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Volume 8 Issue 2

From The Editor

Dear VCE Readers

It goes without saying that the job of an engineer is never done. In our ever-evolving society, the role only becomes more complex, demanding creative problem-solving and intentional decision-making. The constant evolution of our world not only stands as a testament to how far we’ve come but also presents foreign problems that test our adaptability and ingenuity. Human innovation advances faster than ethical, legal, and social frameworks, a recurring pattern seen for much of human history. This gap becomes increasingly more difficult to bridge with each new wave of innovation, and the multidimensional world we live in is difficult to navigate using one-size-fits-all guidelines. This leaves engineers with the moral burden of making decisions that impact the world we live in and its future.

At VCE, we attempt to dissect the multilayered problems that exist in our modern world, in hopes of better understanding the power of decision-making and fostering a confident generation of ethically responsible engineers. This volume offers a balanced glimpse into ethical concerns that influence our day-to-day lives, from the built environments we live in and the media we consume to the code that powers it all.


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What is VCE?

Viterbi Conversations in Ethics is an educational forum for reasoned, informed, and relevant discussion of engineering ethics. Written, edited, and published by USC Viterbi School of Engineering students, Viterbi Conversations in Ethics will publish exceptional student work and responses, counter-points, and new perspectives from both peers and professionals.

How Are Our Articles Made?

Our articles are written by Viterbi’s own diverse student body. We gather outstanding papers from students enrolled in Viterbi’s Engineering Writing Program. After a rigorous selection process, we edit and publish the papers that we believe bring the most to the conversation.

Outside of the main magazine, our talented editors create Weekly News Profiles, which highlight ethical concerns in current events.