Engineering Ethics Flashcards
What are engineering ethics?
Principles and guidelines engineers follow to ensure their decision-making is aligned with their obligations to the public, clients, and the industry.
What organization has a Code of Ethics for engineers?
Engineers Australia
How many Guidelines are included in the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics?
Four Guidelines
What is the purpose of the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics Guidelines?
To help engineers make ethical decisions in their work and promote responsible use of industry technologies.
What have engineered solutions historically improved?
Quality of life
What types of impacts must be considered in engineering projects?
Social, ethical, economic, environmental, and sustainability impacts
True or False: Engineering projects can only have positive impacts.
False
What are some current societal concerns related to engineering?
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Waste
- Recycling
- Water scarcity
- Overcrowding
- Urbanisation pressures
What must be considered regarding the consequences of engineering solutions?
Both intended and unintended consequences
Fill in the blank: Engineering ethics are principles that ensure decision-making is aligned with obligations to the _______.
[public, clients, and the industry]
What is social impact?
The net effect of an activity or project on a community and the well-being of individuals and families
Social impact includes changes in quality of life, access to resources, and social cohesion.
How does social impact relate to engineering projects?
It refers to the overall effect on communities and individuals, including changes in quality of life and access to resources
For instance, a bridge construction project may enhance transportation and positively impact well-being.
What can be a negative consequence of engineering projects?
Disruption or displacement of communities
This can result in negative social consequences if projects are not implemented responsibly.
Why is evaluating social impact important for engineers?
It helps consider the broader implications of their projects, ensuring positive contributions to community welfare
This evaluation is crucial for sustainable development.
What is economic impact?
A financial effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation, person, or group
This includes increased revenue, cost savings, job creation, and economic growth.
How can infrastructure projects affect economic impact?
They can stimulate economic activity by creating jobs, facilitating trade, and attracting investment
Examples include the construction of roads or airports.
What role does evaluating economic impact play for engineers?
It allows assessment of financial viability and feasibility of projects
This includes potential contributions to overall economic prosperity and sustainability.
What is ethical impact?
The impact resulting from decisions or activities that create a conflict with a society’s moral principles
Ethical impact involves alignment with moral principles and ethical standards.
Give an example of ethical impact in engineering.
Prioritizing profit over safety in design or operation of engineering systems
This can compromise public well-being and violate societal expectations.
What is environmental impact?
Any change to the environment, for good or bad, resulting from activities, products, or services
This includes disruptions to local ecosystems and habitat loss.
Why is it important to assess environmental impact?
To analyze potential consequences of engineering actions on air, water, soil, and biodiversity
This helps minimize adverse effects on human health and ecosystems.
What does sustainability of a project refer to?
The effects over time of an activity, product, or service
This includes fostering a balance between human activities and the natural world.
What are some sustainable engineering practices?
Using renewable materials, reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation
These practices help meet current needs without compromising future generations.
