TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 1990
Why Can't You Ethicists Tell Me the Right Answers?
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 116, Issue 1
Abstract
Engineers, accustomed to obtaining right answers by consensus from various experts, often assume that professional ethicists can help them solve problems related to professional ethics. Unfortunately, engineers invariably find it frustrating to work with ethicists who refuse to provide the right answers to such problems. Conversely, ethicists are uncomfortable working with engineers who demand solutions to problems that ethicists recognize as the responsibility of each individual. This paper explores what engineers can realistically expect of ethicists and how ethicists can best respond to the needs of engineers. Case studies are used to illustrate the principles and conflicts in the resolution of value laden‐problems.
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References
1.
Gunn, A. S., and Vesilind, P. A. (1986). Environmental ethics for engineers. Lewis Publishers, Chelsea, Mich.
2.
Tolkien, J. R. R. (1954). Lord of the rings. Allen and Unwin, London, England.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering
Volume 116 • Issue 1 • January 1990
Pages: 9 - 15
Copyright
Copyright © 1990 ASCE.
History
Published online: Jan 1, 1990
Published in print: Jan 1990
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Authors
Affiliations
Alastair S. Gunn
Sr. Lect., Dept. of Philosophy, Univ. of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
P. Aarne Vesilind, Member, ASCE
Prof., Dept. of Civ. and Envir. Engrg., Duke Univ., Durham, NC 27706
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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.