Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 12
Grade code: 1.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 1.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.1.3.LI.2
Theme: ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Subtheme: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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This lesson introduces the fundamental concepts of ethics within the engineering profession. In Ghana, as we strive for national development through projects like Agenda 111 hospitals, new road networks, and improved infrastructure, the role of the engineer is critical. However, technical skill alone is not enough. The decisions an engineer makes can affect the safety, health, and well-being of entire communities. A collapsed building in Accra, a poorly constructed bridge in a rural area, or a factory polluting a local river are not just technical failures; they are often ethical failures.
A. What is Ethics? Ethics refers to the moral principles that govern a person's or a group's behaviour. It is the study of what is right and wrong, good and bad. Think of it as a compass that helps us decide the correct path to take when faced with a choice that affects others. Simple Analogy: Imagine you find a wallet full of money on the floor in your school's cafeteria. You have two choices: keep the money or take it to the headmaster's office. Your ethics are the inner principles that guide you to make the right choice (returning the wallet). B. What is Engineering Ethics? Engineering Ethics is a specific set of professional ethics that applies to the practice of engineering. It provides the rules and standards that guide engineers in their work to ensure they act in a way that is safe, responsible, and beneficial to society. These are not just personal opinions; they are formal codes of conduct established by professional bodies like the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE). C. The Core Principles of Engineering Ethics
Every engineer must understand and live by these fundamental principles. The most important rule is often called the Paramountcy Principle. Hold Paramount the Safety, Health, and Welfare of the Public. Explanation: This is the number one rule. An engineer's primary duty is to protect the public. No project, profit, or deadline is more important than people's lives and well-being. Ghanaian Context: When an engineer is supervising the construction of a new classroom block in a community, they must ensure the concrete mixture is correct, the iron rods are the right size and quality, and the foundation is strong. Cutting corners to save money for the contractor would violate this principle and could lead to a catastrophic building collapse, endangering the lives of students and teachers. Perform Services Only in Areas of Their Competence. Explanation: Engineers should only take on jobs they are qualified and experienced to do. It is unethical to pretend you have skills that you do not possess. Ghanaian Context: An expert in electrical engineering who designs power systems for buildings should not accept a contract to design the structural foundation of a bridge over the Volta River. They lack the specific civil/structural engineering knowledge, and attempting the job would be irresponsible and dangerous. Issue Public Statements in an Objective and Truthful Manner. Explanation: Engineers must be honest in all their communications. This includes reports, public testimonies, and expert opinions. They should not falsify data or mislead the public or their clients. Ghanaian Context: If an engineer is hired to assess the environmental impact of a new factory near the Densu River, they must report their findings honestly. If they discover the factory's waste will pollute the water source for nearby towns, they must state this fact clearly, even if the factory owner offers them a bribe to hide it. Act for Each Employer or Client as Faithful Agents or Trustees. Explanation: Engineers must be loyal and trustworthy to the people who hire them. They must avoid conflicts of interest and keep confidential information private. Ghanaian Context: An engineer working for a mobile phone company like MTN on their new network mast design must not share the secret design plans with a competitor like Vodafone. This would be a breach of trust. Avoid Deceptive Acts (Maintain Honesty and Integrity). Explanation: This is about overall integrity. Engineers must be honest in all dealings, from bidding for projects to billing for services. Ghanaian Context: A contractor who is also an engineer provides a quote for a borehole project for a rural community. It is unethical for them to deliberately inflate the cost of the water pump and pipes to make an excessive profit from the community's funds. Conduct Themselves Honourably, Responsibly, Ethically, and Lawfully to Enhance the Honour, Reputation, and Usefulness of the Profession. Explanation: An engineer's actions reflect on the entire profession. Unethical behaviour by one engineer can damage the public's trust in all engineers. Ghanaian Context: An engineer caught taking bribes to approve shoddy road construction not only disgraces themselves but also makes the public suspicious of other engineers and government contracts. D. The Relevance of Ethics in Engineering Practice
So, why does all this matter? Here is a breakdown of its relevance: To Protect Public Safety: This is the most critical reason. Ethical practice prevents infrastructure failures like building collapses, dam breaks, and faulty electrical wiring that can kill and injure people. To Build Public Trust: When the public trusts engineers, they support large-scale national projects. People need to believe that the Pokuase Interchange is safe to drive on and that the new national cathedral will be built to last. Ethics is the foundation of this trust. To Ensure Economic Development: Investors, both local and foreign, are more likely to fund projects in a country where they can trust the engineering work to be of high quality and free from corruption. Ethical practice leads to durable, cost-effective projects that boost the economy. To Protect the Environment: Ethical engineers consider the long-term impact of their work on the environment. They design projects that minimize pollution, manage waste properly, and use resources sustainably, helping to fight problems like 'galamsey'-related water pollution. To Uphold Professional Standards and Reputation: A strong ethical code protects the engineering profession from being discredited. It ensures that being an "engineer" in Ghana is a mark of honour, skill, and integrity.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)