Introduction

This is a reflective writeup that seeks to discuss the impact of the engineering activities in society over the years. The paper gives reflections based on positive and negative impacts on that the activities have had on the society. It goes further to discuss the professionalism in engineering and ethics involved in the Australian contexts.

The society has been advancing from the traditional setup, to the industrial age, and to the current software dominated or the internet age. Some of the greatest inventions and innovations were done within the 18^th to 20^th century. For instance, the construction of structural buildings, transport or commuter structure, and service equipment.

I have reviewed different engineering projects in the society and some have very positive impacts. For instance, engineering projects have made labor much easier through the invention of high performance equipment. The equipment are used in farm work or other agricultural activities. Communication has been eased with the invention of the telephone for long distance hence information is passed faster. Bell felt that the traditional methods of communication were no longer going to be efficient especially with the industrial age coming to be. Such activities have improved the lives of people (Howard, 2008). Every innovation solves a problem. Engineering has constantly provided solutions such as cheap well drilling, provides irrigation schemes that are very efficient, it enables building of structures for public use and drives the transport system. More innovations have been directed to meeting social needs such as wind farms, solar power or energy, eco-friendly automobiles and household equipment.

Some engineering innovations have caused catastrophic destructions in the society. Engineers make weapons for use in battle. Some engineers can join terrorist or cultic groups and use their innovations to destroy property or even destroy lives. Other activities have caused air, water, and soil pollution. Factories spill wastes to the rivers and some dispose their scrap materials some with radioactivity to dumpsites.

I consider professionalism and ethics to be very crucial in all fields. Engineering is not an exception in and it works hand in hand with other facets in the society. Engineers are involved in the construction for weapons for military arsenals. Such weapons are needed to help a nation fight to defend its borders. As an engineer, I could use the weapons for destruction or to supply them to terrorists who use them to destroy property and lives. I find it more ethical to ensure that any engineering activity is performed to standard and with a moral standing. Just like any other field, engineers need to uphold professionalism by obeying the rules of trade, the working principles and protection regulations, as well as the code of conduct. I would be keen to ensure that I meet the requirements of every task to ensure the safety of life. Consider, a project to construct a bridge that crosses a wide river. I would ensure that the resources are procured and disbursed on time.

Ethic demands that these engineers make good designs to protect the lives of hundreds and thousands who consume such products. engineers design and implement large structures which may destroy the lives of many if found faulty. Some of the engineers have invested heavily in designing automobiles which have contributed to the adverse changes in climate. Ethics requires that one looks at engineering field as a profession whose outlook is essentially objective and disinterested, where the motive of making money is subordinated to serving the client in a manner not inconsistent with the public good  (Lawlor, n.d.). I think it is not plausible to think of remuneration as motivation to be a vice. I think what would be considered unethical is in the case of bribery. I would consider it unethical when an engineer fails to make a prompt or urgent decision based on ignorance.  One should portray respect for life, the law, and ensure that their work is for the good of the public and they should have responsible leadership skills (Howard, 2008).

References

Howard, P. P. S. M., 2008. Engineering’s Impact on Society, South Dakota, Rapid City, SD: Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering .

Lawlor, R., n.d. Engineering in Society. In: 2nd, ed. Royal Academy of Engineering. Australia: Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied, pp. 1-44.