Abstract:
In an ever-evolving technological landscape, defining the ideal engineer is complex. The role of an engineer is not merely to innovate, for their responsibilities go beyond their field of study. Certain attributes form the foundation of a proficient engineer. These virtues, integrity, authenticity, and open-mindedness, can guide an engineer in developing their moral compass, which is an essential asset in practice. As servants to society, engineers should resist the temptation to exploit new technologies and remain true to themselves, exemplifying respectful attributes in the workplace. The future of engineering remains obscure due to the rapid pace of technological development. In such moments, it is crucial to remember why the role of an engineer is invaluable in the first place: to make the world a better place.
Introduction
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly used in academic and professional settings, the proliferation of AI tools has sparked an important debate regarding their capabilities and potential misuse. The need for integrity in engineering practices has never been more pressing, with students using chatbots for ill-gotten academic achievement and employees discreetly leveraging tools like ChatGPT. The increased reliance on artificial intelligence to not only satisfy task requirements but outperform them has reshaped the corporate environment and prompted ethical questions that highlight the conflict between the pursuit of success and maintaining authenticity in engineering practices.
The allure of covert practices challenges the very essence of engineering. Disregarding authenticity for personal gain emphasizes the need for engineers to resist prioritizing egotistical success over authentic contributions. Like integrity, authenticity becomes a guiding force, as success can be achieved through ingenuity rather than self-centered motives. Moreover, open-mindedness emerges as another virtue, as the evolution of technology has been fueled by the global exchange of ideas. In holding open-mindedness key, there is a need to address the lack of diversity within the field and to promote inclusive solutions that benefit humanity. The virtues of integrity, authenticity, and open-mindedness define the ideal Viterbi engineer and serve as the foundation for ethically navigating the ever-changing engineering landscape.
Integrity
Academia has become a prominent testing ground for new assistive technology, replacing traditional student workflow with chatbots to complete assignments, and degrading integrity. Students aren’t the only ones leveraging AI, as engineers have also succumbed to taking shortcuts by using these resources. An article titled “CheatGPT” by Business Insider asserts that the covert use of AI by employees is reshaping corporate dynamics. Employees gain a competitive edge by embracing tools like ChatGPT in secret, but does this violate company policies and ethical judgment? The article celebrates AI usage and encourages firms to adapt with ‘proper measures’ but companies have suffered due to the rushed and ineffective integration of AI [1].
For example, in early 2024 users of Amazon.com discovered products named: “I’m sorry, as an AI language model, I cannot complete this task without the initial input. Please provide me with the necessary information to assist you further” listed across the website [2]. The incident emphasizes that, regardless of their status, numerous companies are facing challenges due to inefficient usage of AI. These deceptive practices are not new; integrity in engineering has been at stake for years, with engineers repeatedly scamming their way to the top.
One such case is that of Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford University chemical engineering dropout who stole millions of dollars from investors under false pretenses [3]. Her acute knowledge of the industry allowed her to exploit the Medical Technology field, persuading professionals by promising unrealistic results. Holmes used the success of previous tech figures, such as Steve Jobs, to create a groundbreaking piece of hardware with her new company, Theranos. The company claimed to invent the only machine in the world that could conduct tests for diseases like diabetes or cancer with only a few drops of blood. In reality, Holmes was using pre-existing machines to replicate what her phony device promised. This moral lapse would not have occurred if there were a stronger emphasis on cultivating a firm foundation of integrity. Before engaging in any work, especially a project of significant impact, engineers should assess their actions alongside ethical standards and adhere to societal expectations regarding their craft. The choice to bring an engineering project to life is just as important as its actual undertaking.
Authenticity
Engineering is notorious for being a challenging field of study. Because of the field’s competitive nature, the pursuit of success often overshadows authenticity as a virtue. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, she explores the vitality of authenticity in the field of science. The book begins with Victor Frankenstein and his maniacal goal of reviving the dead. He worked relentlessly to make this goal a reality, not once questioning his motives, only to be repulsed by the hideousness of his creation. His disdain for the creature transforms it into a sinister being that hurts and kills humans. In the end, the scientist realizes that the monster’s behavior is a result of his own hateful feelings towards it. But by then it’s too late. He fails to save those he loves.
Shelley’s novel raises significant questions about the perils of allowing technology and ambition to overpower one’s values and humanity. It is a cautionary tale directed at advancements made in the early 19th century. The novel highlights the dangers of unchecked technological progress, mirroring the current fast-paced technological environment. The novel is the first of many to warn against losing all sense of ethicality in pursuit of glory [4]. This misguided drive and its consequences parallel real-life events where people have lost their authenticity in exchange for personal gain.
In recent months, AI has been used to scam individuals, using videos of celebrities to fool the public. Ring cameras were accessed remotely by police, placing the nation on the cusp of becoming a surveillance state. Just as Shelley foretold in Frankenstein, when technologies are made in pursuit of personal gain they often come with unpredictable misuses that diminish the essence of engineering. Engineers must resist the temptation to prioritize vain markers of success over the nature and impact of their contributions. As technology reshapes the field, the allure of shortcuts and covert tactics becomes more appealing. Authenticity is not merely about shaping one’s external image but also about staying true to oneself. It becomes the guiding force in navigating complex issues, preventing the influence of external factors. Such thinking allows for a broader understanding of what engineers do and who they are. In an evolving technological landscape, authenticity has to be the cornerstone that shapes an engineer’s character, ensuring that success positively impacts humanity rather than one’s selfish goals.
Open-Mindedness
A virtuous engineer should possess open-mindedness. Open-mindedness is key to engineering as it allows engineers and their innovations to keep up with an ever-evolving world. Advancement is born from the convergence of ideas; the convergence of ideas stems from the diversity of perspectives that shape society. All diverse thinking is marked by open-mindedness. However, engineering is grappling with problems in diversity. Sharon L. Walker, the Interim Dean of Bourns College of Engineering at UC Riverside, emphasized that as of 2014, only 24 percent of the overall engineering workforce in the U.S. was women, and racial minorities, such as African Americans and Latinos, comprised just 12 percent of all engineers [6]. Embracing open-mindedness in engineering is a necessity for fostering innovation and addressing the challenges of the modern world; “At its best, engineering changes the world for the benefit of humanity” [7]. Engineering is a practice dedicated to bettering humanity, innovating an inclusive world for everyone. Engineers are responsible for creating an inclusive future where their achievements reach every corner of society, uplifting everyone.
Conclusion
Together, these three virtues effectively establish a balance between an engineer and their goals, ensuring that they are motivated by ethical aspirations. Integrity serves as a moral compass, grounding one’s practices and leading them to better society. Authenticity allows engineers to devote themselves to advancing humanity rather than to their own superficial goals. Open-mindedness contributes diverse perspectives that serve as catalysts in solving the world’s problems. Exhibiting these virtues – integrity, authenticity, and open-mindedness –forms the basis for shaping the engineer’s character in the age of AI and exponential technological advancement. As the engineering landscape continues to transform, engineers should use these virtues as a guiding light, ensuring that technological innovations are both individual triumphs and collective achievements that uplift the world.
By Diego Adrian Rodriguez, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California
About the Author:
At the time of writing this paper, Diego Adrian Rodriguez was a senior majoring in Data Science and Economics. After graduation, he hopes to see an Arsenal game.
References
[1] A. Ito, “CheatGPT – The hidden wave of employees using AI on the sly,” Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-secret-productivity-work-ai-technology-ban-employees-coworkers-job-2023-8 (accessed Nov. 11, 2024).
[2] W. Oremus, “On Amazon, eBay and X, CHATGPT error messages give away ai writing – The Washington Post,” AI bots are everywhere now. These telltale words give them away., https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/01/20/openai-use-policy-ai-writing-amazon-x/ (accessed Nov. 12, 2024).
[3] A. Hartmans, S. Jackson, A. Haroun, and S. Tabahriti, “The Rise and Fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the Former Theranos CEO Whose Prison Term Has Been Shortened by 2 Years,” Business Insider,
[4] M. W. Shelley, Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus: The 1818 Text, N. Groom, Ed. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2019.
[5] Let’s Engineer A Better World for All Humanity. USC Viterbi Admission, Los Angeles, California, 2020
[6] S. L. Walker, “WHY DIVERSITY IS KEY TO THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING,” Engineering Online University of California Riverside , https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/blog/why-diversity-is-key-to-the-future-of-engineering/ (accessed Nov. 11, 2024).
[7] W. R. Bowen, “Strategies for Engineering Development: Advancing technology, prioritising people,” Desalination, vol. 227, no. 1–3, pp. 3–13, Jul. 2008. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2007.05.033