Code of Practice...

[Genghis the Engineer]

As an Engineer, I signed a bit of paper once agreeing to abide by the Engineering Council Code and Rules of Conduct. I do occasionally refer to it and find it helpful - if you'd like a copy I have a spare, PM me a postal address (I don't have an electronic copy I'm afraid).

That said, the HAI one posted is interesting, I shall take note of that.


For that matter, it's often interesting to look at the original Hypocratic oath - the grandparent of all systems of professional ethics and just think where it's coming from - whilst the language is a little odd in this millenium (or the last for that matter!, the principles convert to almost anything.

Out of curiosity, there are several professions on here - engineers, pilots, the odd lawyer - what's the difference between what the various of us are required (or suggested?) to sign up to in the way of professional ethics.

G

I SWEAR by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation- to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!

My interpretation of this is..

(1) When I give my word, I stick to it.
(2) I will continue to respect, and if they're in trouble - support, the people who taught me my profession.
(3) I will share my professional knowledge with those who can benefit from it.
(4) If I do share my professional knowledge, I will also insist upon this being used as ethically as I would.
(5) I won't do anything knowingly to harm anybody when I could avoid it.
(6) If I'm out of my depth, I'll call in an expert, not pretend I can do something I'm not competent to handle.
(7) I won't take advantage of my professional position for additional personal gain.
(8) If I hear anything private in the course of my work, I'll keep it to myself.
(9) If I don't stick to this, I deserve to suffer!