Ethics, in essence, is a consideration of how we relate to each other. The general interpretation is that this involves notions of fairness and justice, protection (of the recipients of one’s interventions), not practicing beyond one’s expertise or misrepresenting one’s expertise, committing oneself to continual professional development, and protecting the safety and confidentiality of a client, partner, beneficiary or other stakeholder. It has no meaning or relevance outside a social context.

Ethics is one of the learning objectives of the IPRO Program, and it is interwoven throughout the team’s work during the semester by faculty instructors. Teams report on any ethical issues that arise in the context of their project work in two assignments: the Team Charter section of their Project Plan (written in consensus by the entire team) and in an Ethics Reflective Report (written individually by each team member).

Ethics Resources

A wealth of information on ethics is available through IIT’s Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions (CSEP). Their website offers an index of codes of ethics established by several professional organizations, many resource guides, and a copy of IIT’s Code of Ethics.

Another great resource for ethics is the Online Ethics Center at the National Academy of Engineering. It offers information on professional practice and responsible research, among other topics.

Courtesy of Dr. June Ferrill of Rice University, materials related to her book The Seven Layers of Integrity, which offers a deeper and useful understanding of the practical benefits of ethical behavior, are available below. Several copies of the book are available in the Paul V. Galvin library.

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