Authored by: Lafayette College EGRS 451 group (Angela Mongelluzzo)

Date: Spring 2012

Course Instructor: Professor Cohen

Project Links: Memo and Website: https://sites.lafayette.edu/egrs451-sp12-uav/

Abstract: Margaret Singleton had the foresight to push for engineering ethics in engineering education in the early nineties because she recognized that as the technological world we know today emerged, the engineers developing such technologies would need to take on some responsibilities for the societal impacts of their creations. As the United States engages in what is termed the ‘War on Terror,’ a particular technology known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), otherwise known as military drones, has become controversial. These military planes and helicopters have the ability to fly, locate, and strike targets without the use of an on-board pilot or flight-­crew. The obvious advantage to such technology is such aircraft reduces casualties of military personnel. However, the negative societal and political implications are numerous. The goal of this research was to answer the question, “Should the United States government place more funding into the development (engineering) and use of UAVs?” by exploring the engineering ethics, as Singleton would suggest, and the perspectives of various groups and individuals.

Tags: EGRS 451, Spring 2012, ethics, military