Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 20
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.3
Theme: ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Subtheme: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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This lesson introduces the fundamental principles of ethics and professional conduct in the field of engineering. As future engineers, technicians, and problem-solvers in Ghana, your decisions will have a direct impact on people's lives, the environment, and the development of our nation. From the construction of the interchanges in Accra and Kumasi to the rural electrification projects and the safety of our buildings, engineering ethics is the foundation of public trust and safety. This lesson will equip you with the tools to analyse professional situations and make decisions that are not just technically sound, but also morally and ethically right.
A. What is Ethics? General Ethics: Refers to the moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity. It's about what is right and wrong. Professional Ethics: This is a specific branch of ethics that deals with the moral issues that arise in a professional setting. For engineers, it's about the standards of conduct and moral judgment they are expected to uphold while practising their profession. The goal is to ensure their work benefits society and does not cause harm. B. What is a Professional Code of Ethics? A Professional Code of Ethics is a formal, written document that outlines the primary principles and obligations of a profession. It serves as a guide for professionals to make sound decisions and conduct themselves appropriately.
Purpose of the Code: To Guide Conduct: It provides a framework for making difficult decisions. To Protect the Public: It ensures that engineers prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public above all else. To Uphold the Profession's Reputation: It maintains the public's trust and respect for engineers and the engineering profession as a whole. To Provide a Standard for Accountability: It sets the benchmark against which an engineer's conduct can be measured and, if necessary, judged. C. The Fundamental Canons (Principles) of Engineering Ethics
While different engineering bodies (like the Ghana Institution of Engineering - GhIE) have detailed codes, they are all built upon a few core principles. We will focus on these six fundamental canons: Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Explanation: This is the most important rule. An engineer's primary duty is to the public. If a project is unsafe, it is the engineer's duty to point it out, even if it means disagreeing with their client or employer. Ghanaian Context: Think about the tragic collapse of buildings we have witnessed. An ethical engineer ensures that the right materials (e.g., correct grade of iron rods, proper cement-sand ratio) are used and that construction follows the approved design to prevent such disasters. Perform services only in areas of their competence. Explanation: Engineers should not accept jobs or responsibilities for which they are not qualified by education or experience. Ghanaian Context: A civil engineer specializing in road construction should not accept a contract to design the electrical wiring system for a new hospital. Doing so would be dangerous and unethical. Issue public statements in an objective and truthful manner. Explanation: When engineers speak or write in a professional capacity, they must be honest and base their statements on facts and technical knowledge. They should not spread misinformation or biased opinions. Ghanaian Context: If an engineer is hired to assess the environmental impact of a new factory, they must report their findings honestly, even if the factory owner wants them to downplay the negative effects like water pollution. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Explanation: Engineers owe a duty of loyalty to their clients. This includes keeping sensitive information confidential and avoiding conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an engineer's personal interests (e.g., financial gain, family ties) could interfere with their professional judgment. Ghanaian Context: An engineer working for the Ministry of Roads and Highways should not award a contract to a construction company owned by their spouse without transparently declaring this relationship. Avoid deceptive acts. Explanation: This is about honesty and integrity. Engineers must not falsify data, misrepresent their qualifications, or take credit for another person's work. Ghanaian Context: An engineering student should not copy another student's project report and submit it as their own. Similarly, a contractor must not present a fake certificate to win a bid. Conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully. Explanation: This is a broad principle that covers overall professional behaviour. Engineers are expected to be good citizens and uphold the law, enhancing the reputation of their profession through their actions. D. A Framework for Analysing Ethical Scenarios
When faced with a scenario, use this step-by-step method to determine if a code has been violated: Identify the Facts: What are the key actions and who are the people involved (the engineer, client, public, etc.)? Identify the Ethical Issue: What is the core conflict or questionable conduct? Reference the Code of Ethics: Which of the fundamental canons might apply to this situation? Analyse the Action: Compare the engineer's conduct to the relevant canon(s). Does the action support or violate the principle? Conclude: State clearly whether the conduct is a violation of the code of ethics and briefly explain why, citing the specific principle(s) violated.