工程研究——跨学科视野中的工程2025，Vol.17Issue(5)：566-575,10.DOI:10.3724/j.issn.1674-4969.20240069
关于卓越工程师职业美德的探讨
The Discussion on Professional Virtues of Excellent Engineers
摘要
Abstract
This paper explores the development of professional ethics for engineers,emphasizing the integration of virtue ethics with deontological and consequentialist frameworks.It particularly highlights the role of"Excellent Engineers"—professionals who embody a harmonious balance of virtues and technical competence—in navigating complex ethical dilemmas. Engineering ethics has traditionally relied on rule-based approaches,particularly deontological ethics,which emphasizes adherence to established codes and standards,and consequentialist ethics,which focuses on the outcomes of engineering activities.However,these frameworks often fall short in addressing the nuanced and multifaceted challenges engineers encounter.This paper argues that virtue theory,with its focus on moral character and personal development,offers a complementary perspective that enhances ethical decision-making in engineering.Rooted in Aristotelian tradition,virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of moral virtues that lead to eudaimonia or human flourishing.In engineering,this translates to the development of virtues such as honesty,responsibility,empathy,and integrity,which are critical for ethical practice.The paper examines how these virtues guide"Excellent Engineers"in making morally sound decisions,especially in situations where existing rules and regulations may be ambiguous or insufficient.A key challenge in integrating virtue theory into engineering practice is the tension between virtues and rules.Virtues are inherently flexible and context-dependent,whereas rules are often rigid and prescriptive.This paper addresses this tension by analyzing real-world case studies where engineers faced ethical dilemmas requiring a balance between rule adherence and the application of professional virtues.The analysis underscores the importance of moral judgment and practical wisdom in enabling engineers to navigate complex ethical situations effectively. Additionally,the paper explores the compatibility of virtue ethics with deontological and consequentialist frameworks.It argues that integrating virtues into rule-based and outcome-oriented approaches creates a more comprehensive ethical framework for engineering practice.This integration allows engineers to better understand their ethical responsibilities and develop the moral resilience needed to confront ethical challenges.In conclusion,the discussion of the professional ethics of the excellent engineer in this paper has deviated from the traditional stance of virtue ethics,resembling more of a theory of virtues rather than treating virtues as an ethical theory that stands in opposition to rule-based ethics like deontology and consequentialism.The professional ethics of the excellent engineer and virtue ethics present differences in terms of axiology,specifically in the orientation between abstraction and concreteness,as well as between the agent and the agent's actions.Methodologically,it reflects a compatible attitude towards both virtues and rules.By rejecting foundationalism,the emphasis on the professional virtues of engineers addresses the question of whether engineers can adopt appropriate strategies and actions when faced with moral conflicts.Furthermore,it provides a theoretical justification for the"appropriate"actions of the excellent engineer.Finally,this paper advocates for the incorporation of virtue ethics into engineering practice to enhance ethical decision-making and cultivate"Excellent Engineers".By developing professional virtues alongside adherence to rules and consideration of outcomes,engineers can more effectively navigate the complex ethical landscape of modern engineering practice.关键词
工程伦理/工程师职业道德/卓越工程师/美德伦理Key words
engineering ethics/engineer professional ethics/Excellent Engineer/virtue ethics分类
自科综合引用本文复制引用
丛杭青,张婉颉..关于卓越工程师职业美德的探讨[J].工程研究——跨学科视野中的工程,2025,17(5):566-575,10.基金项目
国家社会科学基金重大项目:中国工程实践的伦理形态学研究(15ZDB015) （15ZDB015）
