Example Of Essay On Engineering Ethics

Facts about engineering design of space shuttle Challenger said that the disaster happened due to breakdown of a solid rocket booster. It is not possible for shuttle to generate enough force overcoming the gravitational pull of earth and to achieve its orbit in the absence of these boosters. Afterwards, these boosters were designed so as to save the hazard in future and it was successfully done. Furthermore, testing of o-ring was made at inadequately low temperature and the design of joints which sealed o-rings was also faulty. These joints were also redesigned with a 3rd seal of o-ring with improved insulation and metal lip. Qualification testing was initiated as a safety factor for preventing structural testing damage. The weather condition enforced first delay due to its face toward area causing rain with cold temperature. It was predetermined to be less than 30° for the next launch date. Even at the time of launch, weather condition was not sufficient enough since it had unsatisfactory low temperature.
One of the most crucial professional responsibilities which was neglected that the engineers took place of management and they persuaded launching shuttle even the weather was also unfavorable.
As I have already discussed that it was one of the factors that resulted in the disaster and if I were an engineer working in a management position, then I would definitely be aware of my responsibility for protecting the well-being as well as the safety of public in my professional efforts. There is no doubt in the fact that being loyal to company is important but it should not be permitted to overrule the obligation of engineer towards public.

References

Baron, Marcia. (1984). The moral status of loyalty. Illinois Institute of Technology: Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions. p. 9.