Pick one of the following options for your final paper.The paper should be typed, double-spaced.

1.

The Fleddermann text talks about how different values on a Code of Ethics are sometimes in tension with one another, in practice. Look carefully at the items on the IEEE and NSPE Codes of Ethics at the back of the book, and consider ways that twoor more items on the code might conflict. Then read through the various case studies in the text, and find at least TWO case studies where those two items are in tension. Use the case studies as a platform from which to discuss how engineers/scientists in the relevant situations ought to act, when those two particular values come into conflict.

In your paper, you should first describe the conflict. Then you should briefly summarize the ways this conflict can be seen in the 3+ scenarios you chose to discuss. Finally, either (a) argue that one of the values always trumps the other value, or (b) explain why the two values should be weighed differently, in different particular situations. If you choose (b), give a principled explanation of what sorts of situations merit what sorts of treatment. Note: Do NOT write about a conflict where there is an easy and uncontroversial answer. You need to address genuine moral dilemmas.

2.

Our Engineering Ethics textbook has hundreds of cases describing companies that manufactured harmful products, or otherwise engaged in activities that many people would describe as immoral. In most of these cases, a close analysis reveals that members of the company (including engineers) were genuinely engaged in wrongdoing. There may be some cases, however, where the actions of the company were completely morally defensible, despite the fact that harmful consequences arose from their actions. For this essay, I want you to pick one case from the textbook, and argue that – despite the bad consequences – the relevant company did nothing morally wrong. In your argument, please make sure that you explain the opposing position in some detail, but defend your own position in greater detail.

3.

Ethics is all about imagination. In an attempt to show how well you understand our discussions of ethics in this class, I want you to imagine a situation where an engineer or computer scientist encounters a serious moral dilemma pertaining to their profession. Then I want you to create a dramatic work – probably a short story, but also possibly a play or a film – depicting the character thinking through their moral dilemma. Their thought process should engage with many of the various sorts of moral considerations we’ve talked about (deontology, virtue, rights, utilitarianism), but you do not need to use those particular terms to dramatize their thinking. Just show that you have the capacity to think through a situation morally, by showing your character doing just that.

Whichever prompt you choose, your paper should be between 850 and 1100 words, typed, double-spaced.