Engineering Ethics
gayecankaya@yahoo.com
nagoker@gsu.edu.tr
Content
Objective
The objective of this course is to introduce the students to theories of ethics and to discuss the fundamental concepts and problems of the engineering ethics.
Course Content
Engineering ethics, professional ethics, moral reasoning, responsibility in engineering, how to frame moral problems, solving moral dilemmas, the social and moral dimension of technology, safety and reliability, risk taking in engineering, engineers and the environment, global problems.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students in this course will learn how to make moral decisions by taking into account professional codes of engineering ethics and by applying normative ethical theories. They will discover what kind of attitude they should have in facing ethical dilemmas, how to solve them and what types of conduct can be considered as morally wrong. They will reflect on the moral dimensions of the task of building a good life based on technology.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Reading and discussing theoretical texts and case studies.
References
Christelle Didier, Penser l’éthique des ingénieur - Presses universitaires de France - 2008
A. MacIntyre, A Short History of Ethics
A. Caillé, C. Lazzeri, M. Senellart,Histoire raisonnée de la philosophie morale et politique
Michael Davis, "Thinking like an engineer: The place of a Code of Ethics in the Practice of a Profession"
Michael Davis," Is there a profession of engineering?"
James Rachels, The Elements of Moral Philosophy
Aristoteles, Ethique à Nicomaque
Weekly Contents
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Engineering and mora complexity |
| 2 | Utilitarianism |
| 3 | Respect for Human Beings |
| 4 | Rights Theory |
| 5 | Virtue ethics |
| 6 | Professions and codes of ethics |
| 7 | Engineering as social experimentation |
| 8 | Moral autonomy and accountability |
| 9 | Committment to safety |
| 10 | Work place Responsibilities and rights |
| 11 | Whistleblowing and Loyalty |
| 12 | Global Issues |
| 13 | Environmental ethics |
| 14 | Review |
Assessment System
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade | 1 | 40 |
| Contribution of final exam to overall grade | 1 | 60 |
| Total | 2 | 100 |
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 0 | 0 |
| Presentation | 0 | 0 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 40 |
| Project | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 40 |
Relation of Proficiency
| No | Program Learning Outcomes | Contribution | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 1 | Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of basic sciences (math, physics, ...) and the main concepts of engineering | |||||
| 2 | Ability to combine the knowledge and skills to solve engineering problems and provide reliable solutions | |||||
| 3 | Ability to select and apply methods of analysis and modeling to ask, reformulate and solve the complex problems of industrial engineering | |||||
| 4 | Ability to conceptualize complex systems, processes or products under practical constraints to improve their performance, ability to use innovative methods of design | |||||
| 5 | Ability to design, select and apply methods and tools needed to solve problems related to the practice of industrial engineering, ability to use computer technology | |||||
| 6 | Ability to design experiments, collect and interpret data and analyze results | |||||
| 7 | Ability to work independently, ability to participate in working groups and have a multidisciplinary team spirit | X | ||||
| 8 | Ability to communicate effectively, ability to speak at least two foreign languages | X | ||||
| 9 | Awareness of the need for continuous improvement of lifelong learning, ability to keep abreast of scientific and technological developments to use the tools of information management | X | ||||
| 10 | Awareness of professional and ethical responsibility | X | ||||
| 11 | Knowledge of the concepts of professional life as "project management", "risk management" and "management of change" | |||||
| 12 | Knowledge on entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability | |||||
| 13 | Understanding of the effects of Industrial Engineering applications on global and social health, environment and safety. | X | ||||
| 14 | Knowledge of the problems of contemporary society | X | ||||
| 15 | Knowledge of the legal implications of the practice of industrial engineering | |||||
ECTS
| Activities | Number | Period | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Hours | 15 | 2 | 30 |
| Working Hours out of Class | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Final Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Total Workload | 52 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 | 2.08 | ||
| Credits ECTS | 2 | ||