This module discusses the unique role engineers play in technology assessment; or the “process of discovering the potential benefits and risks... Show moreThis module discusses the unique role engineers play in technology assessment; or the “process of discovering the potential benefits and risks of new technologies, weighing the social gains against the social costs, and then taking steps to influence the rate and direction of technological change.” This module deals with the ethical decisions of James Watt and his assessment of the steam engine, and Thomas Edison and his assessment of electricity. The module then looks at the more modern example of nuclear power, and shows the problems that arise when engineers fail to properly access the moral and ethical issues raised by the technologies they develop. Includes discussion questions and an annotated bibliography of related materials. Sponsorship: Exxon Education Foundation The Module Series in Applied Ethics was produced by the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions in under a grant from the Exxon Education Foundation. This series is intended for use in a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in such areas as science and/or technology public policy, and professional ethics courses in engineering, business, and computer science. Show less
Though people tend to wonder what there is to talk about when discussing business ethics, many conversations with business faculty at IIT have... Show moreThough people tend to wonder what there is to talk about when discussing business ethics, many conversations with business faculty at IIT have lead the author to believe that ethics is large part of business practice. The author explores why business people can be timid when talking about ethics and discusses three major questions surrounding this topic. One, is it possible to teach ethics to people who are no longer children, two, how do you spot ethical problems, and 3, how can you approach ethical problems. Talk delivered to Frontenac Company Seminar, Carefree Colorado, April 26, 1988. Show less
This module discusses the history of whistleblowing and some of the ethical ethical dilemmas faced by whistleblowers, including the... Show moreThis module discusses the history of whistleblowing and some of the ethical ethical dilemmas faced by whistleblowers, including the conflicting values of loyalty to one’s employer and protecting the public good, clashes between professional judgment and organizational authority, and the legal aspects of whistleblowing. It also includes a summary of the Browns Ferry Case (Weil, 1977) and discussion questions. Includes annotated bibliography of related materials. Sponsorship: Exxon Education Foundation The Module Series in Applied Ethics was produced by the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions in under a grant from the Exxon Education Foundation. This series is intended for use in a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in such areas as science and/or technology public policy, and professional ethics courses in engineering, business, and computer science. Show less
In this collected volume, we are interested in the roles of ethics codes and ethical guidelines in professions in which research and... Show moreIn this collected volume, we are interested in the roles of ethics codes and ethical guidelines in professions in which research and innovation play an important role and where emerging technologies bring about considerable, sometimes fast-paced change. Show less
This article discusses the role of informed consent, a well-known concept and standard established in the field of medicine, in ethics codes... Show moreThis article discusses the role of informed consent, a well-known concept and standard established in the field of medicine, in ethics codes relating to digital data management. It analyzes the significance allotted to informed consent and informed consent-related principles in ethics codes, policies, and guidelines by presenting the results of a study focused on 31 ethics codes, policies, and guidelines held as part of the Ethics Codes Collection. The analysis reveals that up to now, there is a limited number of codes of ethics, policies, and guidelines on digital data management. Informed consent often is a central component in these codes and guidelines. While there undoubtedly are significant similarities between informed consent in medicine and digital data management, in ethics codes and guidelines, informed consent-related standards in some fields such as marketing are weaker and less strict. The article concludes that informed consent is an essential standard in digital data management that can help effectively shape future practices in the field. However, a more detailed reflection on the specific content and role of informed consent and informed consent-related standards in the various areas of digital data management is needed to avoid the weakening and dilution of standards in contexts where there are no clear legal regulations. Show less