Using ethics problems to teach the design method

As an experiment the author has used a method of analysis of ethical problems developed by Dr. Heinz Luegenbiehl of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to teach the design method. In his algorithm a series of analytical steps which closely parallel those of the engineering design method is followed to select an action pathway which solves an ethical dilemma. The ethical problems may be hypothetical, historical in origin, or some hybrid of these. In class, an ethical analysis problem was included in many of the homework sets to give practice in ethics, group work and design. This approach has four advantages: (1) it does not rely on detailed ethical theory, simple common-sense analysis is used; (2) it permits inclusion of ethics into everyday classwork; (3) it teaches the design process independently of design itself; and (4) it raises the consciousness of students to the importance of ethics in engineering practice. The technique has been tried in a senior elective class on electromagnetics (Fall 1996), and in a junior level required class on electronics (Spring 1997) and will be tried in a freshman required class Introduction to EE (Fall 1997). Initial results are far more positive than originally expected (in terms of student performance), and student reaction is also positive