Conference Session

Engineering Ethics Division Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William J. Schell IV P.E., Montana State University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

readings from a variety of sources. These materials provided a foundation to buildadditional understanding of ethical reasoning using a variety of both inductive and traditionalteaching methods including small and large group discussions (both face-to-face and online),classroom debates, formal written papers and examination questions requiring students to buildan argument based on a prescribed ethical framework.Three separate traditional teaching techniques were utilized to promote students’ ability to applyethical frameworks and considerations to the decision making process. The first was assignmentof a substantial paper examining an ethical dilemma regarding a post-graduation employmentopportunity.27 The dilemma involved a soon to graduate

Conference Session

Engineering Ethics Division Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David K. Ware; David J. Ahlgren, Trinity College; Harvey F. Silverman, Brown University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

whereworks. Are there ethical issues lurking here?This example requires the students to explore the notion that an individual’s personal interestsmight be at odds with the company’s interests, or might at least appear to be. Thus, thediscussion typically touches on the importance of “appearances”, and on strategies that can beused to mitigate conflicts, or potential conflicts, of interests, beginning usually with the“sunshine” strategy – i.e. bringing the conflict or potential conflict to the attention of thecompany (placing it in the “sunshine”) so that further mitigation efforts can be taken. Recusal –the removing of oneself from a decision-making role in which the conflict or potential conflictcould play a role -- is also discussed. Finally, the