Executive Summary
The discussion deals with the issues of moral dilemma, how to resolve them, and the importance of codes of ethics. Moral dilemmas are brought by conflicts in beliefs, values, duties and responsibilities. The paper outlines steps in which ethical dilemmas can be resolved. In order to resolve moral conflicts, the given solutions should be clear, informed and well-reasoned. In situations where ethical dilemmas occur, it is important for one to be fully aware and clear of the situation. They should represent an understanding and awareness of the duties, obligations, rights and goods that are available to resolve the conflict. In an engineering set up, these obligations and duties are well-covered in professional codes of ethics that focuses on the values of honesty, truthfulness, and environmental protection. The solutions to moral dilemmas should also be informed. This means that one needs to gather the necessary information with regards to moral values to avoid uncertainty and help one make the right moral or ethical decisions. Finally, moral solutions should also be well-reasoned. This can be done by using the available information at one’s disposal to come up will a correct moral judgment. Ethical dilemmas can be classified into two categories namely: right or wrong, and better or worse.
For engineers, codes of ethics provide guidance on how they are expected to carry out their moral responsibilities. However, codes of ethics play a number of essential goals including; serving and protecting the public, guidance, inspiration, shared standards, acts as support for responsible professionals, acts as a form of deterrence and discipline, provides mutual understanding and education, and contributes to the professional image. Nevertheless, codes are sometimes abused for various reasons and these gives rise to many problems. It can bring out issues of dissent, dented public image, and dishonesty, among others. Codes are also limited when it comes to resolving dilemmas because it all depends with individual responsibility to resolve issues and not the mere wording of the codes.
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Opinion
I find it interesting that the issue of ethical and moral dilemma is one that is debatable, to say the least. It is important to note that many professionals know what is expected of them in terms of moral responsibility but still go ahead to contravene the same due to various reasons. Some will use the ethics code of conduct to act as a shield for their unethical practices. An engineer may engage in acts that do not serve or protect the public but still falls back to the codes of ethics in case of problems. They have full knowledge of what is expected of them but are reluctant to apply or implement them because of the costs involved or for profit.
This situation has brought up certain life experiences that I’m familiar with. For instance, a food inspector who ignores public health issues because of dishonesty. This is not only unethical but also does not serve or protect the interests of the public who will be exposed to public health risks. It is a moral dilemma that is applicable in different professions where professionals ignore their code of ethics. Avoiding complying with professional code of ethics demonstrates irresponsible professionalism, dishonesty, and indiscipline on the part of the affected professional.
