Why Can't You Ethicists Tell Me the <i>Right</i> Answers?

Abstract

Engineers, accustomed to obtaining right answers by consensus from various experts, often assume that professional ethicists can help them solve problems related to professional ethics. Unfortunately, engineers invariably find it frustrating to work with ethicists who refuse to provide the right answers to such problems. Conversely, ethicists are uncomfortable working with engineers who demand solutions to problems that ethicists recognize as the responsibility of each individual. This paper explores what engineers can realistically expect of ethicists and how ethicists can best respond to the needs of engineers. Case studies are used to illustrate the principles and conflicts in the resolution of value laden‐problems.