The historical and philosophical development of engineering ethics in Germany

Abstract

German engineering is distinguished not only by its technical leadership in such fields as chemicals and automobiles, but also by the special form that social and ethical concerns have taken in the profession. This review begins with an overview of the historical background from the late 19th century through World War II, followed by considerations of the postwar professional renewal, and then the professional response to consumer and environmental criticisms during the 1970s and 1980s. Key topics addressed include engineering ethics, technology assessment, and professional engineering development.