Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction

There are many tough ethical questions at the crossroads of engineering and technology -- ones that are raised on a surprisingly regular basis. For instance, who is responsible for the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion? Do new information systems endanger our privacy? Should new energy technologies be sustainable? Engineers have to deal with such consequential issues not just as private citizens but as highly trained professionals as well.

Ethics, Technology, and Engineering teaches engineering students the relevant moral skills for dealing with ethical issues inherent in engineering practice. Featuring a unique systematic approach to dealing with ethical problems known as the 'ethical cycle,' the book utilizes an abundance of real-life case studies from the U.S., Europe, and across the world to shed important light on the ethical issues that arise in the daily practice of engineers. Topics include ethical issues that arise in engineering design, hazards and risks of technology, organizational settings, sustainability, and others. Also considered are some of the more 'macro-ethical' issues such as atomic power and nanotechnology.

Ethics, Technology, and Engineering provides a wealth of enlightening insights into the consideration of ethical issues related to the interplay of engineering with our increasingly technological global society.