National Council of Engineers and Scientists of France
CONSEIL NATIONAL DES INGÉNIEURS ET DES SCIENTIFIQUES DE FRANCE (CNISF)
Charter of Ethics of the Engineer
Preamble
As they become more and more powerful, technologies promote major changes in everyday life, in the transformation of our society and its environment, while they also bring with them risks of serious harms. Additionally, while their complexity makes them difficult to comprehend, and the force of information increases, misinformation can introduce in public opinion exaggerated worries about security, with baseless psychoses and irrational fears.
Consequently engineers must assume an essential double role in society, first as those who control these technologies in service of the human community, and second as those who diffuse information about the real possibilities and limitations and assessments of the benefits and the risks they generate.
Because of the special characteristics of the exercise of their profession, engineers must conduct themselves with a certain rigor; it becomes more and more imperative that they explicitly clarify the reference points used and reasons for their conduct. This is why the National Council of the Engineers and the Scientists of France has produced a Charter of Ethics. This Charter must be considered as the profession of faith of all those who are listed in the Registry of French Engineers created by the CNISF.
As a reference for engineers, the Charter will help engineering students prepare for the exercise of their profession. It will enable the values that guide engineers to be better comprehended by everyone.
The Charter annuls and replaces the old CNISF "code of ethics."
The term "code of ethics" will henceforth be reserved for documents that define the correct professional conduct in each of the fields of engineering and whose non-observance could entail the application of sanctions.
The CNISF thanks in advance all those who, through their contributions, help the Charter become known, appreciated, enduring, and improved.
Engineers in Society
- Engineers are responsible citizens establish the link between science, technology, and the human community; they are involved in civic action for the common good.
- Engineers spread their knowledge and pass on their experience to serve society.
- Engineers are conscious and make society aware of the impact of technological achievements on the environment.
- Engineers act to ensure the "sustainable development" of resources.
Engineers and Their Abilities
- Engineers are a source of innovation and the engine of progress.
- Engineers are objective and methodical in their procedures and judgments. They attempt to explain the foundations of their decisions.
- Engineers regularly update their knowledge and their abilities according to the evolution of science and technology.
- Engineers listen to their peers; they are open to all other disciplines.
- Engineers know how to admit their mistakes, take them into account, and learn lessons for the future.
Engineers and Their Profession
- Engineers fully use their abilities, while being conscious of their limitations.
- Engineers loyally respect the culture and values of their companies and those of their peers and clients. They would not act contrary to their professional conscience. If need be, they accept the consequences of any contradictions that may arise.
- Engineers respect the opinions of their professional peers. They listen and are open in discussions.
- Engineers behave toward their collaborators with loyalty and equality without any discrimination. They encourage them to develop their abilities and help them to fully realize the potential in their professions.
Engineers and Their Assignments
- Engineers try to attain the best result in utilizing the best means available and in the integration of human, economic, financial, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Engineers take into account all the constraints that their assignments impose, especially with respect to health, safety, and the environment.
- Engineers integrate in their analyses and decisions the ensemble of legitimate interests of their assignments, as well as consequences of any kind on other persons and their welfare. They anticipate risks and the probabilities; they work hard to take advantage of them and to eliminate negative effects.
- Engineers are rigorous in analysis, methods, and in making decision and solution choices.
- Faced with unexpected situations, engineers immediately take permitted initiatives to create better conditions, and directly inform the appropriate persons.
TRANSLATED BY CARL MITCHAM
This is the complete article, containing 657 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page).
