Exploring The Deep Structure of Ethics in Engineering Technology Design and Deployment Methodology

This paper argues that deep structures are embedded in engineering and technology discourse which work against an inclusive and locally relevant engineering ethics. The paper identifies the need for a new, process-oriented, approach to engineering ethics which enables a dynamic, reconfiguration of ethical issues. This approach must be based upon more locally relevant issues and formally recognise the primacy of the other in relation to the self. It proposes the concept of ‘gestalt’ as the basis for a theory of engineering ethics. In order to operationalise this theory the paper also submits the Johari Window as a useful device for engineering groups wishing to address local, ethical issues.