Social Responsibility Within the Present Code of Ethics

Many engineers, particularly younger members of the society embarking on their careers, find it necessary to supplement their technical knowledge with more subjective and individual realizations concerning their own beliefs in their conduct as professionals. The concept of ethics is discussed in relation to the Guide to Professional Practice and an individual moral code based upon ethical deliberation. The conclusion is reached that the Guide to Professional Practice need not be expanded, but that individuals must decide upon courses of action that are acceptable and congruent with their personal philosophies of professional practice. Leadership should come from both the society and the university and be fostered by senior members of the society.