How to Apply an Engineering Method to Solve Ethical Problems (3)

An Engineering Strategy for Solving Complex Ethical Problems

Everyday life ethical issues are clear and simple and solved by intuitive use of ethical theories. Complex ethical problems can be more challenging.

Various types of professionals, including engineers, often express significant differences of opinion when faced with cases requiring an ethical solution. Engineers should have an advantage in resolving ethical dilemmas, since problem-solving and decision making techniques are a routine part of engineering.

Being an engineer, I’d like to provide a framework for reconciling differences of opinion as we address the question, “what is the right thing to do?” in circumstances involving ethical issues in the engineering profession.

The problem solving method developed here is from the book What Every Engineer Should Know About Ethics, by Kenneth K. Humphreys (4)

The problem solving model developed here involves five steps. It is a systematic approach to moral deliberation that is designed for groups of individuals, but can be used by individuals with some minor adjustments. This figure illustrates the steps of this model.

1. State the Problem 

• Clearly define exact nature of ethical problem or dilemma. 
• Need to be clear so that we can anticipate the kind of solution that is required. 
• Want to provide an answer that is relevant to the interests at stake. 

2. Get the Facts 

• Want to make an informed decision. 
• Must possess and understand the relevant facts. 
• Must make clear any interpretations of factual matters or the values than underlie conflicting moral viewpoints.

3. Identify & Defend Competing Moral Viewpoints

• Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of competing moral viewpoints. 
• Begin by identifying what we believe to be the most compelling reason for the course of action. 
• We must be able to justify the course of action. 

4. Formulate Opinions

• As engineers we do not have the luxury of postponing questions or leaving a question unresolved. 
• Decide which of the compelling viewpoints is the most compelling. 
• The committee approach (voting) is advantageous because the decision is representative of the general public. 

5. Qualify Recommendations

• Committees must qualify the recommendations they make by describing the level of consensus that was received. 
• Should include the voting distribution and any dissenting opinions. 

The strategy described above is rather a formal process that would be followed in detail only for very complex cases. However, this strategy may be useful when a professional is stuck for a solution to a simpler problem.

In these circumstances, it is reassuring to know that many of the well-known methods of engineering – problem solving, generation of creative ideas, and decision making – can be applied to solve ethical problems as well.


References:
(1) “Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers” - Written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Copyright 1997-2008.
(2) http://www.ethicsweb.ca/
(3) Moral Leadership
(4) “What Every Engineer Should Know About Ethics” Witten by Kenneth K. Humphreys
(5) http://www.ethicscasediscussions.org/