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Session 2330

Eight-Dimensional Methodology for Innovative Thinking About the Case and Ethics of the Mount Graham, Large Binocular Telescope Project

Submitted by: Rosalyn W. Berne, Division of Technology, Culture and Communication, University of Virginia, 351 McCormick Road, Thornton Road, Charlottesville, Va. 22904. 434-924-6098. rwb@virginia.edu And, Daniel Raviv, Florida Atlantic University, Electrical Engineering Department, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Florida, 33431. 561-297-2773. ravivd@fau.edu

Abstract

Case analysis is a common method for teaching engineering ethics. In this process, students are presented with the details of an engineering ethics problem, which was faced by particular individuals in a given situation while working for a particular organization. Students read the details of the case, and then use that case as the basis for discussion about how the ethical dimensions of the case might be addressed. With the use of particular classical approaches such as principalism and stakeholder analysis, students are given a theoretical framework for analysis of the case, as a way to find answers to the question, “What ought to be done?” Active discussion about the details of the case usually brings to light some of the complex questions of duty, responsibility, maximizing benefits and minimizing harm, which are common features of ethical dilemmas in the professions of modern engineering.

This paper introduces the Eight Dimensional Methodology for Innovative Thinking (the Eight Dimensional Methodology), for innovative problem solving, as a unified approach to case analysis that builds on comprehensive problem solving knowledge from industry, business, marketing, math, science, engineering, technology, arts, and daily life. It is designed to stimulate innovation by quickly generating unique “out of the box” unexpected and high quality solutions. It gives new insights and thinking strategies to solve everyday problems faced in the workplace, by helping decision makers to see otherwise obscure alternatives and solutions.

Dr. Daniel Raviv, the engineer who developed the Eight Dimensional Methodology, and paper co-author, technology ethicist Dr. Rosalyn Berne, suggest that this tool can be especially useful in identifying solutions and alternatives for particular problems of engineering, and for the ethical challenges which arise with them. First, the Eight Dimensional Methodology helps to elucidate how what may appear to be a basic engineering problem, also has ethical dimensions. In addition, it offers to the engineer a methodology for penetrating and seeing new dimensions of those problems.

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2003, American Society for Engineering Education 1

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Raviv, D., & Berne, R. (2003, June), Eight Dimensional Methodology For Innovative Thinking And The Case Of The Mount Graham Large Binocular Telescope Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11745