Engineering Ethics: Codes of Ethics, Theories and Practices

This report explores the core principles of engineering ethics, focusing on utilitarianism, duty and right ethics, and virtue ethics. It examines how these ethical frameworks guide engineers' decisions and responsibilities. The report discusses the importance of risk-benefit analysis, truthful public statements, and avoiding conflicts of interest, emphasizing the need for engineers to act with integrity, uphold professional discipline, and prioritize good morals. The content also references key publications in the field, such as 'Engineering Ethics' by Fleddermann and 'Ethics for Engineers' by Peterson, to provide a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations in engineering practice. The report highlights the significance of ethical conduct in maintaining professional reputation and ensuring the well-being of society.

Running Header: CODES OF ETHICS FOR ENGINEERS
1. Utilitarianism. This theory argues that any form of action should be aimed at maximizing
the well-being of the majority in the society. In this regard engineers should know that
their choice of actions and decisions tend to affect the members of the society and as such
they should make rational decisions that will benefit the majority. It is required that
engineers should carry out a risk-benefit analysis or a cost-benefit analysis in order to
determine whether to launch a project or not (Fladdermann, 2011).
2. Duty and right ethics. This type of a moral requirement states that some duties have to be
performed irrespective of whether these kind of actions lead to the best. In so doing,
engineers will be ensuring that their code of ethics in not violated in any way. These
theories hold that an action is said to be appropriate if it does not in any way violet the
rights of the majority in the society. In this regard engineers are required to ensure
truthful and objective issuance of public statement. In performing their duties, engineers
should act as trustees and should avoid any cases that may nurture conflicts of interest in
any particular field. In their acts of duty as well, engineers should not in any way
compete against one another for the sake of reputation but should instead their service
merit to build their professional reputation (Peterson, 2019)
3. The virtue ethics. This requires that engineers should act in ways that portrait integrity
and moral discipline. They should act in such a manner as to uphold high levels of
professional discipline, respect, honor and dignity. In line with virtue ethics, actions and
decisions are said to be right if and only if they nurture good morals. Virtue ethics, unlike
the above codes, lays a strong emphasis on personal conduct in upholding good morals
by substituting vices with virtues. Engineers should learn to question the course and
validity of any decision or action before implementing it (Fladdermann, 2011).
References
Fleddermann, C. B. (2011). Engineering ethics (4th ed.). Pearson Higher Ed.
Peterson, M. (2019). Ethics for engineers. Oxford University Press, USA.