Ethics

1.Introduction to Ethics and Values in Engineering Profession.

In everyday life, ethics often refers to principles of action that implement or promote moral or ethical values. It implies the willingness to accept the consequences of one’s actions.Morals refers to standards of right conduct.

Definitions of ethics by different philosophers

1. Bentham : ethics may be styled as the art of self government.

2. Preston :  ethics is concerned about what is right , fair, just, or good; about what we ought to do, not just about what is the case or what is the most acceptable or expedient.

3. Jonsen and hellegers : a body of prescriptions , do’s and don’ts.
                     
Means: the standards of conduct derived from the philosophical and religious traditions of society.

ETHICS IN ENGINEERING      

                                         is the ability as well as responsibility of an engineer to judge his decisions from the context of the general well being of the society. It is the study of moral issues that confront engineers and engineering organizations when some crucial decisions are taken. Engineering research and practice requires that the task being performed considers all the pros and cons of a certain action and its implementation.

Ethical standards in engineering are influenced by many factors:

1. Engineering as an experimentation for the good of mankind is a notable factor involving far     reaching consequence.

2. Ethical dilemmas make engineering decisions relatively difficult to make.

3. Risk and safety of citizens as a social responsibility is a prime concern of an engineer.

4. Technological advancement can be very demanding on the engineering skill in the global context.

5. Moral values and responsible conduct will play a crucial role in decision making.

MORALS AND ETHICS

Morals are the welfare principles enunciated by the wise people, based on their experience and wisdom. They were edited, changed or modified or evolved to suit the geography of the region, rulers (dynasty), and in accordance with development of knowledge in science and technology and with time.

Morality is concerned with principles and practices of morals such as:
(a) What ought or ought not to be done in a given situation?
(b) What is right or wrong about the handling of a situation? and
(c) What is good or bad about the people, policies, and ideals involved?

Morality

1. More general and prescriptive based on customs and traditions.

2. More concerned with the results of wrong action, when done.

3. Thrust is on judgment and punishment, in the name of God or by laws.

4. In case of conflict between the two, morality is given top priority, because the damage is more. It         is  more common and basic.

5. Example: Character flaw, corruption, extortion, and crime.

Ethics

1. Specific and descriptive. It is a critical reflection on morals.

2. More concerned with the results of a right action, when not done.

3. Thrust is on influence, education, training through codes, guidelines, and correction.

4. Less serious, hence second priority only. Less common. But relevant today, because of complex          interactions in the modern society.

5. Example: Notions or beliefs about manners, tastes, customs, and towards law

Question:

Whether morals are always subjective?
Whether ethics can be objective?
(Objective means it is universal towards everyone with no exception while subjective means it varies from person to person)