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Understanding engineering professionalism: a reflection on the rights of engineers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Understanding engineering professionalism: a reflection on the rights of engineers

James A Stieb
Science and engineering ethics, v 17(1), pp 149-169
Mar 2011
PMID: 19821061

Abstract

Engineering - ethics Ethics, Professional Ethics, Research Human Rights Humans Politics Professional Competence Social Responsibility
Engineering societies such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and associated entities have defined engineering and professionalism in such a way as to require the benefit of humanity (NSPE 2009a, Engineering Education Resource Document. NSPE Position Statements. Governmental Relations). This requirement has been an unnecessary and unfortunate "add-on." The trend of the profession to favor the idea of requiring the benefit of humanity for professionalism violates an engineer's rights. It applies political pressure that dissuades from inquiry, approaches to new knowledge and technologies, and the presentation, publication, and use of designs and research findings. Moreover, a more politically neutral definition of engineering and/or professionalism devoid of required service or benefit to mankind does not violate adherence to strong ethical standards.

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Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Ethics
History & Philosophy Of Science
Philosophy
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