ENEG20001 Term 2, 2017: Reflective Essay on Engineering Impact

This reflective essay, submitted for the Australian Engineering Practice unit (ENEG20001), examines the multifaceted impact of engineering activities on society, spanning from historical advancements to contemporary challenges. The paper analyzes both the positive contributions, such as technological innovations that have eased labor, improved communication, and addressed societal needs, and the negative consequences, including environmental pollution and the development of destructive weapons. The essay further delves into the crucial aspects of engineering professionalism and ethics within the Australian context, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethical standards, safety regulations, and codes of conduct. It underscores the significance of responsible leadership, respect for life, and the prioritization of public good, while also addressing potential ethical dilemmas such as bribery and the implications of engineering decisions on climate change and public safety. The essay references relevant sources to support its arguments and provides a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between engineering and society.

Australian Engineering Practice
Unit Code: ENEG20001
Term 2, 2017
Reflective Writing Task 1
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Week of Submission: …………………………..
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Introduction
This is a reflective writeup that seeks to discuss the impact of the engineering activities in
society over the years. The paper gives reflections based on positive and negative impacts on that
the activities have had on the society. It goes further to discuss the professionalism in
engineering and ethics involved in the Australian contexts.
Explain the historical impact of engineering on society
The society has been advancing from the traditional setup, to the industrial age, and to the
current software dominated or the internet age. Some of the greatest inventions and innovations
were done within the 18th to 20th century. For instance, the construction of structural buildings,
transport or commuter structure, and service equipment.
I have reviewed different engineering projects in the society and some have very positive
impacts. For instance, engineering projects have made labor much easier through the invention
of high performance equipment. The equipment are used in farm work or other agricultural
activities. Communication has been eased with the invention of the telephone for long distance
hence information is passed faster. Bell felt that the traditional methods of communication were
no longer going to be efficient especially with the industrial age coming to be. Such activities
have improved the lives of people (Howard, 2008). Every innovation solves a problem.
Engineering has constantly provided solutions such as cheap well drilling, provides irrigation
schemes that are very efficient, it enables building of structures for public use and drives the
transport system. More innovations have been directed to meeting social needs such as wind
farms, solar power or energy, eco-friendly automobiles and household equipment.

Some engineering innovations have caused catastrophic destructions in the society. Engineers
make weapons for use in battle. Some engineers can join terrorist or cultic groups and use their
innovations to destroy property or even destroy lives. Other activities have caused air, water, and
soil pollution. Factories spill wastes to the rivers and some dispose their scrap materials some
with radioactivity to dumpsites.
Explain engineering professionalism and ethics in the Australian contexts
I consider professionalism and ethics to be very crucial in all fields. Engineering is not an
exception in and it works hand in hand with other facets in the society. Engineers are involved in
the construction for weapons for military arsenals. Such weapons are needed to help a nation
fight to defend its borders. As an engineer, I could use the weapons for destruction or to supply
them to terrorists who use them to destroy property and lives. I find it more ethical to ensure that
any engineering activity is performed to standard and with a moral standing. Just like any other
field, engineers need to uphold professionalism by obeying the rules of trade, the working
principles and protection regulations, as well as the code of conduct. I would be keen to ensure
that I meet the requirements of every task to ensure the safety of life. Consider, a project to
construct a bridge that crosses a wide river. I would ensure that the resources are procured and
disbursed on time.
Ethic demands that these engineers make good designs to protect the lives of hundreds and
thousands who consume such products. engineers design and implement large structures which
may destroy the lives of many if found faulty. Some of the engineers have invested heavily in
designing automobiles which have contributed to the adverse changes in climate. Ethics requires
that one looks at engineering field as a profession whose outlook is essentially objective and
disinterested, where the motive of making money is subordinated to serving the client in a

manner not inconsistent with the public good (Lawlor, n.d.). I think it is not plausible to think of
remuneration as motivation to be a vice. I think what would be considered unethical is in the case
of bribery. I would consider it unethical when an engineer fails to make a prompt or urgent
decision based on ignorance. One should portray respect for life, the law, and ensure that their
work is for the good of the public and they should have responsible leadership skills (Howard,
2008).
REFERENCES
Howard, P. P. S. M., 2008. Engineering's Impact on Society, South Dakota, Rapid City, SD: Department
of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering .
Lawlor, R., n.d. Engineering in Society. In: 2nd, ed. Royal Academy of Engineering. Australia: Inter-
Disciplinary Ethics Applied, pp. 1-44.