Term
| Is Engineering an "occupation" or a "profession?" |
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Definition
Profession
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| List 3 other "professions" in addition to engineering: |
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Definition
law, medicine, and theology
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| List 3 reasons why engineering is considered a "profession." |
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Definition
1. special knowledge
2. special privileges
3. special responsibilities
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| Who regulates the engineering profession? |
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Definition
It is self-regulated. Engineering associations (ABET, NCEES, etc.) control the training and evaluation processes that permit new people to become engineers.
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| Is a licensed engineer is directed to do something unethical by his/her supervisor, is that OK? In other words, are you safe from making unethical decisions if a higher-up in the company has made the decision? |
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Definition
No, it's not OK.
Each licensed engineer is considered autonomous and is expected to use their independent judgment in carrying out professional responsibilities.
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| If engineers have to be (1) technically competent and also (2) ethical, when does one trump the other? |
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Definition
| The two objectives (being both technically competent and being ethical) are intertwined. A good technical solution must by definition also be an ethical solution. |
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Term
| Which is a greater threat to the public: (1) engineers that are technically incompetent; (2) engineers that are not guided by ethical principles? |
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Definition
They pose equal threats. Technical Competence is worthless without Ethical Competence, and vice versa.
(source: FE Handbook) |
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Term
| NCEES Rules of Professional Conduct have 3 major sections that describe the OBLIGATIONS of Licensed Engineers. List the 3 major sections: |
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Definition
1. Licensee's Obligation to Society
2. Licensee's Obligation to Employers and Clients.
3. Licensee's Obligation to Other Licensees.
(source: FE Handbook) |
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