Engineering ethics and university

Abstract

In this modern era, engineers have to interact with persons, particularly professionals, to survive and to succeed in their professions as engineers. The interactions are becoming more complex due the tremendous advances in technology which is becoming an integrated component of their lives. The complexity is further compounded by the demands of societies in which engineers live as well as the societies› values, needs and expectations. Needless to say that engineers who are pursuing their studies in the universities or are working in industries have different social backgrounds, values, customs etc...., . Also, any professional action, activity or decision could affect and may have consequences and implications on the environment and the society. Besides, it has been observed unhealthy behaviors and practices in the academic institutions of higher education, research institutions and in the professional companies or industries. Thus, these interactions have to be governed by a globalized code of ethics that is practiced by engineers all over the world. The ethical responsibility should be addressed by different entities: universities, industries, engineering associations, governments etc.... In this work, the ethical issue is presented from the university›s perspective. It can be achieved by introducing: i) a course (courses), ii) small modules in most courses and iii) in practical training. However, a platform for communication purposes should be in place and the engineers should acquire the ability of critical thinking, identify the ethical issue in a problem and provide the appropriate analysis to make sound decisions.