1) What is the purpose of having/following a "Code of Ethics"?
Making decisions require the comparison between the effects of multiple outcomes, some more dangerous than others.
Having a “Code of Ethics” restricts and defines the difference between right and wrong when making a decision. Most decision come down to whether it is better for the consumer, or more likely, better for the company.
2) When you are faced with an ethical situation, how do you, personally, go about making a decision? What factors are involved in making your decision?
Personally, I would bring up the issue with a higher authority before moving forward with the project. [Say I find that the weight limit on a design for an elevator is too low, and would eventually cause the shaft to plummet down to the ground level. My first reaction would be to double check my assumptions and equations to make sure it was not I who mathematically caused this mistake. Then, I would either consult a team member to assure me that this is in fact an issue. After gaining some outside evidence and research, I would then bring it up to a superior.] The direction could go either way depending on a higher level decision. Most likely, if the fix is too costly or cannot be adjusted within the deadline, the team may have to forfeit their argument and go with what is best for the company.
3) What case study was discussed in your small group? Was your group able to come to a consensus on what the most "ethical" decision would be?
The Columbia Space Shuttle was the original case study. However, the discussion turned to the Ford Pinto. Some other group members said they thought ethics was either what is morally right or what is safe. I think ethics is the difference between right and wrong. Our answers were similar in the matter that we understand how ethics has two sides. It either is or it isn’t ethical. We found it difficult to define the most ethical decision. [If the Ford Pinto had been redesigned, the company would have had to raise the price and missed out on a wide spectrum of customers. On the other hand, the Ford Pinto, with its clear problem, would eventually cause catastrophic events.]
4) Reflect on the "Virtue of Ethics" as it relates to the case study your group discussed.
I do feel that Safety should be part of the Virtues of Ethics. It could be tied into Responsibility, but I feel that Safety has been overlooked too many times over the case studies available. Most of the products designed are intended for consumer use, and a general goal to protect the health is much more important than losing money.
Making decisions require the comparison between the effects of multiple outcomes, some more dangerous than others.
Having a “Code of Ethics” restricts and defines the difference between right and wrong when making a decision. Most decision come down to whether it is better for the consumer, or more likely, better for the company.
2) When you are faced with an ethical situation, how do you, personally, go about making a decision? What factors are involved in making your decision?
Personally, I would bring up the issue with a higher authority before moving forward with the project. [Say I find that the weight limit on a design for an elevator is too low, and would eventually cause the shaft to plummet down to the ground level. My first reaction would be to double check my assumptions and equations to make sure it was not I who mathematically caused this mistake. Then, I would either consult a team member to assure me that this is in fact an issue. After gaining some outside evidence and research, I would then bring it up to a superior.] The direction could go either way depending on a higher level decision. Most likely, if the fix is too costly or cannot be adjusted within the deadline, the team may have to forfeit their argument and go with what is best for the company.
3) What case study was discussed in your small group? Was your group able to come to a consensus on what the most "ethical" decision would be?
The Columbia Space Shuttle was the original case study. However, the discussion turned to the Ford Pinto. Some other group members said they thought ethics was either what is morally right or what is safe. I think ethics is the difference between right and wrong. Our answers were similar in the matter that we understand how ethics has two sides. It either is or it isn’t ethical. We found it difficult to define the most ethical decision. [If the Ford Pinto had been redesigned, the company would have had to raise the price and missed out on a wide spectrum of customers. On the other hand, the Ford Pinto, with its clear problem, would eventually cause catastrophic events.]
4) Reflect on the "Virtue of Ethics" as it relates to the case study your group discussed.
- Integrity because the Ford company did not exercise good judgment in their decision to produce a faulty car.
- Honesty because a disclaimer claiming “if you hit this car at the right angle, your car will explode”, would not have sold too many cars. They were dishonest with their choice towards the public. Hiding important details.
- Responsibility because they had to be held accountable, they their car was not reliable (reflecting poorly on their company), and their act on the consumers was not for their greater good.
- Fidelity, Charity, and Self-Discipline did not make the list because this was not a case about changing their audience, this was not about giving to others, and this was not about balancing their behavior.
I do feel that Safety should be part of the Virtues of Ethics. It could be tied into Responsibility, but I feel that Safety has been overlooked too many times over the case studies available. Most of the products designed are intended for consumer use, and a general goal to protect the health is much more important than losing money.