PHL 316: Engineering Ethics

Winter Term, 2004

Daily course schedule

Unit 4: Engineering, environmental sustainability, and social justice

(March 30 -April 22)

In this unit we will study some competing conceptions of environmental sustainability and their relevance to engineering design and manufacturing.  We will review some innovative ways in which some companies have sought to operationalize sustainability.  We will also examine how the concept of social justice should constrain the distribution of environmental risks (locally, nationally, and internationally). 

Tu Mar 30

Competing conceptions of sustainability and environmental value.  Read: Gorman, Ch.9 (pp.62-66); Whitbeck, Ch.8 (pp.236-262).

Th Apr 1

Environmental intelligence.  Read: Gorman, Chs.11-12 (pp.74-97).  Optional: William McDonough and Michael Braungart, "The Next Industrial Revolution" (click here).  For slides from class on sustainability, click here.  [Mon., April 5, 8:00 p.m., KU Ballroom: lecture by Dr. William May, "Heroism, Leadership, and the Moral Mission of the University"]

Tu Apr 6

Climatex Lifecycle cases.  Read: Gorman, Chs. 13-16 (pp.98-122).  Also see the DesignTex web site (click here).  SW#3 due.  Draft outline of group presentation due.

Easter break: No class on Th Apr 8.

Tu Apr 13

Environmental justice.  Bhopal and Convent, LA.  Read: Gorman, Chs.26-27 (pp.210-224); Charlie Cray and Monique Harden, "Environmental Justice in Louisiana" (click here).  Links to Bhopal photos (click here). 

Th Apr 15, Tu Apr 20, Th Apr 22

Group presentations.  Attendance required.  Course evaluations administered on Thurs April 15.  Tentative presentation schedule: 

All final group projects are due in Dr. Benson's mailbox no later than Friday, Apr.23, 4:00 p.m.

Final exam (click here):  Thursday, Apr. 29, 2:00-3:50 p.m.  *Graduating seniors must make arrangements to take the exam no later than Tuesday, Apr. 27.

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