of moral values are unclear , and it is not immediately
obvious what should be done .
Here are some Examples of ethical dilemmas engineers may face:
Safety vs. Cost: Engineers often face pressure to cut costs or meet deadlines, which can sometimes
compromise safety standards. Balancing safety with budget constraints can create ethical dilemmas,
especially in industries like construction and manufacturing.
Environmental Impact: Engineers must consider the environmental consequences of their
projects, including pollution, resource depletion, and habitat destruction. Ethical dilemmas arise
when there's a conflict between economic interests and environmental sustainability.
Privacy and Data Security: In the age of digital technology, engineers are responsible for
designing systems that collect, store, and transmit vast amounts of personal data. Ensuring data
privacy and security while also meeting business objectives can pose ethical challenges, especially
with concerns about surveillance and data breaches.
Dual-Use Technology: Engineers may develop technologies that have both beneficial and
potentially harmful applications. For example, advancements in biotechnology could be used for
medical breakthroughs or for biological weapons. Ethical dilemmas arise in deciding how to
regulate and control the use of such technologies.
STEPS TO RESOLVING ETHICAL
DILEMMAS :
Moral clarity.
Engineers should have a clear understanding of the ethical principles that guide their profession, such as
honesty, integrity, responsibility, and respect for human life and dignity.

Conceptual clarity.
Engineers must have a solid grasp of fundamental concepts in their area of specialization, such as
mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical circuits, or software engineering. Conceptual clarity in
these foundational areas enables engineers to build upon existing knowledge and solve
increasingly complex problems.

Informed about the facts

Engineers rely on factual information to accurately understand the problem they are trying to solve.
Without a clear understanding of the facts surrounding a problem, engineers may misdiagnose
issues.

Informed about the options. Engineers often encounter multiple ways to approach a
problem or design a solution. By being informed about the options available, engineers can explore
alternative approaches, technologies, materials, or methodologies to find the most effective and
efficient solution.
Well-reasoned.
Well-reasoned decisions rely on accurate information
and precise analysis. Engineers carefully evaluate
data, assumptions, and evidence to ensure that
their decisions are grounded in factual accuracy
and logical reasoning.