Ethics

So why is it that Ethics is in this exam?! I mean how is that supposed to be related to engineering and technical problems?! 

Well the reason Ethics is and should be in this exam is that Engineers, not like physicians or medicinal doctors sometimes forget that what they are doing is directly or indirectly related to the lives of people. They sometimes think that they are just some employees having a boss and doing what they are told to do. That's why reminding engineers of the ethical work is beneficial in a way to help other people and also to be credential in a work environment! 

In the arena of ethics, the first thing we need to know is the difference between "profession" and "occupation". Profession is a result of all the education and training we receive and we can transfer our knowledge and skills to other people for the good of the society. It is the profession that requires ethical standards. Here is an online post on the differences between these two terms (last accessed 03/02/2015). That is why they talk about professional conduct and not occupational conduct! As a result of this difference, one should be familiar with the definition and implications of the terms creed, canon, code, statute, rule, order, law, instruction, principle, standard, norm, etc. For example, in creeds we pledge to act and be so and so way and in canons it is told that we must be so and so ways. Then there is statutory rules. These are all defined to determine the basis of disciplines whether it is in engineering, religion, politics, etc. Here is a question: is everything legal is also ethical or vice versa? Maybe not! you may conduct something legal but it can be unethical! It is common sense, isn't it? Within these definition and terms, it is also nice to know about the term whistle-blowing as well.

Here is a list of priorities in ethics for an engineer:

    public >> law >> profession >> employer or client >> company >> other engineers >> himself

    out of which, the ethical conduct toward an employer or a client is often most considerable. An engineer should know the limits of his capabilities in accepting tasks, always protect his client's interests and confidential information, avoid conflicts of interests that affects their judgments in business relationship. Similar is true for dealing with manufacturers, in addition to following the rules defined in the borders of the business relationship, i.e. no special favors, gifts, discounts, or other indirect compensations.

So here are my notes on some readings and answering sample FE exam questions about the philosophy of Ethics concept, although many of the matters are more like common sense if you are an ethical person in your life!

• While Ethics are influenced by the change in cultures over time and space, they are standards that separates wrong from right in our duties and decisions toward public, coworkers, employers and ourselves. Ethical decisions are often bittersweet, so don't look for a direct outcome for your ethical behavior, no reward, no reputation, and not even a feel-good reward! on the other hand, unethical actions are punishable and that is done by the internal audit departments to enforce the rules and let engineers learn from their mistaken judgments. 

• If you as an experienced professional check the design of another engineer, you should only comment on those sections that you are knowledgeable and competent, and you should both be licensed, both are liable and it is ethical that the client has to be notified of your involvement in the process. In some cases, one ethical obligation can override another ethical obligation but no other constraints shall prevent an engineer from conducting his ethical requirements. 

• "With prejudice" means there will be more actions to come. That is if someone is punished with prejudice, there will be more related processes in that direction like another hearing or something. 

Here are some sample online links to read on the matter of Engineering Ethics, mostly organizational codes of ethics:

• • MIT open course on Engineering Ethics (last accessed 03/02/2015)

  • NSPE Code of Ethics (last accessed 03/02/2015)

• ASCE Code of Ethics (last accessed 03/02/2015)

• ASME code of Ethics - Colorado section (last accessed 03/02/2015)

• ITE code of conduct (last accessed 03/02/2015)

• Engineering Ethics by Royal Academy of Engineers (last accessed 03/02/2015)

• Model rules for Professional Conduct by American Bar Association (last accessed 03/02/2015)