How Engineers may use Moral Theories to better Navigate Ethical Dilemmas that Arise in their Careers
Engineering is one of the disciplines that depend heavily on certain ethical guidelines ensuring that services provided by engineers do not harm the natural environment and human beings. A significant number of ethical guideline within engineering are basically established following three major moral theories; deontology, utilitarian and virtue ethics. The concept of utilitarian theory is based on the essence of determining whether an action is right or wrong through evaluation of how it benefits the highest number of stakeholders i.e. actions are considered right in case they cause a greater good to individuals (Houser et al, 262). On the other hand, virtue ethics places emphasis on an individual’s character: That is, acting in a manner that is considered right in a specific situation. Consequently, the concept of deontological theory is based on a need for individual to act in according with their duties and obligations. Deontology may also involve adhering to rules and regulations guiding the actions of an individual (Houser et al, 264). Engineers may apply these moral theories to navigate or solve various ethical dilemmas that they may experience in their career. Basically, engineers may apply these moral theories to make certain decisions directed towards solving ethical dilemmas. These moral theories mainly enhance the capacity of engineers to answer three main questions when solving ethical dilemmas: Will my actions generate the maximum benefit to a large number of people? Are my actions relevant? What are my obligations in this situation? By answering these questions, engineers are in a better position to solve various ethical dilemmas that they may experience.
How one who has Studied these Theories may Approach Ethical Dilemmas Compared to one who has not
As aforementioned, deontological, utilitarian and virtue ethics mainly guides one in making decisions when exposed to a scenario of ethical dilemma. However, in order to ensure that one makes appropriate decisions, he/she should possess adequate knowledge regarding the three moral theories. Persons without knowledge or those who have not studied the three moral theories usually tend to apply logic to solve ethical dilemmas, mainly focusing on how the solutions they formulate will serve or fulfill their personal interest. This means that they may not consider whether their solutions will benefit other parties, they may also not consider their obligations as well as personal virtues, hence violating the stipulations of the three moral values.
Work Cited
Houser, Rick, et al. "Learning Ethics through Virtual Fieldtrips: Teaching Ethical Theories through Virtual Experiences." International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 23.2 (2011): 260-268.
