Research Article
Jul 1979
Public Obligation and the Ethics System
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Issues in Engineering: Journal of Professional Activities
Volume 105, Issue 3
Abstract
Concern for the public interest is the essence of professionalism, yet systems of professional ethics are just beginning to emphasize the moral values and altruism that are inherent to that principle. This trend is long overdue, but prevailing ethical standards still contain many detailed rules of professional/business etiquette, which divert emphasis from the public obligation fundamental, and also add an undesirable legalistic dimension. A new concept of professional ethics is proposed, based upon the Professional Ethic: The Engineer shall apply specialized knowledge and skill at all times in the public interest with honesty, integrity and honor. This declaration is sufficient in itself to support an ethics system offering many advantages in the educational, administrative, and enforcement functions provided by the professional society. The Professional Ethic is particularly amenable to enforcement without the legalistic complication and atmosphere that characterize present professional conduct procedures. All items of professional/business etiquette would be detailed in a set of Rules of Professional Practice.
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Published In
Issues in Engineering: Journal of Professional Activities
Volume 105 • Issue 3 • July 1979
Pages: 131 - 135
Copyright
© 1979 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Jul 1979
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Authors
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William H. Wisely, HM.ASCE
Visiting Scholar, Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va. and Executive Director Emeritus, ASCE.
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.