NAME: ARIEL B. ARANTE JR.

SCHEDULE AND SECTION: BSCE 3-6 (MONDAY & WEDNESDAY)

SUBJECT: CE LAWS, ETHICS, AND CONTRACTS

Activity: Ethical Case Studies for Civil Engineering Students

Objective: To apply ethical principles to real-world scenarios faced by civil engineers.
Instructions:
1. Divide students into groups of 3-4.
2. Assign each group a case study.
3. Provide students with the following resources:
o Ethical theories: Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics, Social Contract
Theory, Care Ethics.
o Key concepts: Moral relativism, moral absolutism, ethical egoism,
altruism.
o Applied ethics: Bioethics, environmental ethics, business ethics,
professional ethics.
4. Ask students to analyze their assigned case study using the ethical framework
provided.
5. Have students present their findings to the class, discussing the ethical issues
involved, potential solutions, and the implications of their decisions.

CHOOSE 2 IN THE CASE STUDIES

Case Studies:
1. Bridge Collapse: A bridge collapses due to faulty construction materials. The
engineer responsible for approving the materials is facing legal charges. What
are the ethical considerations for the engineer, the construction company, and
the government?
2. Environmental Impact Assessment: A proposed dam project will flood a pristine
forest, displacing indigenous communities. The engineer is tasked with
conducting an environmental impact assessment. How should the engineer
balance the economic benefits of the dam with the environmental and social
costs?
3. Bribery and Corruption: A contractor offers a bribe to a civil engineer in
exchange for a favorable bid on a government project. What are the ethical
implications for the engineer, the contractor, and the government?
4. Professional Responsibility: An engineer discovers a design flaw in a completed
building that could pose a safety hazard. The engineer is afraid of losing their
job if they report the issue. What are the engineer's ethical obligations?
5. Technological Advancement: A new construction technology promises to be
more efficient and sustainable, but it also raises concerns about job
displacement and potential safety risks. How should engineers evaluate the
ethical implications of this new technology?

CHOOSE 3 IN THE SCENARIOS

Scenario 1: The Aging Infrastructure Dilemma
Prompt: A city is facing a crisis with its aging infrastructure. Many bridges and roads are
nearing the end of their lifespan, posing safety risks to the public. As a civil engineer,
how would you prioritize the rehabilitation or replacement of these structures,
considering factors such as budget constraints, traffic patterns, and potential disasters?
Scenario 2: Sustainable Urban Development
Prompt: A rapidly growing city is facing challenges related to population density, traffic
congestion, and environmental pollution. As a civil engineer, how would you design a
sustainable urban development plan that addresses these issues while promoting
economic growth and improving quality of life for residents?
Scenario 3: Disaster Preparedness
Prompt: A coastal city is vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes. As a civil engineer, how
would you design and implement infrastructure projects (e.g., seawalls, evacuation
routes, reinforced buildings) to enhance the city's resilience to natural disasters?
Scenario 4: Ethical Dilemma: Conflict of Interest
Prompt: A civil engineering firm is considering a project that involves clearing a forested area.
While the project promises economic benefits, it also poses a threat to biodiversity. As a
project engineer, how would you navigate this ethical dilemma and balance the needs of
the community with the protection of the environment?
Scenario 5: Emerging Technologies in Construction
 Prompt: New technologies such as 3D printing and drones are revolutionizing the
construction industry. As a civil engineer, how would you incorporate these technologies
into your projects to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability?
Scenario 6: Infrastructure Financing
Prompt: A government agency is facing a funding shortage for a critical infrastructure project.
As a civil engineer, how would you explore different financing options, such as public-
private partnerships (PPPs) or green bonds, to secure the necessary funds?
Scenario 7: Climate Change Adaptation
Prompt: Sea level rise and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to
climate change. As a civil engineer, how would you design coastal infrastructure (e.g.,
seawalls, storm surge barriers) to adapt to these changing conditions and protect coastal
communities?
Scenario 8: Sustainable Materials and Construction Practices
Prompt: The construction industry has a significant environmental footprint. As a civil
engineer, how would you incorporate sustainable materials (e.g., recycled materials,
bamboo) and construction practices (e.g., energy-efficient designs, waste reduction) into
your projects?
Scenario 9: Infrastructure Maintenance and Inspection
Prompt: Ensuring the safety and reliability of existing infrastructure is crucial. As a civil
engineer, how would you develop a comprehensive maintenance and inspection plan to
identify potential problems and prevent failures?
Scenario 10: International Development Projects
Prompt: A civil engineering firm is involved in a development project in a developing country.
As a project engineer, how would you address cultural differences, language barriers, and
infrastructure limitations to ensure the success of the project?

Discussion Questions:
 How do different ethical theories inform the decision-making process in these
case studies?
 What are the potential consequences of unethical behavior in the field of civil
engineering?
 How can engineers promote ethical practices within the industry?
 What role do professional organizations play in ensuring ethical conduct among
civil engineers?
By engaging in this activity, students will develop a deeper understanding of ethical
principles and their application to real-world scenarios. They will also learn the
importance of ethical decision-making in the field of civil engineering.
Answers:
1. Bridge Collapse: A bridge collapses due to faulty construction materials. The
engineer responsible for approving the materials is facing legal charges. What
are the ethical considerations for the engineer, the construction company, and
the government?

Ethical Considerations:

Utilitarianism: Also, it is important to establish that in any case, the utilitarian perspective
analyzes situations in the view of the greatest happiness principle, which means that the primary
objective is the benefit of the largest number of people. The breakage of the bridge probably led
to losses to many parties and they are supposed to be prevented by the engineer for safety of
the people.

Deontology: Deontological ethics mainly deal with the principle of duty as well as the principles
of right and wrong. It was the responsibility of the engineer to only endorse safe materials into
the building. Consequently, the engineer has been found to have acted wrongly by neglecting
his/her requisite duty irrespective of the outcome.

Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics mainly draws its emphasis from the ethical character of the person. It
would also be important to monitor the engineer’s behavior to determine his/her magnitude of
honesty in fulfilling the engineering responsibilities and the degree of responsibility shown.
Inability to guarantee on the quality and safety means that there are some negative traits to this
engineer.

Social Contract Theory: This theory would focus on the understanding by the engineer and the
society to keep safety and structural soundness throughout construction. If this contract is not
properly upheld it sets the basis for loss of public confidence/ esteem.

Care Ethics: In this a lot of focus is placed on the need to care and be accountable to other
people. The fact that the engineer did not do more to stop the collapse tells show a level of
negligence of people’s lives.

Potential Solutions: These improved systems should include increased testing and appreciation of
relevant materials.

Process: Enhance the transparency in construction approval system, compensate the victims of
the collapse and guarantee that everyone gets a fair trial.

Implications: Civilian legal implications that can be incurred by the engineer and the firm. Also,
possible changes in official and legal safety measures and though processes.

2. Environmental Impact Assessment: A proposed dam project will flood a pristine

forest, displacing indigenous communities. The engineer is tasked with
conducting an environmental impact assessment. How should the engineer
balance the economic benefits of the dam with the environmental and social
costs?

Ethical Considerations:
Utilitarianism: How to pay for the costs for the dam while considering the consequences it has on
the environment and the people. The decision made should be made in a way that would seek to
benefit most while causing harm to as few as possible.

Deontology: It is the duty of the engineer to give truthful accounts on the adverse effects of the
Dam and do note the rights of the affected people.

Virtue Ethics: Checking how the engineer offers solutions based on the responsibility for the
environment and native populations. Honesty and courtesy are some of the values applicable in
this regard.

Social Contract Theory: As part of the social contract, people are expected to safeguard and
promote the conservation of natural resources and respect human rights of the affected people.
Ejection of indigenous people might be considered a breach of the said covenant.

Care Ethics: Being unambiguous about human’s responsibility to keeping the Environment and
affected communities warm. The engineer must decide whether it is for the benefit of the people
that will be impacted by the project.

Potential Solutions: Ensure that there is an adequate assessment of any environmental and social
impact that the generation, distribution and use of electricity is likely to have. Consider possible
ideas which will have less negative impact on the environment and social environment. Consult
and reflect on the viewpoints of the stakeholders which are the indigenous people.

Implications: Risk that the development, scope, or design of the project may be altered to have
lesser effect on the environment and affect people. Thus, there are legal and ethical obligations
that actors should have towards the communities that are in the receiving end of climate change
impacts and the environment.

SCENARIOS

Scenario 1: The Aging Infrastructure Dilemma

Prompt: A city is facing a crisis with its aging infrastructure. Many bridges and roads
are nearing the end of their lifespan, posing safety risks to the public. As a civil
engineer, how would you prioritize the rehabilitation or replacement of these
structures, considering factors such as budget constraints, traffic patterns, and
potential disasters?

Ethical Considerations:

Utilitarianism: Closely control the choice of the tasks aiming at reducing risks for people’s safety,
choosing the projects that will influence the biggest number of people.

Deontology: Always follow the ethic responsibilities and regulation in safety and maintenance.
Confirm that all the infrastructures are well constructed and meet all the required code
standards.

Virtue Ethics: They should be responsible and future oriented while making decisions. It is is
essential to also take into account the future of the community as well as its welfare.

Social Contract Theory: Maintain the society’s standard of having safe structures in place.

Care Ethics: Protection of the interest and welfare of the public as well as interested groups
especially the vulnerable persons.

Approach: Ensure that a risk evaluation is done and projects ranked depending on level of risk
they pose.
Create a long term plan toward incremental changes within the limitations of the organization’s
means. It is essential to have face-to-face contact with the members of the community to
identify what they want and what matters to them.

Scenario 3: Disaster Preparedness

Prompt: A coastal city is vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes. As a civil engineer,
how would you design and implement infrastructure projects (e.g., seawalls,
evacuation routes, reinforced buildings) to enhance the city's resilience to natural
disasters?

Ethical Considerations:

Utilitarianism: Incorporate systems that enhance safety to reduce on the number of fatalities and
loss of property in case of a disaster.

Deontology: Adhere to professional ethical requirements as well as other best practices

concerning the concept of disaster resiliency. It has to be pointed out that before acceptance all
designs have to conform to needed safety standards.

Virtue Ethics: Assure people that is consistent with your visions and give clear indication of your
endeavor to embrace future and well- being of the public.

Social Contract Theory: Meets the society’s demand of safeguarding residents from havoc by
natural forces.

Care Ethics: Residents have to have safety and preparedness for natural disasters as a priority
especially for vulnerable members of the society.

Approach: The use of engineering measures of disaster resistance such as buildings and sea
walls among the new generation. Not only that, it will be important to design relevant techniques
of evacuation and formulate efficient emergency response procedures. Also, help inform the
public on what to do or rather continue doing in the event of a disaster and safety aggression.

Scenario 5: Emerging Technologies in Construction

Prompt: New technologies such as 3D printing and drones are revolutionizing the
construction industry. As a civil engineer, how would you incorporate these
technologies into your projects to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance
sustainability?