Ali El Rifai

Engineering Ethics (2012) Charles B. Fleddermann, 4th

E123737
School of Technology
Engineering Ethics, Norms and Regulations
Smart Energy

2023
Chapter1: Introduction

• Engineering ethics: is the set of rules and standards that engineers must follow, when
dealing with any circumstances in their profession.
• Importance of engineering ethics: Studying engineering ethics helps the employee to
understand his duties and responsibilities, it increases the awareness of the great role
they play. Because engineers have a significant impact on society, as engineers have an
impact on public safety, people's health, entrepreneurship, and they can also have an
impact on politics.
• Personal and professional ethics: Personal ethics are how we treat people in our daily
lives. Many of these ethics can be applied in business and engineering. Professional ethics,
usually not related to personal choices, which are more complex. Indeed, for example, it
may relate to the occurrence of a dispute between two different companies or a company
and several employees, a company, and a government agency as well, to be more precise,
it not related to the personal ethics.
• Origin of ethics: Ethical thought originated with the ancient Greeks. Many people believe
that ethics were learned from religion such as the Jewish, Christian, or Islamic religion,
because all religions urge good manners, however, we see many religious people who do
not have personal morals, and vice versa. Although most ethics are derived from religions,
but when studying engineering ethics, it is not necessary to refer to a specific religion or
an explicit religious text to discuss work ethics.
• The law and ethics: The practice of engineering is subject to many local, international,
and federal laws, although many of these laws may be natural to human nature. It should
be noted that not every unethical act is illegal, although many laws are in fact derived
from an ethical basis. For example, designing a process that produces a substance that is
harmful to the environment, but is not regulated, is considered an unethical process, but
it is a legal process.
• Ethics problems are similar to design problems: It is difficult to specify only one answer,
for ethical problems, as well as when an engineer faces a problem when designing a
specific device, it is possible that several solutions are available, but the best solution is
the one that provides high performance and low cost.
 Chapter 2:

• Profession: The term profession is differed from professional, job or occupation. There
are several terms that can explain the meaning, such as: It is a specific work that requires
high skills, and it is not routine, and requires a person to have the ability to judge and
make decisions that may be decisive, and artificial intelligence unable to perform the
work.
• Engineering as a profession: Engineering requires high and extensive skills, also requires
a minimum four years of studying which includes theoretical and practical classes to
become an engineer. Engineers are required to maintain the confidentiality of customer
information, and consumer safety is essential for every engineer in product or device they
produce, so, the design should fulfill the purpose and at the same time should have a high
safety standard.
• The difference between engineering and other professionns: Engineers differ from
lawyers in that they often not self-employed, however, they are usually employees of an
engineering firm, the exception to this is civil engineer who can be an independent
consultant.
• Codes of Ethics: Provides a framework, however, no code can cover all ethical situations
that is essential for an engineer, but it does include making ethical decisions. It also
includes codes of conduct among employees in one company. The Code of Ethics is not
considered a legal document or a recipe, and a person who violates its provisions is not
arrested, but he can be expelled from a professional society. The Code of Ethics does not
create new ethical principles; however, it helps the engineer to make the right ethical
decision in the unique situations he is exposed to.
• Objection to codes: Some engineers who are belong to an engineering society feel that
they don’t have to follow the code of ethics.
• Role of the codes and professional associations to protect the employers: Professional
associations must advocate for an employee if they are pressured to do an unethical act,
or if employees notice an unethical act by their manager. An example of this, when IEEE
took an action, when three electrical engineers were terminated unjustly.
Chapter 3

• Ethical theories: Ethical problems cannot be solved like the way engineering problems
are solved in the classroom. In engineering problems, there is only one theory that is
applied to solve the problem. But this does not apply to engineering ethics because
there are many theories to consider. However, it is possible Many hypotheses lead to
the same solution, but when trying to solve an ethical problem, different hypotheses
are used, and then the best solution is chosen.
• Moral theory: Defining terminology in a unified manner and raising ideas and
problems in a coordinated manner [Harris, Pritchard, and Rabins, 2000]. Scientific
theories also define terminology and organize breakfast, which helps to solve the
problems facing engineers.
There are four ethical theories, each of which helps to arrive at the most important
concept of ethics: Utilitarianism trying to reach the greatest possible benefit, trying to
balance between the positive and negative results of an action, considering all who
are affected by this action. The second method is the duty ethics, which focuses on
the duties that must be done and what must be done towards people, for example,
treating all people fairly and equitably, and not harming others, without thinking to
reach the best possible solution. Rights ethics like the ethics of duty, the focus is not
on obtaining a possible solution but stressing that all people have moral rights, and
any action that violates a person's moral rights is morally unacceptable. Virtue ethics
focuses on the person we seek to be, classifying as good actions that are good
character traits (virtues) and bad actions as bad character traits (vices).
• non-western ethics: The moral theories mentioned above are applied in Europe and
America only, as the rest of the peoples have different moral theories such as China
and Islamic countries.
• Muslim ethics: In general, Islamic morals share with Western morals, Islamic morals
are derived from the Holy Quran, such as the following virtues, honesty, fulfillment of
trusts to their owners, sincerity, giving to the poor. One of the most important ethics
that must be available in an engineer is honesty and worthiness.
 Chapter 4
Analysis of issues in ethical problems :The correct way to deal with ethical problems
is by understanding all the problems related to the case. To make the solution easier,
issues related to understanding legal problems can be divided into three sections:
preventive, conceptual, and ethical [Harris, Pritchard, and Rabins, 2000].
Understanding these issues often provides a clear path to solving ethical problems.
• Type of issues in ethical problem solving: In engineering, too, there are a lot of
differences in issues as well. For example, global warming caused by the emission of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide. The problem for
engineers is that cars and industrial facilities increase carbon dioxide levels in the
atmosphere. This expresses one of the most important problems that engineers may
face in the future. Engineers may have to design new products or improve old
products to comply with environmental standards. So far, the extent of the effect of
greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere has not been determined on global
warming, otherwise it will be the responsibility of the engineer to limit the emissions
of these gases into the atmosphere, to reduce this problem.
• Line drawing technique: This technique is useful in situations where the ethical
principles are clear, but which ethical principles should be applied is not clear. A line
is drawn, and hypothetical examples are placed. At one end is the "positive paradigm"
of something morally acceptable, and at the other end the "negative paradigm" of
something morally unacceptable. Then the problem under study is put together with
similar examples, to determine whether the problem is closer to the positive or
negative paradigm.
• Flow charts: Often used by engineering students, it can be used to analyze an
engineering ethical problem, by analyzing it to reach the desired conclusion.
• Conflict problems: In some cases, two moral values conflict, but one of them is more
significant, such as the safety of the environment is more important than the
satisfaction of the employer. The second solution is creative middle way must be
creative, by finding a creative acceptable compromise to everyone.
 Chapter 5
• Introduction: According to the ethical rules of engineering societies, the most
important duty of the engineer is the protection and welfare of the public.
• Safety and risk: Engineers, when doing any design, must ensure safety. For example,
a bridge should connect cars from one side of the river to the other. Of course, it is
not possible to provide a 100% safe design, but engineers must make the design as
safe as possible.
• Definitions: safety is a broad and vague term. It is a judgment of value. It is impossible
for any design to be free of risks, but what is the appropriate amount of risk, and what
is the percentage of the safety in a particular design.
• voluntary risk and involuntary risk: many people believe that something is safer if
they already knew about its risks, but they accept to do it. But if they are forced to do
what they consider dangerous and risky.
• Engineers and safety: There are four criteria that every engineer must apply. First, the
design must comply with what is required of it. Second, the design must comply with
recognized engineering standards. For example, the engineer cannot design a less
peaceful energy source to reduce the cost of production. Third, innovative new
designs must be discovered, to be safe. Here creativity is required, with discussion of
other designs, to see if the new design is safer. Fourth, the engineer must anticipate
the possibility of misuse of the product and its impact, to avoid the consequences of
misuse. This duty of the engineer requires a degree of creativity and research. Finally,
upon completion of the design, the prototypes and the final design should be
examined, to ensure that the product meets the specifications and is safe. adequate
testing is essential to avoid disasters like what happened with Kursk submarine.
• Safe design: In this process, problems must first be identified. Then solutions are
found, after which all solutions are analyzed and their pros and cons are laid out, after
which the solutions are tested, then the best solution is chosen and implement it.
Risk Benefit Analysis: One of the methods used by engineers to identify risks and
decide whether to proceed with a project, and It is similar cost and benefits analysis.
 Chapter 6:
Introduction: The code of ethics clarifies the responsibilities of the engineer but does
not discuss professional rights. These rights often overlap with responsibilities, But
the engineer must protect the public, even if it conflicts with the employer.
• Professional responsibilities:
1- proprietary information and confidentiality Keeping the personal information of
subscribers confidential is mentioned in most engineering codes of ethics and is
considered similar also in medicine, where the doctor must keep the medical
information of the patient. The engineer must maintain complete confidentiality,
because any of the information that is spread outside the company will affect the
company's ability to compete in the market, as the competitor will use this
information to be distinguished or at least to be able to compete, so it is in the interest
of the company and the engineer to maintain confidentiality as much as possible.
2- Conflict of interest: It is possible for the engineer to receive a financial offer from
a specific company to accept its proposed project, knowing that it is not the best
proposal, which leads to failure to perform his duty towards the employer objectively
and sincerely. Engineering symbols are clear that these conflicts must be avoided.
3- competitive bidding: Engineering societies' codes of ethics prohibit competitive
bidding for engineering services. It is like the ethics of other professions such as
medicine and law. According to codes of ethics, engineers should charge clients based
on fixed fee structure rather than competing for engineering work based on bids.
Engineering bids were banned as inappropriate, and because if engineers participate
in engineering bids, the price will become the most important consideration.
• Professional rights: There are also many rights that the engineer has, such as the right
to object in an acceptable way to the company's policies, the right to refuse to engage
in unethical behavior, and the most important right is the right of professional
conscience.
• whistleblowing: The employee informs the public or higher management of immoral
or illegal behavior. Whistleblowing must be attempted if the following conditions are
met:
1-Need: There must be a clear danger, which can be avoided by reporting, and the
important things must be, or if a mistake is repeated in the company without taking
any action.
2- Proximity: The whistleblower must be present during the accident, and he must be
aware of what happened, and a realistic assessment of the situation, rumors are not
enough.
3-Capability: The whistleblower for the illegal act must have sufficient power to stop
this act. Not to risk his professional life or the financial security of the family if he does
not have sufficient ability to access the facts.
4- Last resort: Whistleblowing is only reported if there is no person more capable or
with more information on the case, or all other attempts have been closed.

Chapter 7
• Environmental issues: The environment has been affected negatively in recent years,
due to new inventions that are harmful to the environment. Engineers bear a partial
responsibility. The engineer's responsibility is now expressed in green engineering or
a sustainable environment. There are some methods used to solve environmental
problems. Firstly “cost-oblivious approach” [Martin and Schinzinger, 2000], the cost
of the project here is not essential, but the aim is to make the environment as clean
as possible. The second method is based on cost-benefit analysis, here a clean
environment is not essential, but a balance is made between water pollution and
environmental considerations.
The environmental responsibility of the engineer is at least to follow the laws of the
region or municipality in which he works. Although the codes of professional ethics
urge us to protect the public and the environment, it is possible that these beliefs
 conflict with the employer. The engineer has the right and duty to express himself,
especially if the project has a significant negative impact on the environment.
• Computer ethics: The wrong use of a computer can lead to major ethical issues, for
example, a computer can be used to access a person's database, and thus it is a breach
of confidentiality and proprietary information. It is also possible to use a computer
incorrectly as an engineering tool, like bank robbery. Theft through computers is
considered a non-personal crime, as the criminal does not confront the victim, but it
is considered more dangerous than personal theft as it is easier, and therefore the
amounts that are taken from computer crimes are much more. A criminal can steal
from more than one person. The business owner can be stolen from people from the
same company or from strangers, and it is also possible for the company to use the
computer to steal its customers.
• Ethics and research: Issues related to research include honesty in dealing with the
research problem and honesty in reporting results.

Chapter 8

Most of the disasters presented in the Code of Engineering Ethics occurred due to a
design error, or due to a cover-up of an illegal or immoral act, or engineers were
pressured to make an illegal decision.
• Case study: Four years after designing the Citicorp Center building, an engineer asked
LeMessurier, the building designer, who made him examine the building to make sure
that the building could withstand intense winds. After the study, he found that the
welded joints in the superstructure had been replaced with bolted joints, which could
cause the building to collapse when exposed to intense winds. Then LeMessurier
decided to develop a quick plan to solve the problem, he contacted the insurance
company's lawyers, the project architect and the company's executive vice president
to inform them of the problem, to ensure that the building is safe. After about two
months of work, the building is safe and can withstand the severe storm that was
expected every 700 years. We learn from this story that after committing a mistake,
 one must admit and work legally to reach a solution. In order not to lose his
professional reputation, he can improve it by acting ethically.
• Finnish national board on research integrity TENK: It is appointed by the Ministry of
Education and Culture, to promote the conduct of research, encourage discussion,
prevent research misconduct, and give information about the integrity of research in
Finland.
• Ethical review: Means pre-checking and evaluating the research plan in accordance
with the ethics that must be followed in a particular discipline, considering not to
cause any possible harm because of this research. Medical Research Act and Decree
regulates medical research involving human beings. As for non-medical research, the
Finnish National Research Integrity Council sets a set of legal principles that must be
followed.
• research integrity: A term define the honesty and integrity that researchers must
follow. Fraud and dishonesty in research are prohibited.
• research ethics: A term that includes ethical assessments and all points of view
related to research. The scope of the Advisory Board is to follow ethical and proper
action. The Advisory Board does not interfere to violations of the law such as patent
and copyright law.
• Responsible conduct of a research:
1- The research should follow the principles of the research community. All
researchers must be committed to their responsibilities. Funding sources must be
declared to all the members, and they must be mentioned when the research
results are published.
2- The methods used to obtain data must be consistent with science and ethically
sustainable. Standards of scientific knowledge must be adhered to, and results
should be reported. Permits must be taken in some research.
3- Consideration should be given of other researcher’s achievements.
4- All researchers will be disqualified from everything related to research when a
conflict of interest is suspected.
• Violations against the responsible conduct of research: It indicates dishonesty and
unethical practices that may lead to the validation of the search results. can be classified
into:
a- Research misconduct: Responsible conduct of research helps to make the research
ethically acceptable and reliable and makes its results more credible. There are two
ways to define research misconduct: a legislation-based model and a self-regulatory
model by the scientific community. In Finland national guidelines issued by the Finnish
National Council for Research Integrity (TENK) are used to identify and investigate
Responsible Conduct for Research Violations (RCR). Research misconduct is divided
into:

1- Fabrication: Providing false results, or the results are not obtained using the claimed
methods.
2- Falsification (misrepresentation): Modification of the original results, or to hide the results
necessary for conclusions.
3- Plagiarism: It means unacknowledged borrowing or taking information from
somewhere and claiming it as your own. It includes modified transcription.
4- Misappropriation: It includes presenting another person’s ideas or, as own research.
b- Disregard for the responsible conduct of research: such as discrediting the role of
other researchers or claim that the previous search results are insufficient or refer to
them in an inappropriate way. Neglecting an important search result which leads to
misleading society. Publishing search results multiple times as new results, which is
also called self-plagiarism. Records and research data are insufficient. Misleading the
community in other ways.
• Other irresponsible practices: such as, manipulating authors, such as mentioning the
names of some authors who did not participate in the research. Exaggeration in
mentioning scientific achievements. Increase the use of bibliography to increase the
number of citations. Delaying or improperly obstruct the work of another researcher.
Misleading the public by claiming misleading information about the results of a particular
search.
IEEE code of Ethics: As members we appreciate that our technologies have an impact on
quality of life, all over the world. We have a responsibility towards our profession, its
members, and the people to whom we provide services, so we are committed to ethical
and professional behavior such as:
i. Committed to great responsibility, integrity and ethical behavior in all matters
related to our profession.
1. The safety, health and well-being of the community is our highest priority. All our
practices are ethical and sustainable, which helps protect the privacy of
individuals. We also strive to protect the environment as much as possible, as
engineers have an effective role in protecting the environment, and we
immediately detect if we find any factors that may pose a threat to society or the
environment.
2. To increase awareness among people and the public of the abilities and societal
effects of both established and emerging technology, especially intelligent
systems.
3. Avoid conflicts, as much as possible, between real or perceived interests, and
disclose them to all affected parties, if any.
4. Avoid any immoral or legitimate act in the profession, such as avoiding all forms
of bribery, or preferring personal interest over the interest of society or the
employer.
5. To Listen to honest constructive criticism, accepting it and taking it into account.
In cases of errors, they must be acknowledged and not hidden, and they must be
corrected. Realism and honesty when making any claim based on the existing
data, and all those who participated in the work must be credited .
6. To develop and improve the scientific competence, and only those qualified
through scientific experience or experience are the ones who perform
technological tasks, or after a complete disclosure of relevant restrictions.
ii. You must not harm others, and not participate in any act that is harassing or
discriminatory, and all people must be treated fairly.
 7. To treat them all with fairness, respect, and honesty, and not to discriminate
against anyone based on their race, religion, gender, abilities, age, nationality,
sexual preference, gender identification, or gender expression.
8. To refrain from any form of harassment, This includes sexual harassment, verbal
and bullying of others.
9. To refrain from hurting others, or their job reputation, or their properties, by
spreading false or harmful information, rumors, or any physical or verbal abuse.
iii. To guarantee that coworkers and colleagues abide by this code.
10. To encourage coworkers and colleagues to abide by this code of conduct, to work
to guarantee that it is respected, and to refrain from retaliating against people
who report violations.
• If only the following conditions are met, the Code of Ethics of IEEE will be changed:
1. Proposed changes shall be published in the Institute at least three months prior
to the final decision of the Board of Directors, with the request of commentary.
2. All proposed changes must be discussed among all principal IE members, before
the outcome is issued by the Board of Directors.
3. In order for the proposed change to be accepted and approved, a vote must be
taken and approval must be obtained by a two-thirds majority of the members of
the Board of Directors and those participating in the vote, but provided that a
quorum is present.
References

Engineering Ethics (2012) Charles B. Fleddermann, 4th edition, Prentice Hall

https://www.ieee.org/about/corporate/governance/p7-8.html

https://www.tenk.fi/en