Ethics Spun from Fairy Tales

Abstract

Considerations are given about the development and changes in the ASCE Code of Ethics. The oxymoronic nature of the concept is analyzed. The changes made in recent years are shown in connection with the DoJ, and other federal requirements, as well as the importance of having a code of ethics. Case studies are given as used in the Wisconsin Section. They illustrate the importance of various parts of the code. The paper ends with a quotation from Shakespeare, “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”