CSR, Sustainable development eth
PHILOSOPHYCAL FOUNDATION OF ENGINEERING ETHICS
GROUP MEMBERS
SOH DJONOU ARTHUR
JEUTEBA WATSON TEYLOR
BOUNGOU NICK
SUPERVISED BY: FATHER TEKE MICHEAL
2024-2025
Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: ORIGINS OF ENGINEERING ETHICS............................................................2
Definition................................................................................................................................2
Evolution During Eras.............................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES ON ENGINEERING ETHICS........................4
A. PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES.....................................................................................4
1. Utilitarianism...................................................................................................................4
2. Immanuel Kant’s Philosophy and Deontology................................................................4
3. Aristotelian Philosophy and Virtue Ethics.......................................................................4
4. Social Contract Theory....................................................................................................5
5. Professional Codes of Ethics...........................................................................................5
6. Ethical Relativism vs. Ethical Objectivism.....................................................................5
7. Care Ethics.......................................................................................................................5
8. Sustainability and Environmental Ethics.........................................................................6
B. IMPACT OF PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF ENGINEERING ETHICS........6
1. Focus on Public Welfare, Safety, and Social Responsibility...........................................6
2. Encouraging Ethical Decision-Making and Integrity......................................................6
3. Environmental and Long-Term Considerations...............................................................6
4. Global and Cultural Sensitivity.......................................................................................7
C. INTEGRATION INTO ENGINEERING EDUCATION...............................................7
1. Integration of Ethics into Curriculum..............................................................................7
2. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks............................................................................7
3. Social Responsibility and Public Welfare........................................................................7
4. Development of Virtue and Character.............................................................................8
5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact........................................................................8
6. Global and Cultural Sensitivity.......................................................................................8
CHAPTER 3: Case Study;..........................................................................................................9
I. Concrete case analysis: The Diesel gate scandal (Volkswagen, 2015)................................9
Case Summary.....................................................................................................................9
Link to the theme: Philosophical Foundation of Engineering Ethics....................................10
What is engineering ethics here?.......................................................................................10
Engineering Ethics Principles Violated:............................................................................10
Philosophical basis............................................................................................................10
II. Role of ethics in innovation..............................................................................................10
CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................13
BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................................................14
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INTRODUCTION
We will explore he philosophical foundations of engineering ethics, emphasizing how diverse
ethical theories shape the responsibilities of engineers. We explore key concepts such as
utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and social contract theory, illustrating their relevance
to contemporary engineering practices. Through a case study of the Volkswagen Diesel gate
scandal, we illustrate the consequences of ethical violations and the importance of adhering to
ethical principles in engineering.
By examining these philosophical frameworks, we aim to highlight the moral imperatives
that guide engineers in decision-making processes, particularly in relation to corporate social
responsibility and sustainable development
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CHAPTER 1: ORIGINS OF ENGINEERING ETHICS
Engineering ethics emerged as a response to the growing complexity and societal impact of
engineering practices. It is rooted in the need to ensure that engineers act responsibly,
prioritize public safety, and uphold professional integrity.
Definition
Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics that governs the moral principles and
standards of behavior for engineers. It addresses the obligations engineers have to society,
their clients, and their profession. It is closely related to the philosophy of science,
technology, and engineering
Key aspects include:
- Macro-Ethical Situations: Collective responsibility of engineers in societal decisions about
technology (e.g., sustainability, social justice).
- Micro-Ethical Situations: Individual responsibilities within the profession, such as
intellectual property and workplace safety
Evolution During Eras
The evolution of engineering ethics can be traced through historical milestones:
1. Pre-Industrial Era:
- Engineering was primarily a craft, with ethical considerations tied to individual artisanship
and local community standards.
2. Industrial Revolution:
- The focus shifted to efficiency and productivity, often at the expense of safety and ethical
considerations
- Early safety concerns led to rudimentary regulations, such as the Factory Acts in the UK
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3. 19th Century:
- Engineering emerged as a distinct profession, with the establishment of societies like
ASCE (1851) and ASME (1880). Ethics was viewed as a personal concern rather than a
professional standard
4. Early 20th Century:
- Structural failures (e.g., Tay Bridge Disaster, Quebec Bridge Collapse) highlighted the
need for formal ethical standards
- Professional licensing and codes of ethics were introduced, such as AIEE's code in 1912
5. Mid-20th Century:
- Post-WWII, ethical considerations expanded to include societal impacts, environmental
stewardship, and global responsibility
6. Modern Era:
- Emphasis on sustainability, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Ethical frameworks now address emerging challenges like AI, biotechnology, and climate
change
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CHAPTER 2: PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES ON
ENGINEERING ETHICS
A. PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES
1. Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that suggests that actions should be
evaluated based on their outcomes. In engineering ethics, this might involve assessing the
benefits and harms of a particular project, design, or decision. The goal is to maximize overall
happiness and minimize suffering. For example, when engineers design a new product, they
consider its potential to improve lives while minimizing environmental harm, risks, or social
inequality.
2. Immanuel Kant’s Philosophy and Deontology
Immanuel Kant, born in 1724, is renowned for his deontological ethics, which asserts that
moral actions must adhere to universal principles; his ideas shape the ethical frameworks that
guide engineers in ensuring public safety and welfare. Deontological ethics, emphasizes duty
and adherence to rules. According to this approach, actions are morally right or wrong based
on their adherence to certain duties or principles, regardless of the consequences. In
engineering, this might manifest as following professional codes of conduct, ensuring safety,
and adhering to standards and regulations, even if the outcome might not always seem
optimal.
3. Aristotelian Philosophy and Virtue Ethics
Aristotle, born in 384 BCE, is a foundational figure in Western philosophy whose virtue ethics
emphasizes the cultivation of moral character and the pursuit of eudaimonia, guiding
engineers to act with integrity and social responsibility. Virtue ethics, focuses on the character
traits and virtues that a moral agent should develop, such as honesty, integrity, responsibility,
and fairness. In engineering ethics, the focus would be on cultivating good character traits in
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engineers, encouraging them to act with wisdom, responsibility, and accountability. Engineers
are encouraged to develop virtues that guide them in making ethically sound decisions.
4. Social Contract Theory
Social contract theory, articulated by philosophers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, argues that individuals or groups enter into an implicit contract with
society, agreeing to certain ethical and legal obligations. In engineering, this might mean that
engineers have a duty to society to create designs and systems that protect public health,
safety, and welfare. The social contract approach emphasizes the responsibility engineers have
toward the broader community.
5. Professional Codes of Ethics
Many engineering organizations, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and others, have developed codes
of ethics that provide specific guidelines for ethical behavior within the profession. These
codes often reflect a combination of the above philosophical theories, offering clear principles
for engineers to follow, such as maintaining public safety, being truthful and transparent, and
ensuring fairness.
6. Ethical Relativism vs. Ethical Objectivism
Ethical relativism suggests that moral standards vary across cultures and individuals, meaning
that what is considered "right" in one context may not be in another. Ethical objectivism, on
the other hand, posits that certain ethical principles are universally applicable, regardless of
cultural or personal beliefs. In engineering, debates about ethical relativism vs. objectivism
may arise when working in international contexts or dealing with cultural differences in
technological development.
7. Care Ethics
Care ethics emphasizes relationships, empathy, and the moral significance of caring for
others. In the context of engineering ethics, this might involve prioritizing the well-being of
users, communities, and the environment in the design process. Engineers are seen as
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stewards who have a responsibility not just to technical success but also to human well-being
and environmental sustainability.
8. Sustainability and Environmental Ethics
With the increasing focus on sustainability, engineers are now expected to make decisions that
not only fulfill immediate needs but also consider the long-term impact on the environment.
Philosophically, this ties into the concept of environmental ethics, which emphasizes the
moral responsibility to protect the natural world. Engineers, in this framework, must design
solutions that are ecologically sound, minimize waste, and promote sustainable development.
B. IMPACT OF PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION OF
ENGINEERING ETHICS
The philosophical foundations of engineering ethics have profound impacts on both the
practice of engineering and society as a whole. These ethical theories shape the decisions
engineers make, influence the design of systems and technologies, and determine the broader
social and environmental consequences of engineering activities. Here's a breakdown of the
impacts of these philosophical foundations:
1. Focus on Public Welfare, Safety, and Social Responsibility
Utilitarianism, Social Contract Theory, and Professional Codes of Ethics emphasize
the engineer’s duty to prioritize public safety, welfare, and societal benefits. Engineers
are encouraged to design with the public good in mind, ensuring that their work serves
the broader community and complies with professional ethical standards.
2. Encouraging Ethical Decision-Making and Integrity
These theories promote adherence to ethical guidelines, integrity, and the cultivation
of virtues like honesty, responsibility, and fairness in decision-making, helping
engineers maintain high ethical standards regardless of the situation.
3. Environmental and Long-Term Considerations
These theories bring engineers to consider the broader, long-term impact of their work
on the planet, promoting sustainable practices and responsible resource management.
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4. Global and Cultural Sensitivity
Ethical relativism teaches cultural awareness, while care ethics emphasizes empathy
and understanding, ensuring engineers respect diverse perspectives and the human
impact of their work.
C. INTEGRATION INTO ENGINEERING EDUCATION
The philosophical foundations of engineering ethics have significantly influenced
current engineering education by shaping curricula, teaching practices, and the
development of ethical reasoning skills. As engineering has become more integrated
into society, the need for ethical considerations has become a central part of an
engineer’s education. The influence of these ethical theories ensures that engineers not
only gain technical expertise but also the moral awareness necessary for responsible
practice.
1. Integration of Ethics into Curriculum
Engineering education now includes ethics as a core part of the curriculum, with
dedicated courses and modules that focus on moral reasoning, ethical frameworks
(utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics), and professional responsibility. This ensures
that students not only gain technical knowledge but also develop the ability to navigate
ethical challenges in their work.
2. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks
Engineering students are taught to apply various ethical decision-making frameworks,
such as utilitarianism (maximizing public benefit) and deontology (following rules and
duties), to real-world problems. This approach fosters critical thinking and helps
students weigh the moral implications of their decisions, emphasizing the importance
of making ethical choices in complex engineering contexts.
3. Social Responsibility and Public Welfare
The philosophical foundations of social contract theory and professional codes of
ethics guide students to consider how their work impacts society and to act in ways
that prioritize the greater good and adhere to ethical standards.
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4. Development of Virtue and Character
Virtue ethics plays a role in shaping students' character, encouraging the cultivation of
virtues such as honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Environmental ethics and sustainability principles have become an integral part of
engineering programs. Students are encouraged to design solutions that balance
technical feasibility with environmental responsibility, considering long-term impacts
on the planet and future generations.
6. Global and Cultural Sensitivity
Ethical relativism and care ethics highlight the importance of understanding diverse
cultural perspectives and the human impact of engineering work. Students are taught
to be sensitive to cultural differences, fostering empathy and ensuring that engineering
solutions are inclusive and considerate of the needs of various communities around the
world.
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CHAPTER 3: Case Study;
Diesel gate and the Philosophical Foundations of
Engineering Ethics
I. Concrete case analysis: The Diesel gate scandal (Volkswagen, 2015)
Case Summary
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that automaker
Volkswagen had installed a defeat device in its diesel engines. This software detected
emissions tests and temporarily altered engine performance to reduce NOx (nitrogen oxide)
emissions in order to meet environmental standards. In real-world conditions, the cars emitted
up to 40 times more NOx than permitted.
More than 11 million vehicles worldwide were affected.
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Link to the theme: Philosophical Foundation of Engineering Ethics
What is engineering ethics here?
The engineers in charge of software development at Volkswagen faced a fundamental ethical
conflict:
- Respect professional integrity and ethics (not rigging a system that will be used in real life)
OR - Follow the hierarchical orders / commercial objectives of the company to maximize
sales.
Their choice to design a system intended to deceive the authorities raises a central
philosophical question: "Is the engineer first and foremost a technician in the service of his
employer, or an actor responsible to society?"
Engineering Ethics Principles Violated:
1. Honesty: The data provided was false.
2. Public safety/environment: Harmful emissions were intentionally concealed.
3. Responsibility: The engineer has a moral responsibility to prevent actions that harm society.
4. Transparency: The software was designed in the shadows to avoid detection.
Philosophical basis
This case illustrates the main principles of deontological ethics (acting morally regardless of
the consequences):
- Kant would say: "Lying is always wrong, even if it makes more money or protects a
company."
And also, of utilitarianism (negative consequences for society as a whole vs. benefit for the
company).
II. Role of ethics in innovation
1. Prevent negative impacts
When a technology is innovative, its transformative potential is often immense.
However, this also means that it can have unexpected or negative consequences.
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Ethics in innovation helps anticipate these side effects, such as pollution, social
inequality, or risks to public health.
Example: Innovations in artificial intelligence or biotechnology can create enormous
profits, but also new types of discrimination (such as bias in algorithms) or invasions
of privacy. Ethics helps establish safeguards to limit these risks.
2. Ensure the social responsibility of engineers
Engineers are not only accountable to their employer. They have a moral and social
responsibility towards the public and the environment. Ethics in innovation allows
them to question technological choices that, although economically viable, could harm
the public interest.
Example: Before launching a new technology, an ethical engineer will ask themselves:
"Does this technology benefit everyone? Doesn't it create new injustices or
inequalities?"
3. Promote transparency and trust
Consumers, governments, and the public must be able to trust new technologies. To
achieve this, companies and engineers must ensure that innovations are developed
transparently and that all information about their impact is shared honestly.
Example: An innovative medical device must be subject to complete transparency of
testing and results to ensure that patients are not exposed to risks.
4. Respect human rights and ethical standards
Ethics in innovation also includes respect for human rights. Engineers must ensure that
the technologies developed do not violate fundamental rights, such as freedom,
equality, and non-discrimination.
Example: In the creation of autonomous vehicles, ethical questions arise about liability
in the event of an accident, how cars "decide" what actions to take, and biases that
could affect the behavior of vehicles towards certain people (e.g., discrimination based
on age, race, etc.).
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5. Ethics and Sustainability
The ethics of innovation are also directly linked to sustainability. Engineers have a key
role to play in the transition to a greener and fairer economy by developing
technologies that reduce the ecological footprint and are respectful of the environment
and future generations.
Example: Renewable energies, such as wind and solar power, are ethical innovations
because they can meet energy needs without depleting natural resources or polluting
the environment.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our exploration underscores the profound impact of philosophical theories on
engineering ethics, reinforcing the necessity for engineers to uphold ethical standards that
prioritize public welfare and environmental sustainability. By integrating these philosophical
foundations into engineering education and practice, we can foster a culture of integrity and
responsibility that not only enhances the profession but also serves the greater good of society.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aristotle. (2002). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross. In The Works of
Aristotle (Vol. 1). Oxford University Press.
Kant, I. (1996). Critique of Pure Reason. Translated by Paul Guyer and Allen W.
Wood. Cambridge University Press.
Ross, W. D. (2002). The Right and the Good. Oxford University Press.
Mill, J. S. (2001). Utilitarianism. Edited by George Sher. Hackett Publishing
Company.
James, W. (1965). Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking. Harvard
University Press.
Dewey, J. (1982). Experience and Nature. Open Court Publishing.
Miller, G. (2020). Western Philosophical Approaches and Engineering. In D. P.
Michelfelder & N. Doorn (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of
Engineering (pp. 38-48). Routledge.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) on ethics in innovation:
https://www.ieee.org/ethics.html
Harvard Business Review on ethical dilemmas in innovation:
https://hbr.org/2019/11/how-companies-can-make-ethical-decisions-about-ai- United
Nations – Ethical Implications of Technology: https://www.un.org/en/ethical-
implications-technology- European Commission on responsible innovation:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home
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