Introduction
While many classical ethicists frame ethical conundrums as a single event whose outcome is solely shaped by a single bystander, exemplified by the classic "Trolly Problem", in reality, many case studies show that outcomes are shaped by a number of stakeholders, often with competing interests and power.
In this lesson, we will discuss and roleplay a real-life case study in order to better understand how competing interests and power can shape outcomes and create unethical situations. This will provide a more nuanced understanding of what ethics really means when applied to situations potentially experienced by those in the software engineering workforce
Learning Outcomes
- Identify stakeholders involved in determining and executing upon technical requirements which in turn shape ethical outcomes
- Understand the limits of individual action as well as repercussions associated with "ethical decision making" when doing so conflicts with competing interests and power structures
- Understand how in multi-stakeholder systems, information is often limited which makes ethical decision making fraught
Study Resources
For your study of this topic, review these resources prior to each class.
Web Articles and Blogs
Wikipedia
Round: 2
This round is meant to portray the process of actually moving forward with what Boeing decides to do in retaliation to the A320neo. This round is meant to introduce students to the pressures of completing a difficult objective under many constraints and feel the pressure to overlook potential harmful outcomes.
Class lecture
Role Cards
These "cards" will be used in the activity for Round 2. Please note the role you are assigned during lecture and reference the information for your role below.
Aerospace Engineering
Key points of knowledge:
- Re-engining the 737 Max will change the flight characteristics of the plane
Goals:
- Build a 737 max that requires minimal retraining according to FAA standards
- Build a 737 max as quickly as possible
Disincentives
- Any additional training programs can be catastrophic
Software Engineering
Key points of knowledge:
- Can use data from the Angle of Attack (AoA) sensor to modify input feel to the pilot in order to keep flight characteristics feeling the same
- Airbus does this on their aircraft already
Goals:
- The closer the new 737 can be to the old one in terms of use, the better
Disincentives
- Creation of any new systems which would require pilot retraining
Sales
Key points of knowledge:
- Boeing is going to just upgrade the current 737 Max so customers can be confident the amount of extra training is minimal
- Many airlines will need a guarantee of some sort (perhaps a rebate) in order to move forward with any sort of 737 Max purchase
Goals:
- Sell as many 737 Max aircraft as possible.
Disincentives
- Customers are eager to move to our competitor so promise them whatever it takes to prevent them from doing that
Maintenance/Operations Manager
Key points of knowledge:
- Any major changes made to the plane will require workflow modifications and retraining of personnel
- Airlines do not like to have employees in retraining or pilots “off the clock” doing simulation work which reduces productivity
Goals:
- Build a 737 max that requires minimal changes to maintenance, assembly and operations
- Build a 737 max that keeps supply chain intact
Any major changes and FAA will scrutinize this as a "new plane" and delay launch
