Notes Classes 1-3

Technology provides the possibility for one, or a few, to cause harm to many
Chernobyl
Exxon Valdez
Enron
Mortgage crisis * *

-one this that you felt was most valuable
-one thing that you felt was not useful: what engineering is

Results of scientific research expands scientific knowledge
Scientific research often occurs without regard to societal need
Engineering involves the use of scientific need
Overlap of scientific knowledge, analysis, creativity, and societal need
Elements of engineering design core
Understanding the market (problem definition: societal need)
Essence of engineering design: (ABET definition) devising a system, component or process to meet desired need.
The entrepreneurial Engineer
Knows everything: find any info quickly and can evaluate and use info
Can do anything: quickly understand what needs to be done and acquire tools
Collaborates: work with anyone, communication
Innovates: entrepreneurial spirit, managerial skills
Responsibility
Moral responsibility
Based on moral norms
Passive responsibility
After something undesirable occurred: person must be able to provide an account of why he/she followed particular course of action and made certain decisions
Accountability
Blameworthiness
Active Responsibility
Responsibility before something has happened
Features
Autonomy
Considering consequences
Technologic Enthusiasm
The strong desire to develop new technology without proper regard for possible moral issues
Von Braun – rockets
Rockets for Germany army
Joined Hitler’s national socialist party
Member of SS
WW II- major role in development of V2 rocket (bomb London)
1945- arranged for his team to be handed over to the Americans
Developed rockets for US military
Google Earth
Elements of professional responsibility
Safety and welfare of the public and of clients
Professional ethics
Legal liabilities of engineers
Environmental responsibilities
Quality
Tripartite Model
Separatism