Introduction

Abstract

Engineers are renowned for their great technical ingenuity. This ingenuity has profoundly changed the world we live in. Many of these changes are hugely beneficial, such as clean water production and sanitation, energy generation, large-scale pharmaceutical manufacture, hygienic food processing, functional buildings, transport infrastructure, mechanical devices, medical diagnostic equipment, instrumentation, computing and telecommunications. Some other changes are hugely deleterious, such as weapons manufacture and proliferation, damage to the natural environment and activities that directly disadvantage vulnerable populations. An important underlying factor giving rise to such widely differing outcomes of engineering activity is that the engineering profession as a whole has given a high priority to technical ingenuity whilst giving only muted attention to ethical responsibility. This is exemplified in the almost entirely technical content of many university engineering courses and the highly technical focus of most commercial engineering enterprises. Such imbalances give rise to the greatest challenge to contemporary engineers, and the central concern of the present book: can the great technical innovation of engineering be matched by a corresponding innovation in the acceptance and expression of ethical responsibility? The Introduction sets the scene for this challenge by considering professional ethical codes, the fundamental nature of ethics and contrasts between engineering and technology. It then provides an outline of the development of the book.

Appendices

Royal Academy of Engineering Statement of Ethical Principles

The Royal Academy of Engineering, in collaboration with Engineering Council (UK) and a number of the leading professional engineering institutions, has created a Statement of Ethical Principles to which it believes all professional engineers and related bodies should subscribe.

Professional Engineers work to enhance the welfare, health and safety of all whilst paying due regard to the environment and the sustainability of resources. They have made personal and professional commitments to enhance the wellbeing of society through the exploitation of knowledge and the management of creative teams.

This Statement of Ethical Principles sets a standard to which members of the engineering profession should aspire in their working habits and relationships. The Statement is fully compatible with the principles in the UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser’s Universal Ethical Code for Scientists, with an emphasis on matters of particular relevance to engineers. The values on which it is based should apply in every situation in which professional engineers exercise their judgement.

There are four fundamental principles that should guide an engineer in achieving the high ideals of professional life. These express the beliefs and values of the profession and are amplified below.

Accuracy and Rigour

Professional Engineers have a duty to ensure that they acquire and use wisely and faithfully the knowledge that is relevant to the engineering skills needed in their work in the service of others. They should:

• always act with care and competence.

• perform services only in areas of current competence.

• keep their knowledge and skills up to date and assist the development of engineering knowledge and skills in others.

• not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled about engineering matters.

• present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias.

• identify and evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks.

Honesty and Integrity

Professional Engineers should adopt the highest standards of professional conduct, openness, fairness and honesty. They should:

• be alert to the ways in which their work might affect others and duly respect the rights and reputations of other parties.

• avoid deceptive acts, take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional misconduct, and declare conflicts of interest.

• reject bribery or improper influence.

• act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner.

Respect for Life, Law and the Public Good

Professional Engineers should give due weight to all relevant law, facts and published guidance, and the wider public interest. They should:

• ensure that all work is lawful and justified.

• minimise and justify any adverse effect on society or on the natural environment for their own and succeeding generations.

• take due account of the limited availability of natural and human resources.

• hold paramount the health and safety of others.

• act honourably, responsibly and lawfully and uphold the reputation, standing and dignity of the profession.

Responsible Leadership: Listening and Informing

Professional Engineers should aspire to high standards of leadership in the exploitation and management of technology.

They hold a privileged and trusted position in society, and are expected to demonstrate that they are seeking to serve wider society and to be sensitive to public concerns. They should:

• be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society, and listen to the aspirations and concerns of others.

• actively promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievements.

• be objective and truthful in any statement made in their professional capacity.