Ethic is a set, theory or system of moral principles or values (ethic par. 3) that organizations adopt to govern the members’ actions and decisions. The IEEE Code of Ethics manifests such ethical principles and values which the organization mandates its members to imbibe as their personal obligation (IEEE par. 1). The Code emphasizes the relevance and necessity of technology and its influence upon the life of everyone (IEEE par. 1). It enumerates the acts and decisions of the members (first party) towards the receiver (second party) of their actions and services that includes the world in general, the community served, and other members of the organization, who, besides the members are the end-receiver of the technology.
Fair and equal treatment of all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, etc. (IEEE par. 9) subscribe to the ethical principle of justice (Rainbow par. 8). The principle of beneficence, that of doing what is good (Rainbow par. 2), is shown in arriving at engineering decisions that would promote the safety, health and welfare of the public and owning responsibility for such decisions (IEEE par. 2). The principle of doing no harm or least harm (Rainbow par. 3) manifested in making engineering decisions that would not endanger the public and the environment and avoiding infliction of injury to persons, property, character, etc. through fictitious or malevolent actions (IEEE par. 10). Corollary to avoidance of harm to others is gaining technical competence and experience; enhancement of the knowledge on the technology, its suitable application and effects of such technology; and embarking on a task if qualified, revealing all limitations (IEEE par. 7).
Under the Deontological Theory (Rainbow par. 10), the Code puts emphasis on the duty of the members to the second party mentioned above (IEEE par. 1). Ethical standards with Consequentalist underpinning include presentation of evidence-based truthful declarations; avoidance of any form of conflict and informing the parties involved if conflicts exist; rejection of bribery; acceptance, acknowledgment or offer of truthful criticisms for technical work and errors and providing appropriate credits to accomplishments; and providing support and assistance to co-members in attaining professional growth and adherence to the Code (IEEE pars. 4, 3, 5, 8, 11). Consequentialism purports the moral rightness of an act when it causes a “more favorable than an unfavorable” result (Fieser par. 27). The Utilitarian Theory of Mill, an illustration of consequentialism, states that an “action is right” if it upholds the most suitable outcome (Hursthouse par. 2).
The ethical principle of respect for the autonomy of the individual (Rainbow par. 4) is not included in the Code. Regard for autonomy is shown by undertaking consultation with stakeholders to elicit their views and sentiments on the technology being imposed upon them for the promotion of the greater good. Under the principle of autonomy, people are allowed to decide for themselves and control their lives (Rainbow par. 5). Respect for human rights and individual freedoms can also be included in the Code since new technology can readily violate them.
Works Cited
- “ethic.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2009. Merriam-Webster Online. Web.
- Fieser, James. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2006. Web.
- Hursthouse, Rosalind. Ethical Theories Compared. 2001.
- IEEE. IEEE Code of Ethics. February 2006.
- Rainbow, Catherine. Descriptions of Ethical Theories and Principles. 2002.