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: 15
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 concept of ethics in the engineering profession. As future engineers, technicians, and problem-solvers in Ghana, your work will have a direct impact on people's lives, the environment, and our nation's development. From the tro-tro you ride in, the bridge you cross, the water you drink, to the phone network you use, engineering is everywhere. This lesson will explore why doing this work the *right way*—ethically—is not just a good idea, but an absolute necessity for building a safe, prosperous, and sustainable Ghana.
A. What is Ethics? Think of ethics as a moral compass. It's a system of moral principles that helps us decide what is good for individuals and for society. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Morals: Your personal beliefs about right and wrong (e.g., "I believe lying is wrong"). Ethics: A formal system or code of conduct that a group or profession agrees to follow (e.g., "As a profession, engineers shall be honest and impartial"). B. What is Engineering Ethics? Engineering ethics is the set of professional standards and moral principles that engineers are expected to follow. It's not just about technical skill (being able to design a strong beam); it's about using that skill responsibly. The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has a Code of Ethics that all professional engineers in Ghana must follow.
The most important rule, the "golden rule" of engineering ethics, is to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. This means the well-being of the community comes before the engineer's personal profit, the client's demands, or anything else. C. The Relevance of Ethics in Engineering Practice (Why It Matters)
Why can't an engineer just do whatever a client pays them to do? Here are the critical reasons why ethics is the foundation of the engineering profession. Pillar 1: To Protect Public Safety and Welfare This is the most important reason. Engineering failures can be catastrophic. When an engineer makes an unethical decision—like using substandard materials to save money or approving an unsafe design—people can get hurt or even die. Ghanaian Context/Example: Think about the tragic collapse of buildings we sometimes hear about in the news in Accra or other cities. Investigations often reveal issues like poor quality concrete, insufficient steel reinforcement, or building on unsuitable land. These are not just technical mistakes; they are profound ethical failures. An ethical engineer would refuse to compromise on safety standards, no matter the pressure. Pillar 2: To Ensure Economic Viability and Prevent Corruption Engineers manage huge sums of money, often public or taxpayer money, for large infrastructure projects. Ethical practice ensures that this money is used effectively to deliver high-quality, durable projects. Ghanaian Context/Example: Have you ever seen a newly built road develop potholes after just one rainy season? This is often a sign of unethical practices. An engineer might have approved the use of a cheaper, weaker asphalt mix to allow the contractor to make more profit (and perhaps give the engineer a "kickback"). This wastes national resources, as the road will need expensive repairs much sooner. An ethical engineer ensures "value for money" for the nation. Pillar 3: To Safeguard the Environment and Ensure Sustainability Engineering projects can have a massive impact on the environment. Dams change rivers, factories can pollute the air and water, and roads can cut through forests. Ghanaian Context/Example: The issue of illegal mining ("galamsey") is a perfect example of unethical engineering and technical practice. Unethical operators use harmful chemicals like mercury, which poison our rivers (like the Pra and Ankobra) and destroy farmland for generations. An ethical engineer, on the other hand, would design mining operations that minimize environmental damage, treat waste properly, and include a plan to restore the land after the project is complete. This is called sustainable development. Pillar 4: To Uphold Professional Integrity and Trust The public must be able to trust engineers. When you cross a bridge like the Adomi Bridge, you trust that the engineers who designed and maintain it did their job correctly and honestly. If engineers are known to be corrupt or incompetent, this trust is broken. Ghanaian Context/Example: When a project like the Pokuase Interchange is successfully completed, it builds public trust in Ghanaian engineers. However, if one engineer is found to be corrupt, it damages the reputation of the entire profession. An ethical engineer acts with honesty, integrity, and fairness to maintain the honour and dignity of the engineering profession.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)