engineering and ethics

Whistleblower

This week is different in that you have two discussions to do:

Part A: 

As evolving managers and professionals in the technology field, it is important to be aware of and thoughtful regarding critical issues which shape the culture of an organization and impact society.  A long-standing concern of managers is diversity in the engineering field.  In fact, engineering is known to be comprised mostly of men.  In 2018, a UK report on the state of engineering found that 12% of engineers are female.  Read the UK Report on Gender Disparity in Engineering found here:  gender-disparity-in-engineering.pdf (engineeringuk.com).  One argument for gender representation listed in the article is pragmatic - that it’s good for business.  However, is there a more fundamental moral or ethical case for gender representation?  Can this argument be extended towards diversity in race, ethnicity, culture, religion, age, etc?  Make sure you reference the moral and ethical principles discussed in this course.

Part B

Read case study 37 “Smoking System” and create a post answering the question at the end:

“Assuming you took the job, what kinds of ethical concerns might you have about how the device should be designed?”

Also, provide the class with an example and brief summary of a whistleblower in your professional field, and the outcome of the situation.

Smoking

The Philip Morris Companies has been testing a microelectronic cigarette holder that eliminates all smoke except that exhaled by the smoker. Battery powered, it is expected to cost about $50. The result of years of research, it cost approximately $200 to develop.

Tentatively called the Accord, the device uses cigarettes that are 62 millimeters long (compared with the standard 85 millimeters). Users will have to remember to recharge the Accord’s battery (a 30 minute process, but extra batteries can be purchased). A cigarette is inserted into the 4-inch long, 1 ½-inch wide device. A microchip senses when the cigarette is puffed and transmits powers to eight heating blades. A display shows the remaining battery charge and indicates how many puffs are left in the eight-puff cigarette. The device also contains a catalytic converter that burns off residues.

Supporters of this product say it will be welcomed by smokers who currently refrain from smoking in their homes or cars for the sake of non-smoking family members, guests, and passengers. Although smokers will inhale the same amount of tar and nicotine as from conventional "ultralight" cigarettes, 90 percent of second-hand smoke will be eliminated. Furthermore, the same smoking restriction rules in public places will apply to the device.

Critics claim that the Accord will simply reinforce addition to cigarettes. Richard A. Daynard, chair of the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Boston’s Northeastern University School of Law, an anti-tobacco organization, asks: "Who would use an expensive and cumbersome thing like this if they weren’t hooked? There is something grim and desperate about it. This is hardly the Marlboro Man, getting on his horse and checking the battery." He also expresses concern that children might be encouraged to smoke, since the Accord would enable them to hide smoking from their parents. However, Philip Morris replies that the device has a locking device for parents.

Questions:

1. Imagine that it is several years ago and you have just received your engineering degree. You are in search of your first job. You are invited to interview with a research division of Philip Morris that is about to begin research to develop the Accord. Would you have any reservations about accepting such a position? Discuss.

2. If you would have some reservations, would the fact that this job pays $10,000 more a year than any other offer you have convince you to take the Philip Morris offer?

3. Assuming you took the job, what kinds of ethical concerns might you have about how the device should be designed? (E.g., would you agree that it should have a locking device?)