About Safety and Its Ethical Challenges for the Christian Engineer in a Technological Society
| Authors | Comer, Anthony |
|---|---|
| Date | 2017 |
| Proceedings | Proceedings of the 2017 Christian Engineering Conference |
| URL | https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/christian_engineering_conference/2017/calling_and_engineering/3 |
Type: Conference Paper
Tags: Christian Engineering
Abstract
This paper examines the ethical challenges surrounding safety for engineers in a technological society, emphasizing the unique responsibilities of Christian engineers. While corporations prioritize safety in policy statements, economic pressures often create conflicts between profit and protection, leading to ethical dilemmas. The paper defines safety as freedom from harm within acceptable risk levels and reviews industry standards established by organizations such as ASSE, ANSI, and OSHA. It explores ethical theories—utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics—and argues that Christian principles, rooted in biblical commands to love one’s neighbor and steward creation, call for a higher standard than secular codes. Case studies, including the BP oil spill, Volkswagen emissions scandal, and San Juanico LPG disaster, illustrate the consequences of compromising safety for economic gain. The paper also addresses emerging challenges in fields such as biomedical, software, and genetic engineering, as well as the influence of technology on ethical behavior. Strategies for improving safety standards include integrating ethics into engineering education, involving affected stakeholders in decision-making, and requiring accountability at all organizational levels. Ultimately, the paper asserts that Christian engineers must courageously advocate for safety policies motivated by love and integrity rather than profit, ensuring that technological progress aligns with biblical principles of care for people and the environment.