Engineering Ethics Case Study with AI
An educational resource exploring ethical considerations in AI applications for engineering contexts
Last updated: 2025-04-03
Engineering Ethics Case Study: AI in Design Decisions
This case study examines the ethical dimensions of incorporating AI tools in engineering design decision-making processes. It can be used in engineering ethics courses or as a module within a design course.
Case Overview
In this scenario, a team of civil engineers is designing a bridge in a developing region with unique environmental and social constraints. The team uses generative AI tools to help optimize the design for cost, safety, and environmental impact.
Learning Objectives
Students who engage with this case study will be able to:
- Identify key ethical considerations when using AI in engineering design decisions
- Evaluate the appropriate boundaries of AI use in high-stakes engineering decisions
- Develop strategies for responsible AI use in professional engineering practice
- Articulate how professional engineering codes of ethics apply to AI use
Case Study Materials
Background Reading
- Link to PDF: Context on the bridge project
- Link to PDF: Technical specifications and constraints
- Link to PDF: Community stakeholder information
AI Tool Access
- Instructions for students to access appropriate AI tools
- Example prompts for engineering design assistance
- Guidelines for evaluating AI outputs
Classroom Implementation
Discussion Questions
- What are the engineer's responsibilities when using AI to inform design decisions?
- How should engineers validate AI-generated suggestions in high-stakes scenarios?
- What information about AI use should be disclosed to stakeholders and clients?
- How might existing engineering codes of ethics be applied or extended to cover AI use?
In-Class Activities
Activity 1: AI Tool Exploration (30 minutes)
Students experiment with provided AI tools to generate potential design solutions based on the case parameters.
Activity 2: Ethical Analysis (45 minutes)
In small groups, students analyze the ethical implications of relying on different aspects of the AI-generated solutions.
Activity 3: Decision Framework Development (60 minutes)
Students develop a decision-making framework for appropriate AI use in engineering design contexts.
Assessment Options
- Written reflection on ethical considerations (1-2 pages)
- Group presentation on responsible AI use in engineering
- Design of a protocol for AI use in engineering projects
Additional Resources
- ASCE Code of Ethics
- IEEE Ethics in AI Design Guidelines
- Case Studies in Engineering Ethics by Charles E. Harris et al.
Instructor Notes
- Consider having students compare multiple AI tools' outputs to highlight variations
- The case works well when students have some prior exposure to basic AI concepts
- Emphasize that the goal is not to reject AI use, but to develop a framework for appropriate use
Download Materials
Attribution: This case study was developed by the IDEEAS Lab at Virginia Tech. If you use or adapt these materials, please provide appropriate attribution.