Application of the Engineering Ethics Principle
Though it is true that engineering requires skills in order to accomplish certain projects or tasks, the skills and expertise in the field are not justifiable enough for one to determine the success of the project. This is because engineers do not only act out of their own accord and total freedom in whatever they want to do; instead, they follow certain ethical standards in order to make sure that the welfare and the benefit of most, if not all people are being prioritized. The incorporation of ethics in the field of engineering gives way to make the field to be more humane, having high regards to humanity, environment, and philosophy while scientific approach is being put into application or technologies (Ingram, Jones, Lewis, & Richards 2010). Thus, engineering ethics always serves as a guideline for engineers in order for them to design the most economical, efficient, safe, and accessible structures, materials, and other innovations that can benefit people especially the public.
The Scenario
Maria Kosmatka, an environmental engineer, recently developed a certain kind of equipment that converts polluted sea water into a drinkable water. Her research found out that using a certain kind of compound, the chemical pollutants and the salt are being efficiently removed. Because of the high expectations and mobility of people, Kosmatka and her firm become well known in the industry.
After some testing, Kosmatka found out that the equipment actually releases a harmful air pollutant. She immediately notified the executives about the problem, but they still pursue to the release of the products in the market. They insisted that the launching of the products must continue despite the risks. Considering that there will a possible accident related to this issue, it will be hard to determine if she was still liable for the possible damage can be incurred.
Alternative Solution 1
Since Kosmatka will be charged of accusations regarding the violation of environmental laws, despite her acknowledging her own mistakes, one possible solution is to ask the executives again to pull out the products from the market. After all, Kosmatka owns the rights of the equipment, so it is only natural to return her all her possessions without further delay. However, one potential reason as to why the executives would not return the equipment is that they are able to make money with it (Hart 2011). If it is truly the case, then the chances of returning the product will be significantly smaller.
Alternative Solution 2
Another proposed action is to report this case to the authorities, especially when the equipment is still not returned after being notified. Since then, the authorities will handle the case, and the only thing to do is to wait for announcements and wait for either the executive’s response or to the authorities’ response. In either way, Kosmatka’s case will become more noticeable in the eyes of the executives because they are involved with the case themselves. Furthermore, this method also emphasized the rights of ownership of the equipment.
Alternative Solution 3
The third option is to leave the company to avoid the presence of their executives. In this case, leaving the current company will not bother Kosmatka anymore. However, chances indicate that the equipment may not be returned depending on the flow of the product in the market setting. What’s more is that Kosmatka be might be involved with the case even if she had acknowledged all her mistakes.
Discussion and Recommendation
Critical analysis, accuracy, and technical evaluation are not only the aspects of engineering. The other areas, including management, philosophy and values, are all integral parts of all certain engineering systems, because the latter parts balances out the potential destructive capabilities of the innovations once they are put into wrong applications (Roeser 2012). Though it is not a direct implication of the last statements, the scenario in this paper further proves some points that are discussed. Integrity and honesty are the most violated values among the ethical standards, and the accuracy might have been the next value that was compromised. Nevertheless, the fact that the mistake had been acknowledged is more than enough to take back the integrity of Kosmatka.
As a recommendation, it is best to select the second alternative due to several reasons. In this solution, the executives will turn their heads to the person responsible for their involvement. The aid of authorities also strengthens the validity of the complaint, and thus, the executives will consider and take the case seriously. When this happens, the side of Kosmatka will be explained clearly to them. On the other hand, the reason as to why the company executives decided to pursue their actions despite the orders of Kosmatka to pull out the product. Due to this, both parties, with the provision of government representatives, will have to come up with an agreement regarding the issue. Unfortunately for the executives, they are highly likely to be more susceptible to different cases against them (Wajszczyk 2014). Since the equipment had violated environmental regulations, its pull out in the market will be made immediately after an inspection. Also, Kosmatka will be able to reinspect her equipment, adjust its specifications, and again, test the equipment. If the equipment will be proven to retain its functions without the adverse effect of environmental damage, then she will be successful in this venture, and her invention can makes it way back to the market economy.
Bibliography
HART, M. (2011) The Ethical Lessons of Deepwater. [Online] Available from: https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/engineering-ethics/the-ethical-lessons-of-deepwater.
INGRAM, B., JONES, D., LEWIS, A. & RICHARDS, M. (2010) A Code of Ethics for Robotic Engineers. pp. 1-65
ROESER, S. (2012) Emotional Engineers: Toward Morally Responsible Design. Science and Engineering Ethics. 18(1). pp. 103-115.
WAJSZCZYK, P. (2014) The Concept of Integrity and Its Application to Engineering Ethics. Annales. Ethics in Economic Life. 17(4). pp. 101-110.
