Introduction
It should be noted that although the necessity of the code might be questioned, as the legal framework might do the job in setting the standards, it should be stated that the code is not considered obsolete in today’s society, being almost 95 years old. The code is constantly refined to meet the increased demands, but nevertheless staying to the true nature of the ethical guidelines initially established. The fact that the code is voluntary, and at sections surpasses the legal framework in terms of defining responsibility outlines that the profession “chosen to take on a degree of service above and beyond [civil engineers’] legal responsibility” (Groden 75).
Main body
The characterization of civil engineers in 2025 outlines that engineers will be all-around “master builders” taking the responsibility for the environment, innovation, integration, risk management and leading the shaping the public policy. In that regard, the ethics in the established vision can be seen to be concerned with many aspects of civil engineering in 2025. In terms of knowledge, the ethical aspects should include the acknowledgement of such basic of ethical conduct as client confidentiality, anti-corruption, comprehension of the differences between the legal requirements and ethical expectations, and profession’s responsibility. In terms of attitudes, the ethical aspect includes commitment the established ethical conduct as well as to the goals, both individual and organizational.
As a way of achieving such vision, specifically in terms of ethics, it can be stated that the guidelines established an educational direction in that matter. The guidelines outlines that the aspect of ethics should be devoted greater training and education, where engineers should serve as role models (ASCE “The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025” 25). In that regard, it can be seen that the vision in showing the significance of ethics, goes beyond simple ethical decisions between engineers and customers to include the engineering practice in general and on a global scale.
It can be seen that despite the fact that the code of ethics established by ASCE dives into the specifics, which might cover various ethical and moral situation, the ethical conduct outlined in the Vision for Civil Engineer of 2025 can be translated as an essential part of the engineering practice, rather than a guideline. In that regard, such phrase as high ethical standards of practice covers many behavioral practices, which accordingly can be integrated into areas of knowledge and competence. It can be said that the moral basis of engineering practices can be disrupted by such attributes as carelessness, negligence, laziness, and distraction. The engineer might start his practice as qualified specialist with high ideals, but then fail to one of such mistakes. That is why, the education of engineers is given such importance, and accordingly, it is the same reason that the same importance is given to the human qualities of engineers, their image in the mind of the public and their self-perception of such image (ASCE “The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025” 56).
Conclusion
It can be concluded that ethics is of vital importance for the profession of civil engineers, a fact that is confirmed through the commitment of ASCE to its code of ethics, and the role of ethics for the civil engineer of 2025. In that regard, it can said that ethics and ethical responsibility is bordering with qualification in terms of its importance for the profession. Additionally, a way to promote the high ethical standards of the practice can be seen through the emphasis on ethical training and education.
Works Cited
ASCE. “Code of Ethics”. 2009. American Society of Civil Engineers. Web.
“The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025”. 2006. American Society of Civil Engineers. Web.
Groden, Bryan T. “Is the ASCE Code of Ethics Obsolete in Today’s Society?” Civil Engineering 61 1 (1991): 74. Print.
Larson, Tamara. “The Evolution of Engineering Ethics During the Last 150 Years.” Civil Engineering 73 3 (2003): 84.