Wokeness and Engineering Ethics
The condition of being “woke” is something that strikes up powerful feelings, both positive and negative, and there is a fear (by some) that “wokeism” is destroying institutions and that it unapologetically demands a change in human behavior, thought, and opinion. If this is, in fact, the case, then it deserves a sober-minded analysis and careful consideration as to whether changes are coming for the engineering profession or, indeed, have already happened. As engineers, we can approach this analysis by answering three questions:
What does “woke” mean?
Are the principles of wokeism a threat to the engineering profession?
How can we rightly interpret these principles in light of established tenets of engineering ethics?
Early definitions of “woke” are difficult to find. One of the earliest formal definitions comes from the New York Times Magazine published on May 20, 1962, where “woke” basically meant “well-informed, up-to-date”. In 2017, Merriam-Webster added the word “woke” with a definition as “aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues (especially issues of racial and social justice)”. In social media, it is common to see one group criticize another group because they are on different levels of wokeness, and even call for their silence. The issue has indeed been difficult to navigate, from “cancel culture” to “critical race theory” and many branches in-between.
Let’s step away from the controversy for a moment and focus on the principles identified in the definition. You will notice there are two activities for a woke person: (1) to be aware of, and (2) to be actively attentive to. Awareness implies basic knowledge – you may not accept or believe it as true, and you may only know very little, but you are aware of it. If one is actively attentive to something, then they are trying to make changes in their own lives, attempting to educate or change the perspective of others, and participating in activities they believe will impact society. There are also two objects of a woke person’s awareness or attention: (1) societal facts, and (2) societal issues. “Facts” are not the same as “issues” … and they do not only include racial or social justice, though these are strongly emphasized. Are these basic principles a threat to the engineering profession? They shouldn’t be. When the Biden administration tells the United States that infrastructure needs to be constructed in such a way as to remedy racial inequities (and repair a history of racial imbalance), civil engineers do not need to agree with that implication to design a safe and efficient highway or bridge. Civil engineers should be aware of the intent behind the project (to remedy racial inequities), but they do not need to be actively attentive to that purpose: they can simply be available to do the best job they can regardless of who the client or community is. They can do their best work simply because they are working for a community of fellow human beings who need safe, efficient, and reliable means of transportation just like any other human being. I understand that this is an oversimplification of the complexity of the issue … but it’s the truth.
Lastly, how do the principles of wokeism apply to common tenets of engineering ethics? The essential, simplified message of wokeism is that all persons deserve to be treated with the same dignity and justice according to a particular circumstance, if any. As an example of circumstance, people who break laws should be punished according to the laws of society (justice), but they should also be afforded a basic measure of respect and dignity as fellow human beings (a fair trial, a fair and responsible sentence, clean and habitable incarceration, etc.). In terms of engineering practice, the Code of Ethics published by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) reminds professionals that “the services provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare”. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) explains that engineers shall “treat all persons with respect, dignity, and fairness in a manner that fosters equitable participation without regard to personal identity”. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Code of Ethics includes a simple admonition to “treat all persons fairly and with respect, to avoid harassment or discrimination, and to avoid injuring others.”
Many more examples could be cited, and you can see how these simple tenets of engineering ethics cut through the politics of wokeness and describe a basic level of conduct expected of professional engineers (regardless of branch): treat others equally, fairly, and respectfully. This is not only good for the image of the profession, but it’s just good business. Clients are more appreciative and supportive when we demonstrate an honest concern for the success of their project, and when we make ourselves available as good listeners and excellent problem solvers. If we are able to cut through the messy politics that cloud our understanding of basic human courtesy, and act accordingly, everyone benefits.