Controlling Technology: Ethics and the Responsible Engineer

Controlling Technology Ethics and the Responsible Engineer Second Edition This valuable guide provides an in–depth treatment of what constitutes ethical behavior on the part of engineers. It carefully examines the various conflicts faced by engineers and offers practical, proven advice on what to do in such situations. This revised and considerably expanded Second Edition examines the causes and consequences of technological disasters such as Bhopal, Chernobyl, Challenger, and the precursor of them all, the Titanic. It also describes such highly successful projects as the Panama Canal and the Shinkansen. All the major areas of engineering are covered with interesting case histories describing exemplary behavior of engineers placed in difficult situations. The way in which such ethical engineers can be supported by their professional societies and by the law is explored in depth. Controlling Technology: Ethics and the Responsible Engineer, Second Edition presents a practical and fascinating examination of the moral obligations, responsibilities, and challenges faced by engineers as they perform their professional duties. This invaluable guide is must reading for all engineers, graduate engineering students, and others interested in technology and society issues.

Engineers on the Spot.

The Abuse of Technology.

Codes of Engineering Ethics.

Role of Engineering Societies in Ethics.

Ethical Engineers and the Law.

Averting Conflict at the Source.

In Conclusion.

Appendix.

References.

Index.

STEPHEN H. UNGER is Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering at Columbia University, having previously worked in the industry. He is a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and received his ScD from MIT. He has published over forty technical papers and reports as well as two books on computer–related subjects. For over twenty years, Professor Unger has been active in the area of technology policy. He frequently writes and speaks on such topics as engineering ethics, government–imposed secrecy, energy, and war. He was a founder and later president of the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology and continues to be an active member of its governing body.