Dilemmas of ethical practice: A study of responsible engineering

Abstract

Ethics issues rarely have easy answers. Many engineering professional societies have prepared codes of ethics, most of which deal with bribery, fraud and political corruption. Recently new issues, such as social justice, heritage preservation and environment protection have arisen. Before making decisions of each project, the engineers have to understand the implications of these decisions, and to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, in real world the conflicts confronted are always much more complicated than the engineering professionals may expect. This paper reviews the arguing case of Taiwan, the relocation of the Lo-Sheng Sanitarium. It aims to analyze the dilemmas between the development of public infrastructure, the need of heritage preservation and the call of, by applying the principles of the codes of ethics. This case is not closed so far; the project is delayed, the cost is overrun and the adverse objection lasts. The lessons learned include the consideration of the true meanings of the welfare of the public and the responsibilities of engineering professionals. It is hoped to draw attention of engineering professionals by illustrating the tremendous loss of all parties, and to encourage the ethical practice by devoting to pursue win-win solutions in making decisions.