ENGINEERS:
PROFESSIONAL FOR
THE HUMAN GOOD
OVERVIEW OF ENGINEERING
AS A PROFESSION AND ITS
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Presented by Muzakki Gusron Efendi
(2210942013)
PROFESSION AS PART OF
• IDENTITY
Profession Shape Personal Identity
Three stages of professional identity development:
1.Independent Operator. At this stage, professionalism
means following clear rules set by others. You do your job by
following established guidelines and expectations without
questioning them much
2.Team-Oriented Idealist. At this stage, professionalism is
about meeting the expectations of other professionals rather
than just following fixed rules.
3.Self-Defining Professional. This is the highest stage,
Instead of just following rules or trying to meet others'
expectations, you develop your own sense of professionalism.
WHAT IS A PROFESSION?
A profession is a type of occupation that requires specialized knowledge,
training, and ethical responsibility to provide valuable services to society.
Professionals are expected to follow high standards of expertise and
conduct.
Characteristics of Profession:
• Requires extensive training and education
• Has Important Knowledge and Skills for Society
• Control Over Who Can Join the Profession
• Has Autonomy (Independence) in Work
• Follows a Code of Ethics
ENGINEERING AS PROFESSION
A profession is a type of occupation that requires specialized knowledge,
training, and ethical responsibility to provide valuable services to society.
Professionals are expected to follow high standards of expertise and
conduct.
• Requires specialized training.
• Plays a crucial role in public well-being.
• Has professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Should Engineers Be Required to Register to
Practice
• Against Registration: It’s costly, can make
teamwork harder, and might not be necessary.
• For Registration: It ensures high standards,
protects the public, and helps engineers resist
ENGINEERING’S OBLIGATION TO THE
PUBLIC GOOD
1.Engineers Must Prioritize Public Welfare
• Engineers are responsible for creating safe, efficient, and sustainable
solutions that benefit society.
2. Shift in Ethical Priorities in the 1970s
• Before the 1970s, engineering codes of ethics focused on loyalty to
employers and clients.
• In the 1970s, a major shift occurred: Public welfare became the top
priority in professional engineering ethics.
3. Engineers’ Responsibility Beyond Employers and Clients
• Unlike lawyers (who primarily serve clients) or doctors (who focus on
patients), engineers must consider the wider impact of their work on
society.
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF
•Prohibited Actions 🚫
ENGINEERS
No dishonesty, bribery, or conflicts of interest.
Example: Never approve unsafe designs under pressure.
• Preventing Harm ⚠️
Identify and disclose risks.
Example: Report structural weaknesses before they become hazards.
• Aspirational Ethics 🌍
Go beyond the basics to improve society.
Example: Engineers Without Borders providing clean water solutions.
👉 Ethics isn’t just avoiding harm—it’s about making a positive
impact!
CASE STUDY – DRIVERLESS CARS
• Benefits: Safety – Reduces human errors in driving. Efficiency –
Improves traffic flow and fuel consumption. Accessibility – Helps elderly
and disabled individuals travel independently.
• ⚠️Risks: Liability – Who is responsible for
accidents? The car manufacturer, software
developer, or passenger? Hacking –
Autonomous vehicles could be targeted for
cyberattacks. Job Loss – Taxi, truck, and
delivery drivers may lose employment.
Engineers must balance innovation with ethical responsibility,
ensuring driverless technology is safe, fair, and beneficial for
society. 🚗💡
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• ✅ Engineering = Profession + Ethics
• ✅ Public Well-Being Comes First
• ✅ Technology Has Both Benefits &
Risks
• ✅ Ethical Decision-Making is Crucial
Engineering isn’t just about technical skills
—it’s about making responsible choices that
protect society and the environment. 🌍⚙️
REFERENCE
CHARLES E. HARRIS, MICHAEL S. PRITCHARD RAY W. JAMES,
P.E. ELAINE E. ENGLEHARDT MICHAEL J. RABINS. (2017).
ENGINEERING ETHICS Concepts and Cases Sixth Edition
THANK YOU
