A University Perspective on Ethics Training for Engineers and Health Physicists

Transcription

1 A University Perspective on Ethics Training for Engineers and Health Physicists John W. Poston, Sr. Professor, Department of Nuclear Engineering Associate Director, Nuclear Power Institute Texas A&M University

2 Objectives Describe history and development of the course Describe current course objectives Discuss approach to our teaching Discuss what a code is and is not Perhaps generate dialog on the need for a stronger codes of ethics in the Society and the American Board 2

3 History Originally introduced as a required course more than 20 years ago Motivated by discussions in the engineering community of the need for such instruction Fueled by incidents casting a negative light on the engineering profession Joint effort between the philosophy and engineering professors at Texas A&M 3

4 History Textbook prepared jointly for the course (now in 5 th edition) Course taught jointly by team of philosophy professors and engineering professors Uses both lecture and recitation approaches to the class Lecture sessions are arranged so that there are several short periods (5 minutes) for small group discussions 4

5 Textbook Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases* Charles E. Harris Michael S. Pritchard Michael J. Rabins Ray W. James Elaine Englehardt *Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning Boston

6 Course Description Development of techniques of moral analysis and their application to ethical problems encountered by engineers, such as professional employee rights and whistle blowing; environmental issues; ethical aspects of safety, risk and liability and conflicts of interest; emphasis on developing the capacity for independent ethical analysis of real and hypothetical cases. 6

7 Logic The students are not being asked to study ethics but their profession s ethics Entering into a profession as an ethical person does not mean that one is well prepared for the ethical challenges that lie ahead. Professional life presents distinctive problems of its own. The goal is to introduce the students to ethical problems in an engineering context and provide suggestions on how to address them 7

8 Learning Outcomes Know some common methods for identifying, analyzing and resolving ethical problems Develop the capacity to think analytically, critically, and creatively about ethical issues in engineering Know some of the classic cases in engineering ethics and some of the typical ethical and professional issues which arise in engineering 8

9 Learning Outcomes Know the NSPE code, the code of one s own professional society, and the major professional societies and organizations in engineering Develop a basic understanding of ethical theories and how they inform engineering codes of ethics and common engineering practices Improve oral and written skills 9

10 Writing Assignments Three short papers Opportunity to develop their own thoughts on a topic Each words Opportunity to resubmit after review Essay Opportunity to develop a more extensive argument over material covered in the course At least 2,000 words 10

11 Course Outline Utilitarianism & TEPA Duty Ethics & NSPE Code Virtue Ethics & ABET Code Engineers in Organizations I Engineering Professionalism Engineers in Organizations II Risk Ethics & Artifacts Technology & Society International Ethics Computing & Intellectual Property Environmental & Sustainability Bovay Memorial Lecture 11

12 A Code of Ethics Defines ideal behavior for the purpose of enhancing the pubic image Establishes rules of conduct for policing its own members Encourages value-laden decisions for the public good

13 Limitation of the Codes Are not a recipe for making decisions Cannot be used as a substitute for good judgment Do not cover every possible situation Are not a legal document

14 Why Support a Code of Ethics? Implicit contract with society Articulates a professional s responsibilities Framework for proper behavior Increase responsibility of the profession Gives weight to ethical decisions May be a condition of membership

15 Codes of Ethics HPS has a Code of Ethics AAHP has a Standards of Professional Responsibility Both documents are brief compared to codes from other professions HPS Code somewhat confusing uses guidelines and shall statements 15

16 Code of Ethics for the Members of the Health Physics Society These principles are intended to aid members of the Health Physics Society, individually and collectively, in maintaining a professional level of ethical conduct. They are intended as guidelines by which members may determine the propriety of their conduct in relationships with employers, coworkers, clients, governmental agencies, members of other professions, and the public. 16

17 Code of Ethics of the Health Physics Society Members of the Society shall give support to the objectives of the Health Physics Society. Members shall strive to improve their professional knowledge and skill. Each member shall be a judge of his/her competence and will not undertake any assignment beyond his/her abilities. All relations with employers, coworkers, clients, governmental agencies, and the general public shall be based upon and shall reflect the highest standard of integrity and fairness. Members shall never compromise public welfare and safety in favor of an employer's interest. 17

18 Code of Ethics: Health Physics Society No employment or consultation shall be undertaken which is contrary to law or the public welfare. Members will gladly accept every opportunity to increase public understanding of radiation protection and the objectives of the Society. Professional statements made by members shall have sound scientific basis. Sensational and unwarranted statements of others concerning radiation and radiation protection shall be corrected, when practical. Members shall protect the sources of confidential communications, provided that such protection is not itself unethical or illegal. 18

19 Questions Is it time to independently review the HPS code of ethics? Is it time to independently review the AAHP Standards of Professional Responsibility Should the HPS and the AAHP join together to prepare a unified code of ethics? 19