The professional approach to engineering ethics: five research questions.

Area of Science:

• Interdisciplinary studies
• Engineering ethics
• Philosophy of technology

Background:

• Current research in engineering ethics lacks a foundational understanding of the profession.
• A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address complex ethical challenges in engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the routine involvement of philosophers, social scientists, and engineers in ethics research.
• To identify and prioritize foundational questions for current engineering ethics research.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the engineering profession.
• Literature review of existing engineering ethics frameworks.
• Argumentation for an interdisciplinary research agenda.

Main Results:

• Defining the roles and responsibilities of engineers is crucial for ethical practice.
• Understanding the decision-making processes of engineers is key to identifying ethical pitfalls.
• Clarifying the extent of engineers' control over their work is essential for accountability.

Conclusions:

• Engineering ethics research must be grounded in a clear understanding of 'who is an engineer' and 'what is engineering'.
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach focusing on fundamental questions will advance the field of engineering ethics.