PHIL 246 - Engineering Ethics

Unit(s): 4

This class introduces students to engineering ethics. We first investigate four classic ethical theories that seek to explain what makes an action morally right or morally wrong: Moral Relativism, Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics. We use these theories to critically analyze a variety of case studies across engineering disciplines (e.g., case studies about human genetics, affirmative action, domestic surveillance and consumer privacy, whistleblowing, and targeted advertising). We then explore some contemporary moral problems in the field of engineering, e.g., engineering and sustainability, engineering and self-driving cars, and engineering and autonomous technology.

College of Arts and Sciences