Engineering Ethics - Wentworth Institute of Technology：工程伦理-文特沃斯技术学院[精品].ppt

Engineering Ethics Wentworth Institute of Technology Elec163 Electronic Design I Professor Tim Johnson What is Engineering Ethics? It’s the study of a specific type of behavior: How people make decisions about their own actions and How their choices are influenced by Their moral conduct Their character Their ideals …when confronted with a situation involving other people. * What it’s Not Not reducible to: Self interest Law Religion Although some law attempt to codify good conduct, and some religions revolve around ethics. * Dictionary Definition: Ethics The principles of honor and morality. Accepted rules of conduct. The moral principles of an individual You act ethically when you… Behave in accordance with accepted principles of conduct. * Theories on Ethics Utilitarianism The best course of action does the most good for the most people. Duty-based morality Any action taken should not violate the obligations you have to others. Rights-based morality Any action taken doesn’t violate another’s rights Virtue-based morality Any action taken is motivated by attitudes, aspirations, and ideals. * Observations on Theories Utilitarianism The end justifies the means. You become a do-gooder Duty-based morality Obligated to your boss, parents, authorities. Obligated to be fair and honest and not betray a trust. You can keep a secret and an oath. Rights-based morality You are focused on whom the action affects. Virtue-based morality You can follow an example: Greek gods or sports hero. * Examples of… Utilitarianism As an argument in a political process: democracy. Duty-based morality Military service. Boy Scouts. Rights-based morality Civil rights. Virtue-based morality Morality plays…the good guys vs. the bad guys Aesop’s fables. * What’s all this got to do with Engineering? You design or work on things that affect a lot of people. You are employed by a company that has some expectations of you to perform. Your product may infringe upon an established patent. You want to