THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

Engineering Ethics Cases from Texas A&M

The cases indexed and introduced here were developed by a group of faculty and administrators at Texas A&M University. The project, under the leadership of Ed Harris and Michael J. Rabins was funded by the National Science Foundation. The cases include instructions for use in teaching. The following three historical cases, amply illustrated with pictures and diagrams, recount famous accidents that provide moral lessons for engineers. The following six historical cases relate a variety of other engineering ethics issues, from gross violation of environmental regulations to conflict of interest in the operations of a professional engineering society. Though largely unedited, in original text form created for printout, the information presented may still prove to be useful for a discussion of ethical issues. The next case focuses on identifying and addressing value issues of an engineering design project important to human well-being. Another case is a discussion and lesson plan using elements of a fictional case dramatized in the video tape, "Gilbane Gold,a Video Case Study" produced by The National Institute for Engineering Ethics of the NSPE.

• A Plow For Peasant Farmers (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases )

  Summary of a hypothetical case study and design project that asks engineers to consider the values at issue their work and the social ramifications of technology.

• Anhydrous Ammonia Hose Failure (Texas A &M University Engineering Ethics Cases)

  An overview of the Anhydrous Ammonia Hose Failure case study maintained by the Texas A and M University.

• ASME vs. Hydrolevel Corp (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases)

  A summary of a conflict of interest case involving the professional society ASME and its decisions regarding boiler control equipment made by the Hydrolevel Corp.

• B. F. Goodrich Air Force A7D Brake Problem Case (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases )

  An overview of the historical B. F. Goodrich Air Force A7D Brake Problem case study maintained by the Texas A & M University.

• Hyatt Regency Walkways Collapse (Texas A&M University Engineering Ethics Cases)

  A summary of the historical case of a deadly catwalk collapse at the Kansas City hotel. The case emphasizes issues of professional responsibility.

• The Aberdeen Three Case (Texas A&M University Engineering Ethics Cases)

  A summary of a historical case involving criminal negliance at a hazardous waste storage facility at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

• The Case of the Lakewood "Hi-Stak" (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases )

  A summary of a historical case of a heavy equipment accident, which raises questions about responsibility, safety, and design. The case itself includes detailed diagrams and numerical problems.

• Trench Boxes and the Construction Site (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases )

  Summary of a case involving safety equipment and professional responsibility on a trench digging site.

• TV Antenna Collapse (Texas A & M University Engineering Ethics Cases)

  An summary of a case study that examines and accident, caught on film, and the related issues of responsibility and negligence.

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