Ethical dilemma
Based upon the situation and the IEEE Codes of Ethics and the NSPE (National Society of Profession Engineers) Codes of Ethics what is the ethical dilemma?
Many situations involving software and digital information are increasingly important in our ethical decisions. You might also find the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Code of Ethics to be useful.
Choices available
Describe the principle choices available to the engineer. You do not have to forsee all possible actions.
Possible outcomes
What are the results of each possible plan of action?
Economic results
Many engineering ethical situations also have economic consequences for both the company and the enginer. Describe the economic pressures of the situation.
Your decision
What is your recommended resolution? Justify your decision using the appropriate Code of ethics.
Download the situations for this semester.
There are many ethical dilemmas which are far more complicated than the assignments you will each analyze. The following represent famous situations as well as a hypothetical in which you could very easily find yourself.
- Morton Thiokol space shuttle diaster Undoubtly the most famous engineering ethical dilemma.
- LaMacchia software distribution Are you distributing audio or video from your computer?
- Internet Privacy This link describes a number of very relevant situations.
- Killer Robot (hypothetical - recommended reading)
Download a copy of the evaluation form I will use to grade your ethics papers.
You should consider becoming a registered Professional Engineer. This is becoming increasingly important even to software and network engineers. Check out Ohio's Engineers and Surveyors Board for information on becoming a registered professional engineer in the State of Ohio. Graduating tudents should check with Prof. Prahl in Mechanical Engineering about special options for CWRU students to take the exam on campus.