Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Subject: Engineering
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 18
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.1.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.2
Theme: ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Subtheme: ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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This lesson introduces the fundamental principles of ethics and professional practice in the field of engineering. As future engineers and technicians in Ghana, your work will have a direct impact on people's lives—from the safety of the buildings we live in (like the Accra Mall), the reliability of our electricity (from VRA/ECG), to the bridges we cross (like the Adomi Bridge). This lesson explains the rules and moral principles that guide engineers to make responsible decisions that protect the public, uphold the reputation of their profession, and contribute positively to our nation's development.
This section breaks down the core ideas you need to understand. A. What are Ethics? Ethics are moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity. They are the "moral compass" that helps us decide what is right and wrong. Professional Ethics are the specific moral principles and standards of conduct that people in a particular profession are expected to follow. A doctor has a professional ethic to "do no harm," a journalist has one to "report the truth," and an engineer has one to "hold paramount the safety of the public." B. Code of Ethics vs. Code of Conduct This is a very important distinction. While they are related, they are not the same thing. Code of Ethics: Nature: It is a broad, aspirational document based on principles and values. It describes the core values of a profession. Focus: It answers the question, "Why?" It's about the ideals and moral foundation. Language: Uses general statements like "act with integrity," "be honest and impartial," "protect the public welfare." Example Principle: "Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public." (This is a guiding principle, not a specific action). Code of Conduct: Nature: It is a specific, directive document based on rules. It provides clear guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Focus: It answers the question, "How?" It's about specific actions. Language: Uses direct commands like "Do not accept bribes," "You must not share confidential client data," "Avoid conflicts of interest." Example Rule: "An engineer must not accept any gift or payment from a contractor that could be seen as an attempt to influence their professional judgment." (This is a specific, enforceable rule).
Analogy: Think of your school. The Code of Ethics is the school's motto and mission, e.g., "Integrity and Excellence." It's the big idea of what a good student should be. The Code of Conduct is the list of school rules: "Wear the correct uniform," "No running in the corridors," "Be in class by 8:00 AM."
Summary Table:
| Feature | Code of Ethics | Code of Conduct | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Focus | Values & Principles (The "Why") | Actions & Rules (The "How") | | Scope | Broad and Aspirational | Specific and Directive | | Purpose | To inspire and guide | To clarify and enforce | | Example | "Serve the public with fidelity." | "Do not falsify test results." | C. The Importance of Professional Codes of Ethics