Engineering Ethics Concept and Cases

Questios: 1. Explain the historical impact of engineering on society, and learning outcome 2. Explain engineering professionalism and ethics in the Australian contexts. Answers: 1. The main contribution of engineering to the society has primarily been in terms of a host of modern inventions without which the modern life as is defined and witnessed today would not be possible. Electrical engineering for instance has harnessed the immense power of electricity so as to run various gadgets that have simplified human life. Electronics engineering on the other hand has led to the communication and IT revolution and is the prime force behind the integrated world connected through a host of technological tools. Civil engineering also has played immense utility for the society through the enabling of various bridges and modern buildings which have enhanced the human settlements and have enhanced their reach to far flung corners where previously natural barriers exist (Harry et. al., 2013). However, it would be nave to conclude that impact of engineering has only been in terms of convenience and lifestyle only. It extends to cognitive and social changes as well since engineering has also led to social change. A prime example of the same is being witnessed in the present as the communication and IT revolution has led to the proliferation of social networking platforms. However, with the advent of these platforms into the lives of individuals, there have been alternations in the social relationships of users and may have other long term effects that are being researched. Also, it is imperative to recognise that changes brought in society through engineering in the past have had both positive as well as negative implications but despite that it has become a vital component of the development of human civilisation (Mazumder, 2016). 2. It is apparent that engineering discipline and the proponents of the same have a key role in the society. As a result, it is imperative to have clear guidelines with regards to their conduct so that they do not act adverse to the interests of the society (Harry et. al., 2013). Australia pays a great deal on attention on ensuring ethical behaviour on the part of the engineers. In this regard, various professional associations have come into existence which via their code of ethics and conduct tend to specify the appropriate professional and ethical behaviour expected from an engineer. Two of the prominent organisations in this regard are Engineers Australia and APEA (Association of Professional Engineers) which collectively tend to represent more than 100,000 engineers working across organizations based across Australia (APES, nd). Engineers Australia is focused on sustainable development and provides ethical and professional conduct guidance through the code of ethics. These are b ased on ensuring integrity in carrying out works and decision making besides ensuring that work should be carried out with competence only. Additionally, every engineer owes a duty to act in a honest manner which tends to safeguard the interest of the discipline and also the fellow members. Besides, sustainability is also given key consideration so that engineers also tend to contribute to this aspect (Norman, 2015). Thus, it is apparent that through the presence of professional organisations, ethical conduct and professionalism in the field is ensured. References APES (n.d.) Ethical commitment, APES Website, [Online] Available at https://www.professionalengineers.org.au/rpeng/ethical-commitment/ [Accessed April 07, 2016] Harris, E.C., Pritchard, S.M., Rabins, J.M., James, R. and Englehardt, E. (2013)Engineering Ethics: Concept and Cases.5thedn. London: Cengage Learning. Mazumder, H. Q. (2016)Introduction to Engineering: An Assessment and Problem Solving Approach.2stedn. Florida: CRC Press. Norman, F. (2015) The Ethical Engineer, Engineers Australia Website, [Online] Available at https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/news/ethical-engineer [Accessed April 07, 2016]