ENSC 406 Tutorial: Week Four
 

Ethical Theories

 

The ethical theories presented in chapter three of Engineering Ethics are part of a framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas; the code of ethics is another component of this framework. Each ethical theory described in chapter three offers you a different way of thinking about a case and provides insights into that case that you would not necessarily arrive at if you approached the case from a different perspective. Applying a number of ethical theories to a case provides you with a number of perspectives from which to view that case. This is critically important because you need to understand the complexity of an ethical dilemma before you can solve it satisfactorily.

 

Each ethical theory helps you organize ideas, but because they focus on different ethical concepts, they may suggest different solutions to a problem. That’s why Fledderman insists that “any complete analysis of an ethical problem must incorporate multiple theories if valid conclusions are to be drawn.” As far as possible, you should use the full range of ethical theories to analyze a problem. The ethical problem-solving techniques introduced in the following chapters will help you decide what action you should take. In the meantime focus on the way your choice of perspective changes the way you view a case.

 

Homework to complete before the Week 4 tutorial

 

Read Chapter 3 of Engineering Ethics and complete the following:

Required:

  1. Fledderman explains that different theories focus on different ethical concepts. What concepts are associated with each of the following ethical theories?
    1. Utilitarianism
    2. Duty Ethics
    3. Rights Ethics
    4. Virtue Ethics
  2. What is the distinction between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism?
  3. What are the potential problems with cost-benefit analysis? How can they be overcome?
  4. For each of the following cases, determine the facts of the case, apply the code of ethics, and analyze it using different ethical theories:
    1. The Disaster at Bhopal
    2. The Aberdeen Three

Recommended:

  1. Fledderman asks the question, “What happens when different theories seem to give different answers?” and then provides a partial answer, stating that “Generally, rights and duty ethics should take precedence over utilitarian considerations . . . because the rights of individuals should receive relatively stronger weight than the needs of society as a whole.” Do you agree with Fledderman? Please explain.
  2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement, “Ethics is not geographic or cultural. Indeed, ethical thinking has developed similarly around the world and is not dependent on a Western cultural or religious tradition. Ethical standards are similar worldwide.”  What are the potential consequences of accepting Fledderman’s position?