Engineering Ethics in Practice: a Guide for Engineers
Engineering ethics in practice: a guide for engineers
Engineering ethics in practice: a guide for engineers
© The Royal Academy of Engineering ISBN 1-903496-73-X August 2011 Published by The Royal Academy of Engineering 3 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5DG Tel: 020 7766 0600 www.raeng.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 293074 This is an abridged version of a full guide available online at: www.raeng.org.uk/ethicsinpractice
Contents
1 2 Foreword and introduction Accuracy and rigour 2.1 Case study: Ensuring others are not misled 2.2. Further case studies Honesty and integrity 3.1 Case study: Preventing corruption 3.2 Further case studies Respect for life, law and public good 4.1 Case study: Health and safety 4.2 Further case studies Responsible leadership: listening and informing 5.1 Case study: Promoting public awareness 5.2 Further case studies Conclusion Resources 3 6 7 10 12 13 17 18 19 22 24 25 28 29 31 35 37 40
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Appendix 1: The Statement of ethical principles Appendix 2: A legal perspective References
2 The Royal Academy of Engineering
1 Foreword and introduction
1 Foreword and introduction
“Engineers invent the future and their work affects the lives of millions of people, for better or worse. That raises enormous ethical issues in every branch of engineering, from computing through biotechnology and energy to civil and aeronautical.” Engineering ethics in practice survey This guide is addressed to the professional engineering community. The United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence1, published by the Engineering Council, defines three types of engineering professional – Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech). While their roles and responsibilities differ, each has to demonstrate a commitment to professional and ethical standards. This guide aims to support members of this community in addressing the ethical issues they face in their daily
Engineering ethics in practice: a guide for engineers
© The Royal Academy of Engineering ISBN 1-903496-73-X August 2011 Published by The Royal Academy of Engineering 3 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5DG Tel: 020 7766 0600 www.raeng.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 293074 This is an abridged version of a full guide available online at: www.raeng.org.uk/ethicsinpractice
Contents
1 2 Foreword and introduction Accuracy and rigour 2.1 Case study: Ensuring others are not misled 2.2. Further case studies Honesty and integrity 3.1 Case study: Preventing corruption 3.2 Further case studies Respect for life, law and public good 4.1 Case study: Health and safety 4.2 Further case studies Responsible leadership: listening and informing 5.1 Case study: Promoting public awareness 5.2 Further case studies Conclusion Resources 3 6 7 10 12 13 17 18 19 22 24 25 28 29 31 35 37 40
3
4
5
6 7
Appendix 1: The Statement of ethical principles Appendix 2: A legal perspective References
2 The Royal Academy of Engineering
1 Foreword and introduction
1 Foreword and introduction
“Engineers invent the future and their work affects the lives of millions of people, for better or worse. That raises enormous ethical issues in every branch of engineering, from computing through biotechnology and energy to civil and aeronautical.” Engineering ethics in practice survey This guide is addressed to the professional engineering community. The United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence1, published by the Engineering Council, defines three types of engineering professional – Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Engineering Technician (EngTech). While their roles and responsibilities differ, each has to demonstrate a commitment to professional and ethical standards. This guide aims to support members of this community in addressing the ethical issues they face in their daily
References: 1 2 Engineering Council: United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence 2003, updated 2008 and 2010 Davis, M., Thinking Like an Engineer: Studies in the ethics of a profession (1998, Oxford University Press)