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An empirical, comparative approach to engineering ethics (education) in international and cross-cultural contexts A study concerning Chinese engineering students’ knowledge of and views concerning contents and concepts related to engineering ethics

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Conference

2016 ASEE International Forum

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana

Publication Date

June 25, 2016

Start Date

June 25, 2016

End Date

June 25, 2016

Conference Session

Concurrent Paper Tracks Session II Skills Development

Tagged Topic

International Forum

Page Count

18

DOI

10.18260/1-2--27232

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/27232

Download Count

617

Paper Authors

biography

Rockwell Franklin Clancy III University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong Joint Institute

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Rockwell F. Clancy is a lecturer in engineering ethics and philosophy at the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and has acted as a long-term educational, setting up a course and writing a corresponding textbook with Heinz Luegenbiehl on global moral issues for engineers. His research and teaching interests include engineering ethics, philosophy of technology, Chinese philosophy, political philosophy, and science, technology, and society studies. Rockwell completed his PhD at Purdue University, West Lafayette, MA at the Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium, and BA at Fordham University, New York.

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biography

Gang Zheng University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute

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Dr. Gang Zheng is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education of the UM-SJTU Joint Institute. He is also a faculty member in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has been leading and/or participating in curriculum development, program assessment, international joint programs, establishment of quality control and improvement mechanism, and creation of academic procedures and policies. Dr. Zheng has received the Most Popular Teacher Award and the “Candel Light” teaching award from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

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biography

David L.S. Hung University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute

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Dr. David Hung is an associate professor of the UM-SJTU Joint Institute with a dual appointment as a professor in the Institute of Automotive Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on advanced powertrain systems, engine measurements, and optical diagnostics. He has been teaching upper level and graduate subjects in automotive engineering and mechanical engineering laboratory courses, training students on engineering skills and team work through interactive learning.

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Abstract

A study was conducted concerning Chinese engineering students’ knowledge of and opinions about contents and concepts related to engineering ethics. The study was motivated by concerns regarding 1. the ethical standards of Chinese industries/engineers and their increasingly global presence 2. the nature of engineering ethics research/education in China and feasibility of introducing Western curricula for engineering ethics, and 3. general effectiveness of education in ethical training, based on findings in behavioral ethics and moral psychology. To address these concerns, a survey was adapted from a study previously conducted by Robert McGinn, at Stanford University, and then administered to different types of Chinese engineering students, at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, so as to compare the response data of students from these universities. As with McGinn’s study, it was discovered that substantial confusion exists regarding the nature of ethical issues and conflicts. Based on findings from this data and experience educating Chinese and non-Chinese engineering students on engineering ethics in international and cross-cultural contexts, these responses are explained and tentative recommendations are made regarding how to improve such education in these contexts.

Clancy, R. F., & Zheng, G., & Hung, D. L. (2016, June), An empirical, comparative approach to engineering ethics (education) in international and cross-cultural contexts A study concerning Chinese engineering students’ knowledge of and views concerning contents and concepts related to engineering ethics Paper presented at 2016 ASEE International Forum, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/1-2--27232

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