Ethical Engineering Decision Making

Summary

This video discusses the importance of applying ethical decision-making in engineering, using a structured problem-solving approach similar to technical challenges. Engineers should analyze situations, consider all stakeholders, and explore alternatives. Several ethical tests, such as the harms, reversibility, and legality tests, help evaluate consequences. The key takeaway is that legality doesn't always align with ethics, as illustrated by examples like spam emails and the unsafe portable cribs of the 1980s. The video emphasizes that ethical decisions in engineering should prioritize honesty, fairness, and the long-term well-being of all involved.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engineers should approach ethical problems using the same problem-solving techniques they apply to technical issues, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
• 😀 When analyzing a moral problem, it's essential to identify all affected parties, including those who may not be immediately obvious.
• 😀 Engineers must consider both short-term and long-term consequences of their actions when evaluating the ethical impact.
• 😀 The evaluation step in problem-solving involves imagining possible consequences and assessing whether they are positive or negative.
• 😀 Ethical tests like the harms test, reversibility test, and common practice test help guide engineers in making responsible decisions.
• 😀 The harms test involves considering whether the benefits outweigh the harms, including both immediate and long-term effects.
• 😀 The reversibility test asks engineers to consider how they would feel if they were in the position of the affected parties or if their actions were publicly revealed.
• 😀 Ethical decisions should also be evaluated using the common practice test, which considers whether the action would be acceptable if everyone followed the same course of action.
• 😀 It's crucial to differentiate between what is legal and what is ethical. Legal actions may not always be the morally right choice.
• 😀 Engineers must think about the broader implications of their decisions, such as safety standards and potential harm, even when there are no clear regulations in place.
• 😀 Codes of ethics and professional standards help guide engineers in ensuring their actions align with the values of their profession.

Q & A

How can engineers approach moral problems in the same way they approach technical problems?

Engineers can approach moral problems using the same problem-solving skills as technical problems. This involves analyzing the situation, considering affected parties, exploring alternative actions, and evaluating the consequences of each action.

Why is it important to think broadly about the affected parties in an ethical dilemma?

It is important because the affected parties may not always be immediately obvious. Broadly considering all potential stakeholders ensures that engineers take into account the full impact of their decisions, including individuals or groups that may be indirectly affected.

What is the analytical step in solving moral problems, and why is it important?

The analytical step involves identifying the key affected parties, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and gathering additional information if necessary. This is important because it provides a thorough understanding of the situation before making a decision.

What does the synthetic or design step entail in ethical decision-making?

The synthetic or design step involves considering alternative actions that could be taken. Engineers should be creative in exploring different solutions, similar to how they approach design or technical challenges.

How does the evaluation step function in moral decision-making?

In the evaluation step, engineers imagine the possible consequences of their actions and evaluate whether these consequences are positive or negative. The goal is to choose an action that results in the best overall outcome.

What is the harms test, and how is it applied in ethical decision-making?

The harms test evaluates whether the benefits of a decision outweigh the harms, both in the short-term and long-term. It is applied by considering the broader impact of an action, such as potential damage to trust or reputation.

What is the reversibility test, and why is it important?

The reversibility test asks whether an action would still be considered good if it could not be undone. It is important because it encourages engineers to consider the long-term consequences and whether they would regret their decisions later.

How does the common practice test relate to the idea of universal ethics?

The common practice test examines whether an action would be acceptable if everyone behaved in the same way. This test aligns with Kant's categorical imperative, which asks if a behavior would be universally applicable without leading to negative consequences.

What distinction does the script make between legality and ethics?

The script emphasizes that legality and ethics are not always the same. A legal action may still be unethical if it causes harm or goes against moral principles, as seen in the example of the Enron executives' actions, which were legal but clearly deceptive.

How can focusing only on legal compliance be dangerous in engineering?

Focusing solely on legal compliance can lead to decisions that are technically legal but ethically wrong. For example, engineers might design a product that meets existing standards but still poses risks due to lack of testing or safety measures, as happened with the portable cribs in the 1980s.