Ethical Schools of Thought

Posted: January 20th, 2023

Ethical Schools of Thought

There are many theories of ethics, and this can present a confusing array of terms, concepts, and categorizations. Some of these theories apply to business, engineering or technical organization and others are less relevant. Some of the theories are best suited to describe the lens through which an individual views a dilemma and subsequent decisions, while others are more applicable to an organizational entity.

When reviewing the ethics literature, you may encounter a dizzying array of terms. Before proceeding with the activity instructions, review the following information and note where there are differences in terminology and structure.

Engineering Managers MUST be exceptional oral communicators. This is an opportunity to hone your communication skills. In this activity, you will provide 6 slides (not including the cover slide and reference slide) in lieu of a written academic paper. Please review the detailed instructions and resources attached

Your presentation must include answers to the following:

1. Explain the differences between non-consequentialist and consequentialist ethical theories as they pertain to engineering management. (The use of graphics is highly encouraged here).

2. Identify common issues associated with:

a. consequential ethics

b. non-consequential ethics

3. Identify and justify 2 engineering or technology examples for each using:

a. To what extent can consequences be excluded from a moral system in engineering?

b. To what extent should emotions or feelings be part of engineering ethical decision-making?

c. To what extent can the virtue ethics lens be applied to engineering ethical decision-making?

Use at least 4 sources for this assignment beyond those provided readings. The sources should be textbooks, academic, or professional sources that you find in the Hunt Library or through similar places. Remember that using Wikis or Blogs for sources is not appropriate.
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Consequentialist ethical theories focus on the consequences of an action as the basis for determining its morality. This means that the rightness or wrongness of an action is based on its outcomes. In contrast, non-consequentialist ethical theories focus on the inherent moral qualities of the action itself, regardless of its consequences.
In engineering management, consequentialist ethical theories may focus on the impacts of a decision on stakeholders, while non-consequentialist ethical theories may focus on the alignment of the decision with moral principles.

Common issues associated with consequential ethics include balancing the needs and interests of multiple stakeholders and determining the long-term consequences of a decision. Common issues associated with non-consequential ethics include determining the inherent moral value of a decision and ensuring consistency with moral principles.

Examples of engineering or technology that may be evaluated using consequential ethics include the development of a new technology with unknown consequences and the decision to implement a new manufacturing process with potentially negative environmental consequences. Examples of engineering or technology that may be evaluated using non-consequential ethics include the development of autonomous weapons systems and the decision to use surveillance technologies in public spaces.

To what extent can consequences be excluded from a moral system in engineering?
It is difficult to completely exclude consequences from a moral system in engineering, as the impacts of decisions and actions on stakeholders are often a key consideration in determining their morality. However, non-consequentialist ethical theories may place less emphasis on consequences and more on the inherent moral value of the decision or action.

To what extent should emotions or feelings be part of engineering ethical decision-making?
Emotions and feelings can play a role in shaping an individual’s moral perspective, but they should not be the sole basis for ethical decision-making in engineering. Instead, a balanced consideration of emotions and logical analysis of the situation is important.

To what extent can the virtue ethics lens be applied to engineering ethical decision-making?
The virtue ethics lens emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits in individuals, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness. This perspective can be applied to engineering ethical decision-making by encouraging engineers to strive for these virtues in their professional conduct and decision-making.