How to Teach Engineering Ethics?

A Retrospective and Prospective Sketch of TU Delft’s Approach to Engineering Ethics Education

Journal article (2021)

Authors

J.B. van Grunsven Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM
L. Marin Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM
T.W. Stone Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM
S. Roeser Values Technology and Innovation
N. Doorn Ethics & Philosophy of Technology - TPM
Research Group
Ethics & Philosophy of Technology (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 J.B. van Grunsven, L. Marin, T.W. Stone, S. Roeser, N. Doorn
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Values Technology and Innovation

Research Group

Ethics & Philosophy of Technology

Abstract

This paper provides a retrospective and prospective overview of TU Delft’s approach to engineering ethics education. For over twenty years, the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section at TU Delft has been at the forefront of engineering ethics education, offering education to a wide range of engineering and design students. The approach developed at TU Delft is deeply informed by the research of the Section, which is centered around Responsible Research and Innovation, Design for Values, and Risk Ethics. These theoretical approaches are premised on the notion that technologies are inherently value-laden, and as such contain the possibility of fostering or hindering moral values. Each of these approaches encourages students to take a proactive attitude with respect to their projects and profession, thinking creatively about – and taking responsibility for – how to both prevent harm and do good via the technologies they help develop. To explain how this is put into practice, this paper sketches a brief history of ethics teaching at TU Delft, outlines current activities, and presents future plans for Bachelor and Master’s level engineering ethics education at TU Delft.