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The dilemma of ethics in engineering education

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Abstract

This paper briefly summarizes current thinking in engineering ethics education, argues that much of that ethical instruction runs the risk of being only superficially effective, and explores some of the underlying systemic barriers within academia that contribute to this result. This is not to criticize or discourage efforts to improve ethics instruction. Rather it is to point to some more fundamental problems that still must be addressed in order to realize the full potential of enhanced ethics instruction. Issues discussed will include: intellectual engagement versus emotional engagement; the gravitational pull of curricular structures; the nature of engineering faculty; and the “engineer-ization” of ethics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor University, PO Box 97356, 76798-7356, Waco, TX, USA

    Byron Newberry PhD (P.E., Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering)

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  1. Byron Newberry PhD
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Correspondence to Byron Newberry PhD.

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Newberry, B. The dilemma of ethics in engineering education. SCI ENG ETHICS 10, 343–351 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-004-0030-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-004-0030-8

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