Today, more and more organizations are realizing the importance of practising ethics in their business dealings. And the engineering profession is no exception to this. For, any policy or practice that gives a go-by to professional ethics—which essentially entails fair and transparent dealings based on sound moral principles—cannot enjoy the confidence of the customer for long. It is in this context that a book on Professional Ethics is very significant.
This systematically organized text opens with an introduction to Human Values and discusses, with great skill and expertise, the various approaches to the study of ethical behaviour, ethical theories, value-based ethics and the engineers’ responsibility for safety and risk, collegiality and loyalty. Besides, the responsibilities of engineers in organizational setting, and global issues such as environmental ethics, computer ethics, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are also covered in this text.
The Case Studies lend a practical orientation to the book, and the Review Questions sharpen the analytical skills of the students. This is a must have book for the students of engineering and management.
Contents:
Preface
Chapter 1: Human Values
Chapter 2: Engineering Ethics
Chapter 3: Engineering as Social Experimentation
Chapter 4: Engineers’ Responsibility for Safety and Risk
Chapter 5: Responsibilities and Rights
Chapter 6: Global Issues
Chapter 7: Ethical Audit
Review Questions
Case Study 1 Space Shuttle Challenger
Case Study 2 Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Case Study 3 The Three Mile Island Disaster
Case Study 4 The Chernobyl Disaster
Appendix 1 Institution of Engineers (India): Sample Codes of Ethics
Appendix 2 Acm Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Professional Ethics and Human Values is a comprehensive and well-written textbook that delves into the complex and often overlapping concepts of professional ethics and human values. Written by authors M. Govindarajan, S. Natarajan, and V.S. Senthilkumar, this book is a MUST READ for anyone studying or working in a professional field.
The book begins by providing a thorough overview of the history and development of professional ethics, including a discussion of the various theories and frameworks that have been proposed. The authors then delve into the specific ethical issues that arise in various professional fields, such as business, engineering, and healthcare. They provide detailed examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts being discussed, making the material easy to understand and relate to!
One of the strengths of this book is the way it seamlessly integrates the concepts of professional ethics and human values. The authors make it clear that these two areas are closely interconnected and cannot be fully understood in isolation. They provide a thorough examination of the ways in which human values, such as compassion and honesty, interact with and inform professional ethical decision-making.
The book also includes an extensive section on the practical application of professional ethics and human values. The authors provide clear guidance on how to identify and evaluate ethical dilemmas, as well as strategies for making ethical decisions in the workplace. They also discuss the importance of ethical leadership and the role of professional associations in promoting ethical behavior.
Overall, Professional Ethics and Human Values is an excellent resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of professional ethics and human values. The authors do an excellent job of presenting complex concepts in a clear and accessible way, making this book suitable for students and professionals alike. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the field of professional ethics and human values!