Don’t Bank On It!

This Forum article is a continuation of a regular series of columns on engineering ethics. The column has been generated, in part, by an interactive discussion on the Internet. The focus of the Ethics Case program is to present real situations taken from professional practice in order to stimulate greater attention to ethical issues, and to allow Internet Web site visitors the opportunity to avoid similar pitfalls in their own careers. In addition to providing an opportunity for individuals to read and respond to the case histories, it may also provide a convenient focus for informal brown bag discussions in firms and agencies. Those interested in this program are encouraged to visit the Web site at the following Internet address: http://www.engr.washington.edu/epp/Pepl/Ethics (Use of the capitalized letters as shown is important.) Results and discussion will also appear in the Forum section of the Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice. A more detailed description of this program appeared in the January 1998 issue of this Journal.