Ethics and Technology: Engineering in the Real World

This course examines engineering as a profession and the responsibilities of that profession to society. Ethical theories, cognitive biases, and quantitative decision-making concepts (risk-, cost-, benefit-, stakeholder impact- analysis) are introduced as frameworks to guide ethical decisions on technology implementation. A wide range of technologies are discussed and ethical issues facing engineers in implementing and maintaining technologies are examined, with some focus on energy, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Practical tools and strategies to express and implement one's ethical convictions in real-world situations are covered.