Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Foreword
- INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL CONCEPTS
- 1 ETHICS AS DESIGN: DOING JUSTICE TO ETHICAL PROBLEMS
- 2 THE BASIS AND SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
- 3 CENTRAL PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENGINEERS
- 4 TWO MODELS OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR: ROGER BOISJOLY AND THE CHALLENGER, WILLIAM LEMESSURIER'S FIFTY-NINE STORY CRISIS
- 5 WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 6 RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH INTEGRITY
- 7 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVESTIGATORS FOR EXPERIMENTAL SUBJECTS
- 8 RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
- 9 FAIR CREDIT IN RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
- 10 CREDIT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
- EPILOG: MAKING A LIFE IN ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
- Bibliography and References
- Index
INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL CONCEPTS
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Foreword
- INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL CONCEPTS
- 1 ETHICS AS DESIGN: DOING JUSTICE TO ETHICAL PROBLEMS
- 2 THE BASIS AND SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
- 3 CENTRAL PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENGINEERS
- 4 TWO MODELS OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR: ROGER BOISJOLY AND THE CHALLENGER, WILLIAM LEMESSURIER'S FIFTY-NINE STORY CRISIS
- 5 WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 6 RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH INTEGRITY
- 7 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INVESTIGATORS FOR EXPERIMENTAL SUBJECTS
- 8 RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
- 9 FAIR CREDIT IN RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
- 10 CREDIT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN ENGINEERING PRACTICE
- EPILOG: MAKING A LIFE IN ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
- Bibliography and References
- Index
Summary
A clear understanding of the terms, concepts, and distinctions that people use to describe ethical problems and concerns helps in identifying what is ethically significant (or “morally relevant”) in a situation. Understanding the ethical significance of the problems we face is the first step in responding well to them. Clear concepts and distinctions are also needed in the reflective examination of the ethical soundness of practices and customs. Standing up to such examination is what distinguishes ethical convictions from mere habits of thought.
The tendency to avoid ethical language is so widespread that even common terms for describing ethical situations seem strangely unfamiliar. Although avoiding ethical language may, in some circumstances, serve to reduce the defensiveness of those whose actions or policies are being questioned, it inhibits the understanding of ethical problems that commonly occur. The precise use of concept is essential for careful reasoning and clear communication in any field, and a consistent use of terms is required for parties to be able to recognize when they are agreeing, disagreeing, or addressing different subjects.
This introduction is intended both to clarify ethical terms and distinctions and to provide a general framework for considering ethical questions. If discussion of ethical terms is new to you, you may want to read through the main text, skipping the fine points that are set off to the side in smaller type.
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- Information
- Ethics in Engineering Practice and Research , pp. 1 - 52Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1998