W. D. Ross Code Of Ethics

For this paper, I will be discussing the Code of Ethics for Engineers as provided by the National Society of Professional Engineers. I will discuss the fundamental guidelines of the code, the ethical theory that underlyingly justifies those rules as well as examine the numerous changes that took place since first appearing in an issue of The American Engineer in 1935. A case can be made that the underlying moral theory that justifies these rules is the theory of Utilitarian Ethics. I will explain further, while also comparing both Act and Rule-Utilitarianism. In addition, while utilizing and applying W.D. Ross’s moral theory of Deontology, I will suggest a few changes to the code that could assist in creating a more honorable profession. By

The NSPE lists six fundamental canons that engineers must fulfill in their professional duties. I have condensed the six to offer a numerical order in which they should be followed. It can be argued that the number one professional duty of engineers is to protect the “safety, health, and welfare of the public”(). Second to that, is the duty to provide these professional services with honesty, responsibility, and only in areas of their own competence to enhance the image and reputation of the profession. Third, is the duty to serve the employer or client as faithful employees or professionals. Forth, is the duty to issue public statements with truthfulness and objectivity. And five, is the duty to avoid any acts of deception. When confronted with an ethical dilemma, an engineer can feel comfortable following the guidelines of these fundamental standards, while not ignoring in which they are ordered, to make a decision. Not only does the NSPE provide these general rules to follow, they also provide clearly defined specific sub rules to each fundamental canon. This removes the guesswork and makes the process of making an ethical decision much simpler and faster. Additionally, the NSPE states nine

A good person will have good character and will act according to their virtues. Moral virtues typically include honesty, generosity, nonmaleficence, fairness, and compassion. A morally good person is one who has developed the habit of practicing these virtues. With these virtues in mind, it is apparent that the Engineering Code of ethics requires a virtuous person to follow the rules. The fundamental duty to “hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” should be the number one obligation for a good person. In example scenario, suppose an engineer discovers that the printers his company produces catch fire spontaneously. In accordance with section I.1.a, “if engineer’s judgment is overruled under circumstances that danger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate”. This situation obviously risks the safety of the public and endangers life and property. Practicing the virtue of fairness, one would notify their employer or client first so they can take steps to resolve. Code section III.1 states that engineers “shall be guided in all their relation by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.” This obligation clearly shows a relationship with virtue ethics. To be honest and fair towards the customer is to be virtuous.