ENGR 399H Honors Colloquium

The Responsible Engineer

Fall Term 2009

Honors College Catalog Description

The idea of responsibility and the ethical responsibilities of the engineer. Introduction to axiology (the study of value), including the concept of value, types and nature of value, and normative theories of value (ethical systems). Engineering as value creation and the ethical ramifications of engineering practice and engineering products. Codes of engineering ethics. Recognizing and addressing ethical dilemmas in engineering. Psychological, social, and environmental impacts of engineering and technology. [Honors Colloquium, Pass/Non-pass, 2 credits]

Instructor

Dr. Ken Funk, Associate Professor of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering

• office: Rogers 212
• phone: 1-541-737-2357
• e-mail: funkk@engr.orst.edu
• office hours: TR 10:00 - 11:45 (or if the office door is open, or by appointment)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, you should be able to give informed, reflective, principled answers to the following questions:

1. What is value? What is the nature and what are the types of value?
2. What is a teleological theory of value? A deontological theory?
3. What is responsibility? To whom and to what is the engineer responsible?
4. What is an ethical dilemma? How does the responsible engineer face an ethical dilemma?
5. What is an engineering ethics code? How is a code of ethics helpful to the responsible engineer? What are its limitations?
6. Is technology good or evil? How does the responsible engineer go about judging the value of engineering and technology?

Your answers will be informed in that they are based on and explicitly reference the fundamental concepts of axiology and engineering ethics. They will be reflective in that they draw on your own experiences, beliefs, and values. They will be principled in that they are based on ethical principles that you can clearly articulate and justify.

Text

Martin, M.W. & R. Schinzinger. Ethics in Engineering, fourth edition. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2005.

Other Recommended Readings (on reserve in the library)

Frankena, W. Ethics, second edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1973.

Mead, H. 1946. "Ethics: What Shall We Do Meanwhile?" In Types and Problems of Philosophy, 241-262. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Mead, H. 1946. "Ethics: But What Is the Highest Good?" In Types and Problems of Philosophy, 263-288. New York: Henry Holt and Company.

Format

The course format is reading and discussion (see Schedule). Readings will come from the two texts and I will provide study questions the week before the reading is discussed. You should read the material and answer the questions before coming to class. Bring two copies of your answers to class, one for me to check, the other for you to refer to in discussion.

Ethical Dilemma Essay

You will write an essay in which you address a real or hypothetical ethical dilemma in your field of engineering. The dilemma you address must be approved by me. Your essay must
explicitly reference fundamental concepts of axiology and engineering ethics, draw on your own personal values, beliefs, and experiences, clearly articulate one or more personal ethical principles, and apply those principles in your approach to the resolution of the dilemma.

The essay should be five to 10 pages long, double-spaced. Cite at least three authoritative sources and provide a complete list of references, with full bibliographic information in Chicago (humanities) style (http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html). Your essay is due at the time of the final and during the final exam time you will give an informal oral summary of your essay and respond to questions.

Grading

This is a pass/non-pass (P/N) course. To pass this course, you must attend class meetings, turn in completed study questions, participate regularly and substantively in class discussions, and submit an essay meeting the above requirements by the deadline in the Schedule. One unexcused absence is permissible. One missed study question assignment is permissible. Any additional absences or omissions will be excused only if due to factors beyond your control and you take timely action to inform me.

Schedule and Readings (subject to change)