Module 9: Ethical Problems in Engineering Flashcards
Differences between solving engineering problems, and ethical problems
The kind of information, concepts and techniques necessary to resolve problems is different. Engineering involves a very significant quantitative dimension that is absent in ethical problems.
Five goals to understand and solve ethical problems
1) Stimulating the Ethical Imagination.
2) Recognizing Ethical Issues.
3) Developing Ethical Analytical Skills.
4) Developing a Sense of Ethical Responsibility.
5) Tolerating Disagreement and Ambiguity.
Types of Ethical Problems (4)
Violation of Laws and Standards.
Failure to Protest Use of Inadequate Designs.
Unsuccessful Attempts at Problem Remedies.
Competing Considerations.
Violation of Laws and Standards
In this type of ethical problem, a party or parties have violated ethical standards, or in some cases, laws.
Failure to Protest Use of Inadequate Designs
In this type of ethical problem the party or parties fail to protest the use of designs that they have good reason to believe can result in harm to the health, safety, or well-being of the public.
Unsuccessful Attempts at Problem Remedies
In this type of ethical problem, a party or parties are aware of a problem and attempt to remedy it, but are unsuccessful.
Competing Considerations
In this type of ethical problem, a party or parties are presented with situations in which they are caught between competing considerations, so that they do not know what they should do.
What are the two mindsets for resolving ethical problems?
requires that we be both analytical and imaginative. In the ππ§ππ₯π²ππ’πππ₯ mode, we sort out the component parts of the ethical problem. In the π’π¦ππ π’π§πππ’π―π mode, we can think as creatively as we want about ways of resolving ethical problems.
How to resolve Factual Issues
The problem is resolved by Investigation and Research.
How to resolve Conceptual Issue
The problem is resolved by Clarification and definition of concept.
How to resolve Moral Issue
The problem is resolved by Principles.
Moral issue has two types of problems, what are they?
Relevance Problem. Conflict Problem.
Relevance Problem
A relevance problem is one in which there is uncertainty as to whether a particular moral principle applies to the situation being analyzed.
To solve relevance problems: Follow the three steps approach listed belowβ¦
1) Line up the options for resolution from positive to negative in terms of ethical acceptability.
2) Compare the moral similarities and differences of each.
3) Draw a line dividing information that is relevant from that which is not.
Conflict problem
two or more principles seem to apply to a particular situation, however the also seem to be suggesting opposing or incompatible actions.
To solve conflict problems: Follow the three steps approach listed belowβ¦
1) Find creative solutions in the middle ground between the conflicts.
2) Pick the best alternative that is in your best self-interest if all else is equal.
3) Make a hard choice where no easy alternatives exist.
Engineering Design Model to identify problems (list the 6 steps)
1) Recognize or identify a problem exists.
2) Gather data and identify the problem.
3) Generate alternative solutions.
4) Evaluate cost benefit of alternatives.
5) Make decision.
6) Implement decision.
