What Every Engineer Should Know about Ethics

This compact reference succinctly explains the engineering profession's codes of ethics using case studies drawn from decisions of the National Society of Professional Engineers' (NSPE) Board of Ethical Review, examining ethical challenges in engineering, construction, and project management. It includes study questions to supplement general engineering survey courses and a list of references to aid practicing engineers in exploring topics in depth. Concentrating primarily on situations engineers encounter on a daily basis and offering pragmatic answers to ethical questions, What Every Engineer Should Know About Ethics discusses recent headline-making disasters such as the Challenger explosion, the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe, and the Hyatt-Regency Hotel collapse; considers the merits and drawbacks of professional codes of ethics; covers the application of the "committee approach" to specific cases; compares and contrasts ethical codes and personal values with alternative approaches to morality; defines professional licensing and registration and enumerates their prerequisites; outlines legal standards for liability; emphasizes the importance of communication, coordination, and documentation; includes a discussion of "whistleblowing;" defines the engineer's primary ethical responsibility; and more.

Kenneth K. Humphreys