Chapter 14: Problem 9

Can you think of any rule included in current codes of engineering ethics that is unnecessary, too restrictive, or even ethically wrong? If so, should it simply be removed from the current rules, or is it something that serves a useful function even though it is not ethically required? If you don't think there are any superfluous rules, instead pick one that you think is one of the least ethically important, and explain why you think it is not important. Does the justification for the rule survive additional scrutiny?

Short Answer

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Answer: I believe that the principle of confidentiality, which states that engineers should not disclose any information about a client's project without the client's explicit consent, is the least ethically important rule in certain situations. Although confidentiality is crucial for maintaining client trust, there might be cases where prioritizing public safety and wellbeing outweighs the importance of confidentiality. Thus, there should be clear and well-defined exceptions to this rule for situations where the safety of the public is at risk, allowing engineers to maintain a balance between respecting confidentiality agreements and prioritizing public wellbeing.

Step by step solution

- Understanding Engineering Ethics

First, familiarize yourself with the current codes of engineering ethics by researching and understanding the ethical principles like public welfare, honesty, competency, integrity, and confidentiality. Knowing these rules helps in evaluating them correctly.

- Identifying a Rule to Evaluate

After understanding the ethical principles, identify a rule to evaluate; either one you find unnecessary or one of the least ethically important. In this example, we will consider the principle of confidentiality: "Engineers should not disclose any information about a client's project without the client's explicit consent."

- Evaluating the Rule

In your evaluation, consider whether the rule is necessary, restrictive, or ethically wrong. For example, in the case of confidentiality, we can argue that maintaining confidentiality ensures the client's trust and prevents the misuse of sensitive information. However, in some situations like public safety or wellbeing, confidentiality might hinder the dissemination of vital information. Additionally, evaluate if the rule still serves a useful function even if it is not ethically required. In our example, confidentiality maintains client trust, but in specific cases, the engineer may face a moral dilemma between maintaining confidentiality and prioritizing public safety.

- Discussing the Justification

Analyze the justification for the chosen rule and see if it survives additional scrutiny. Reflect on whether there might be exceptions to this rule or whether adjustments should be made. For example, confidentiality is important, but when it comes to the safety of the public, engineers should prioritize the greater good over confidentiality agreements. This suggests that there should be exceptions or clauses that allow and protect engineers when disclosing information for public safety reasons.

- Concluding Remarks

Summarize your argument by concluding whether the analyzed rule should be removed, modified, or if it serves its purpose effectively. In this example, it is concluded that although the confidentiality rule is essential and serves its purpose, there should be a clear and well-defined exception for cases where public safety is at risk. This way, engineers can maintain a balance between maintaining client confidentiality and prioritizing public wellbeing.

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

- Understanding Engineering Ethics

- Identifying a Rule to Evaluate

- Evaluating the Rule

- Discussing the Justification

- Concluding Remarks

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