PASS 3: Temporal Dynamics
Case 13: Sustainability - Lawn Irrigation Design
Extraction Complete
Timeline Overview
Temporal Markers
- 1946-2007 historical period 1 elements
- July 2007 1 elements
- Prior to case events 2 elements
- Case initiation 1 elements
- Immediate response to assignment 1 elements
- Following refusal 1 elements
- After memorandum submission 1 elements
Temporal Consistency Check
ValidExtracted Actions (6)
Volitional professional decisions with intentions and ethical contextDescription: Landscape architect specified a traditional irrigation system for the resort golf course project. This decision established the baseline design approach that would later create ethical tensions.
Temporal Marker: Prior to case events
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Meet client requirements for golf course irrigation
Fulfills Obligations:
- Client service
- Professional competence
Guided By Principles:
- Client satisfaction
- Standard practice
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Meeting client specifications and industry standard practices for golf course irrigation
Ethical Tension: Client satisfaction vs environmental responsibility
Learning Significance: Demonstrates how upstream design decisions can create downstream ethical dilemmas
Stakes: Environmental impact, water resource sustainability, project viability
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Specify sustainable irrigation alternatives
- Present both traditional and sustainable options to client
Narrative Role: inciting_incident
RDF JSON-LD
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Traditional_Irrigation_System_Specification",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Specify sustainable irrigation alternatives",
"Present both traditional and sustainable options to client"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Meeting client specifications and industry standard practices for golf course irrigation",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Higher upfront costs but better environmental outcomes",
"Client choice with full information about trade-offs"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Demonstrates how upstream design decisions can create downstream ethical dilemmas",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Client satisfaction vs environmental responsibility",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "inciting_incident",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Environmental impact, water resource sustainability, project viability",
"proeth:description": "Landscape architect specified a traditional irrigation system for the resort golf course project. This decision established the baseline design approach that would later create ethical tensions.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Higher water consumption",
"Environmental impact"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Client service",
"Professional competence"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Client satisfaction",
"Standard practice"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Landscape Architect (unnamed)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Client needs vs Environmental sustainability",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Traditional approach prioritized for reliability and client satisfaction"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Meet client requirements for golf course irrigation",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Landscape architecture expertise",
"Irrigation design knowledge"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "Prior to case events",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Traditional Irrigation System Specification"
}
Description: Cutting Edge Engineering decided to accept the contract that included the traditional irrigation system specifications. This committed the firm to the project despite potential sustainability concerns.
Temporal Marker: Prior to case events
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Secure business contract and revenue
Fulfills Obligations:
- Business development
- Client service
Guided By Principles:
- Professional competence
- Business viability
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Business development and revenue generation for the engineering firm
Ethical Tension: Economic interests vs environmental stewardship
Learning Significance: Illustrates how organizational decisions can bind individual engineers to ethically problematic projects
Stakes: Firm reputation, employee ethical autonomy, environmental impact
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Decline contract due to sustainability concerns
- Accept with condition to propose sustainable alternatives
Narrative Role: rising_action
RDF JSON-LD
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Contract_Acceptance_Decision",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Decline contract due to sustainability concerns",
"Accept with condition to propose sustainable alternatives"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Business development and revenue generation for the engineering firm",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Lost revenue but maintained environmental principles",
"Potential client negotiation and design modifications"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Illustrates how organizational decisions can bind individual engineers to ethically problematic projects",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Economic interests vs environmental stewardship",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "rising_action",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Firm reputation, employee ethical autonomy, environmental impact",
"proeth:description": "Cutting Edge Engineering decided to accept the contract that included the traditional irrigation system specifications. This committed the firm to the project despite potential sustainability concerns.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Potential ethical conflicts with sustainability values"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Business development",
"Client service"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Professional competence",
"Business viability"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Cutting Edge Engineering (firm decision)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Economic interests vs Environmental considerations",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Economic viability prioritized over environmental concerns"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Secure business contract and revenue",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Engineering design",
"Project management"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "Prior to case events",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Contract Acceptance Decision"
}
Description: Engineer Jaylani assigned the irrigation system design task to Engineer Intern Wasser. This delegation initiated the central ethical conflict of the case.
Temporal Marker: Case initiation
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Complete project design efficiently through delegation
Fulfills Obligations:
- Project management
- Professional development of intern
Guided By Principles:
- Efficient resource utilization
- Mentorship
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Normal project management and utilizing available engineering resources
Ethical Tension: Managerial efficiency vs consideration of subordinate's ethical views
Learning Significance: Shows how routine delegation can become ethically charged when sustainability values differ
Stakes: Project completion, team dynamics, professional development of intern
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Discuss sustainability concerns before assignment
- Assign to engineer with different values
Narrative Role: rising_action
RDF JSON-LD
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Task_Assignment_to_Wasser",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Discuss sustainability concerns before assignment",
"Assign to engineer with different values"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Normal project management and utilizing available engineering resources",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Potential design modifications or mutual understanding",
"Avoidance of conflict but missed learning opportunity"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Shows how routine delegation can become ethically charged when sustainability values differ",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Managerial efficiency vs consideration of subordinate\u0027s ethical views",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "rising_action",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Project completion, team dynamics, professional development of intern",
"proeth:description": "Engineer Jaylani assigned the irrigation system design task to Engineer Intern Wasser. This delegation initiated the central ethical conflict of the case.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Potential intern resistance",
"Quality concerns"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Project management",
"Professional development of intern"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Efficient resource utilization",
"Mentorship"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Jaylani (supervising engineer)",
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Complete project design efficiently through delegation",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Supervision skills",
"Project assessment"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "Case initiation",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Task Assignment to Wasser"
}
Description: Engineer Intern Wasser refused the assigned irrigation system design task, citing sustainability concerns. This created the central professional and ethical conflict.
Temporal Marker: Immediate response to assignment
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Avoid compromising personal sustainability principles
Fulfills Obligations:
- Environmental stewardship
- Personal integrity
Guided By Principles:
- Sustainability principles
- Environmental protection
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Personal commitment to environmental sustainability and professional integrity
Ethical Tension: Individual conscience vs professional obedience and job security
Learning Significance: Central teaching moment about when and how to take ethical stands in professional practice
Stakes: Career advancement, professional relationships, environmental principles, precedent for future ethical decisions
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Complete assignment while documenting concerns
- Propose alternative sustainable design solutions
Narrative Role: climax
RDF JSON-LD
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Task_Refusal_Decision",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Complete assignment while documenting concerns",
"Propose alternative sustainable design solutions"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Personal commitment to environmental sustainability and professional integrity",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Avoided immediate conflict but compromised personal values",
"Potential client resistance but demonstrated professional creativity"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Central teaching moment about when and how to take ethical stands in professional practice",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Individual conscience vs professional obedience and job security",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "climax",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Career advancement, professional relationships, environmental principles, precedent for future ethical decisions",
"proeth:description": "Engineer Intern Wasser refused the assigned irrigation system design task, citing sustainability concerns. This created the central professional and ethical conflict.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Career consequences",
"Workplace conflict",
"Project delays"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Environmental stewardship",
"Personal integrity"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Sustainability principles",
"Environmental protection"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Professional obligation vs Environmental principles",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Environmental convictions outweighed professional obligations"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Avoid compromising personal sustainability principles",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Engineering design skills",
"Ethical reasoning"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "Immediate response to assignment",
"proeth:violatesObligation": [
"Faithful agent duty",
"Employer loyalty"
],
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Task Refusal Decision"
}
Description: Wasser wrote a formal memorandum documenting the refusal and citing sustainability concerns. This escalated the issue to formal review and created documentation of the ethical position.
Temporal Marker: Following refusal
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Formally document ethical position and justify refusal
Fulfills Obligations:
- Transparency
- Professional communication
- Ethical documentation
Guided By Principles:
- Honesty
- Accountability
- Sustainability advocacy
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Creating official record of ethical position and protecting professional standing
Ethical Tension: Formal documentation vs informal resolution
Learning Significance: Teaches proper procedures for ethical objections and importance of documentation
Stakes: Legal protection, professional credibility, organizational response
Decision Point: Yes - Story can branch here
- Informal discussion with management
- External ethics complaint
Narrative Role: falling_action
RDF JSON-LD
{
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"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
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"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Formal_Memorandum_Writing",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Informal discussion with management",
"External ethics complaint"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Creating official record of ethical position and protecting professional standing",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Potential dismissal without documentation",
"Escalation beyond organizational boundaries"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Teaches proper procedures for ethical objections and importance of documentation",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Formal documentation vs informal resolution",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": true,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "falling_action",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Legal protection, professional credibility, organizational response",
"proeth:description": "Wasser wrote a formal memorandum documenting the refusal and citing sustainability concerns. This escalated the issue to formal review and created documentation of the ethical position.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Formal ethics review",
"Increased scrutiny",
"Permanent record"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Transparency",
"Professional communication",
"Ethical documentation"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Honesty",
"Accountability",
"Sustainability advocacy"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Formal ethical stance vs Workplace relationships",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Formal documentation prioritized to establish clear ethical position"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Formally document ethical position and justify refusal",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Technical writing",
"Ethical reasoning",
"Professional communication"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "Following refusal",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Formal Memorandum Writing"
}
Description: NSPE made the historical decision to add sustainable development provision III.2.d to the ethics code in July 2007. This established sustainability as an encouraged professional principle.
Temporal Marker: July 2007
Mental State: deliberate
Intended Outcome: Integrate sustainability principles into professional ethical framework
Fulfills Obligations:
- Professional evolution
- Environmental stewardship
- Public welfare
Guided By Principles:
- Sustainable development
- Environmental protection
- Future generations welfare
Required Capabilities:
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosCharacter Motivation: Professional organization responding to evolving environmental awareness and member concerns
Ethical Tension: Traditional engineering focus vs emerging sustainability imperatives
Learning Significance: Demonstrates evolution of professional ethics and institutional change processes
Stakes: Professional standards, environmental leadership, engineering profession's social relevance
Narrative Role: resolution
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
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},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Ethics_Code_Sustainability_Addition",
"@type": "proeth:Action",
"proeth-scenario:alternativeActions": [
"Maintain traditional ethics code unchanged",
"Make sustainability a mandatory requirement"
],
"proeth-scenario:characterMotivation": "Professional organization responding to evolving environmental awareness and member concerns",
"proeth-scenario:consequencesIfAlternative": [
"Profession appears outdated and unresponsive",
"Potential industry resistance and enforcement challenges"
],
"proeth-scenario:decisionSignificance": "Demonstrates evolution of professional ethics and institutional change processes",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalTension": "Traditional engineering focus vs emerging sustainability imperatives",
"proeth-scenario:isDecisionPoint": false,
"proeth-scenario:narrativeRole": "resolution",
"proeth-scenario:stakes": "Professional standards, environmental leadership, engineering profession\u0027s social relevance",
"proeth:description": "NSPE made the historical decision to add sustainable development provision III.2.d to the ethics code in July 2007. This established sustainability as an encouraged professional principle.",
"proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
"Potential conflicts with existing obligations",
"Implementation challenges"
],
"proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
"Professional evolution",
"Environmental stewardship",
"Public welfare"
],
"proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
"Sustainable development",
"Environmental protection",
"Future generations welfare"
],
"proeth:hasAgent": "NSPE (professional organization)",
"proeth:hasCompetingPriorities": {
"@type": "proeth:CompetingPriorities",
"proeth:priorityConflict": "Traditional engineering duties vs Environmental considerations",
"proeth:resolutionReasoning": "Sustainability included as encouragement to balance competing priorities"
},
"proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
"proeth:intendedOutcome": "Integrate sustainability principles into professional ethical framework",
"proeth:requiresCapability": [
"Ethical framework development",
"Professional consensus building"
],
"proeth:temporalMarker": "July 2007",
"proeth:withinCompetence": true,
"rdfs:label": "Ethics Code Sustainability Addition"
}
Extracted Events (2)
Occurrences that trigger ethical considerations and state changesDescription: Formal ethics review process triggered by intern's refusal and memorandum submission. Professional standards committee begins investigation of competing obligations.
Temporal Marker: After memorandum submission
Activates Constraints:
- Due_Process_Required
- Professional_Review_Standards
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosEmotional Impact: Anxiety for all parties under review; uncertainty about career implications; tension between personal convictions and professional consequences
- engineer_intern_wasser: Career potentially at stake, validation of ethical stance vs. risk of professional censure
- engineer_jaylani: Supervisory judgment questioned, potential disciplinary action for improper assignment
- cutting_edge_engineering: Company reputation and client relationships at risk during review
- professional_community: Precedent-setting case for sustainability vs. traditional practice conflicts
Learning Moment: Demonstrates how individual ethical stands can trigger systemic professional examination; shows formal mechanisms for addressing ethics conflicts
Ethical Implications: Reveals tension between static professional codes and evolving environmental responsibilities; questions whether traditional compliance suffices in era of climate change; examines individual vs. institutional responsibility for sustainable practice
- Should professional codes provide clear guidance on sustainability obligations?
- How should ethics reviews balance individual conscience against established practices?
- What role should evolving social values play in engineering ethics enforcement?
RDF JSON-LD
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"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Event_Ethics_Review_Initiation",
"@type": "proeth:Event",
"proeth-scenario:crisisIdentification": true,
"proeth-scenario:discussionPrompts": [
"Should professional codes provide clear guidance on sustainability obligations?",
"How should ethics reviews balance individual conscience against established practices?",
"What role should evolving social values play in engineering ethics enforcement?"
],
"proeth-scenario:dramaticTension": "high",
"proeth-scenario:emotionalImpact": "Anxiety for all parties under review; uncertainty about career implications; tension between personal convictions and professional consequences",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalImplications": "Reveals tension between static professional codes and evolving environmental responsibilities; questions whether traditional compliance suffices in era of climate change; examines individual vs. institutional responsibility for sustainable practice",
"proeth-scenario:learningMoment": "Demonstrates how individual ethical stands can trigger systemic professional examination; shows formal mechanisms for addressing ethics conflicts",
"proeth-scenario:narrativePacing": "escalation",
"proeth-scenario:stakeholderConsequences": {
"cutting_edge_engineering": "Company reputation and client relationships at risk during review",
"engineer_intern_wasser": "Career potentially at stake, validation of ethical stance vs. risk of professional censure",
"engineer_jaylani": "Supervisory judgment questioned, potential disciplinary action for improper assignment",
"professional_community": "Precedent-setting case for sustainability vs. traditional practice conflicts"
},
"proeth:activatesConstraint": [
"Due_Process_Required",
"Professional_Review_Standards"
],
"proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Formal_Memorandum_Writing",
"proeth:causesStateChange": "Formal review process activated; case documentation begins; stakeholders notified of investigation",
"proeth:createsObligation": [
"Conduct_Fair_Investigation",
"Review_All_Evidence",
"Apply_Current_Standards"
],
"proeth:description": "Formal ethics review process triggered by intern\u0027s refusal and memorandum submission. Professional standards committee begins investigation of competing obligations.",
"proeth:emergencyStatus": "medium",
"proeth:eventType": "automatic_trigger",
"proeth:temporalMarker": "After memorandum submission",
"proeth:urgencyLevel": "medium",
"rdfs:label": "Ethics Review Initiation"
}
Description: Historical development of NSPE ethics code from 1946 to 2007 incorporating sustainability principles. Environmental responsibility becomes recognized professional obligation.
Temporal Marker: 1946-2007 historical period
Activates Constraints:
- Environmental_Stewardship_Obligation
- Sustainability_Consideration_Required
Scenario Metadata
Pedagogical context for interactive teaching scenariosEmotional Impact: Relief for environmentally-conscious engineers gaining legitimacy; resistance from traditional practitioners facing changed expectations; hope for addressing climate challenges through professional channels
- progressive_engineers: Validation of environmental concerns as legitimate professional obligation
- traditional_practitioners: Pressure to update practices and consider new factors in design decisions
- engineering_education: Curriculum must incorporate sustainability principles and environmental ethics
- society: Engineering profession better aligned with environmental protection needs
Learning Moment: Shows how professional codes evolve to reflect changing social values; demonstrates legitimacy of environmental concerns in engineering practice
Ethical Implications: Illustrates dynamic nature of professional responsibility; shows how engineering ethics must evolve with scientific understanding; raises questions about retrofit obligations for existing infrastructure and practices
- How should professional codes balance stability with responsiveness to social change?
- What other emerging issues might require future ethics code evolution?
- How do historical changes in professional standards affect current practitioners trained under older codes?
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"proeth-scenario": "http://proethica.org/ontology/scenario#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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"time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Event_Professional_Standards_Evolution",
"@type": "proeth:Event",
"proeth-scenario:crisisIdentification": false,
"proeth-scenario:discussionPrompts": [
"How should professional codes balance stability with responsiveness to social change?",
"What other emerging issues might require future ethics code evolution?",
"How do historical changes in professional standards affect current practitioners trained under older codes?"
],
"proeth-scenario:dramaticTension": "medium",
"proeth-scenario:emotionalImpact": "Relief for environmentally-conscious engineers gaining legitimacy; resistance from traditional practitioners facing changed expectations; hope for addressing climate challenges through professional channels",
"proeth-scenario:ethicalImplications": "Illustrates dynamic nature of professional responsibility; shows how engineering ethics must evolve with scientific understanding; raises questions about retrofit obligations for existing infrastructure and practices",
"proeth-scenario:learningMoment": "Shows how professional codes evolve to reflect changing social values; demonstrates legitimacy of environmental concerns in engineering practice",
"proeth-scenario:narrativePacing": "slow_burn",
"proeth-scenario:stakeholderConsequences": {
"engineering_education": "Curriculum must incorporate sustainability principles and environmental ethics",
"progressive_engineers": "Validation of environmental concerns as legitimate professional obligation",
"society": "Engineering profession better aligned with environmental protection needs",
"traditional_practitioners": "Pressure to update practices and consider new factors in design decisions"
},
"proeth:activatesConstraint": [
"Environmental_Stewardship_Obligation",
"Sustainability_Consideration_Required"
],
"proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#Action_Ethics_Code_Sustainability_Addition",
"proeth:causesStateChange": "Professional standards expanded to include environmental responsibilities; sustainability becomes legitimate engineering concern",
"proeth:createsObligation": [
"Consider_Environmental_Impact",
"Evaluate_Sustainable_Alternatives",
"Balance_Traditional_vs_Green_Solutions"
],
"proeth:description": "Historical development of NSPE ethics code from 1946 to 2007 incorporating sustainability principles. Environmental responsibility becomes recognized professional obligation.",
"proeth:emergencyStatus": "low",
"proeth:eventType": "exogenous",
"proeth:temporalMarker": "1946-2007 historical period",
"proeth:urgencyLevel": "low",
"rdfs:label": "Professional Standards Evolution"
}
Causal Chains (3)
NESS test analysis: Necessary Element of Sufficient SetCausal Language: Engineer Intern Wasser refused the assigned irrigation system design task, citing sustainability concerns
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Assignment of traditional irrigation system design task
- Wasser's knowledge of sustainability principles
- NSPE ethics code provision III.2.d requiring sustainable development consideration
- Wasser's ethical commitment to sustainability
Sufficient Factors:
- Combination of unsustainable task assignment + intern's ethical awareness + professional code requirements
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer Intern Wasser
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Ethics Code Sustainability Addition
NSPE adds provision III.2.d requiring engineers to consider sustainable development -
Traditional Irrigation System Specification
Landscape architect specifies traditional irrigation system for golf course -
Contract Acceptance Decision
Cutting Edge Engineering accepts contract including traditional irrigation system -
Task Assignment to Wasser
Engineer Jaylani assigns irrigation system design to Engineer Intern Wasser -
Task Refusal Decision
Wasser refuses task citing sustainability concerns and ethics code requirements
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#CausalChain_fc055a95",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer Intern Wasser refused the assigned irrigation system design task, citing sustainability concerns",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "NSPE adds provision III.2.d requiring engineers to consider sustainable development",
"proeth:element": "Ethics Code Sustainability Addition",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Landscape architect specifies traditional irrigation system for golf course",
"proeth:element": "Traditional Irrigation System Specification",
"proeth:step": 2
},
{
"proeth:description": "Cutting Edge Engineering accepts contract including traditional irrigation system",
"proeth:element": "Contract Acceptance Decision",
"proeth:step": 3
},
{
"proeth:description": "Engineer Jaylani assigns irrigation system design to Engineer Intern Wasser",
"proeth:element": "Task Assignment to Wasser",
"proeth:step": 4
},
{
"proeth:description": "Wasser refuses task citing sustainability concerns and ethics code requirements",
"proeth:element": "Task Refusal Decision",
"proeth:step": 5
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Task Assignment to Wasser",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without the task assignment, there would be no opportunity for refusal; without sustainability ethics code, refusal may not have occurred",
"proeth:effect": "Task Refusal Decision",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Assignment of traditional irrigation system design task",
"Wasser\u0027s knowledge of sustainability principles",
"NSPE ethics code provision III.2.d requiring sustainable development consideration",
"Wasser\u0027s ethical commitment to sustainability"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Combination of unsustainable task assignment + intern\u0027s ethical awareness + professional code requirements"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Causal Language: Wasser wrote a formal memorandum documenting the refusal and citing sustainability concerns
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Prior task refusal decision
- Need to document ethical position formally
- Professional requirement to communicate engineering concerns
Sufficient Factors:
- Refusal decision + professional documentation standards
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Engineer Intern Wasser
Type: direct
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Task Refusal Decision
Wasser refuses irrigation system design task citing sustainability concerns -
Formal Memorandum Writing
Wasser documents refusal and ethical reasoning in formal memorandum
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#CausalChain_d3244088",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Wasser wrote a formal memorandum documenting the refusal and citing sustainability concerns",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Wasser refuses irrigation system design task citing sustainability concerns",
"proeth:element": "Task Refusal Decision",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Wasser documents refusal and ethical reasoning in formal memorandum",
"proeth:element": "Formal Memorandum Writing",
"proeth:step": 2
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Task Refusal Decision",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without the refusal decision, there would be no need for the explanatory memorandum",
"proeth:effect": "Formal Memorandum Writing",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Prior task refusal decision",
"Need to document ethical position formally",
"Professional requirement to communicate engineering concerns"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Refusal decision + professional documentation standards"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Causal Language: Formal ethics review process triggered by intern's refusal and memorandum submission
Necessary Factors (NESS):
- Formal memorandum documenting ethical concerns
- Task refusal creating project conflict
- Organizational ethics review procedures
- Clear citation of professional ethics code
Sufficient Factors:
- Formal documentation of ethics-based task refusal + established review procedures
Responsibility Attribution:
Agent: Cutting Edge Engineering (Organization)
Type: indirect
Within Agent Control:
Yes
Causal Sequence:
-
Task Refusal Decision
Wasser refuses irrigation design task citing sustainability ethics -
Formal Memorandum Writing
Wasser creates formal documentation of ethical position -
Ethics Review Initiation
Organization triggers formal ethics review process in response to documented concerns
RDF JSON-LD
{
"@context": {
"proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
"proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#",
"rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
"rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
},
"@id": "http://proethica.org/cases/13#CausalChain_efc929d9",
"@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
"proeth:causalLanguage": "Formal ethics review process triggered by intern\u0027s refusal and memorandum submission",
"proeth:causalSequence": [
{
"proeth:description": "Wasser refuses irrigation design task citing sustainability ethics",
"proeth:element": "Task Refusal Decision",
"proeth:step": 1
},
{
"proeth:description": "Wasser creates formal documentation of ethical position",
"proeth:element": "Formal Memorandum Writing",
"proeth:step": 2
},
{
"proeth:description": "Organization triggers formal ethics review process in response to documented concerns",
"proeth:element": "Ethics Review Initiation",
"proeth:step": 3
}
],
"proeth:cause": "Formal Memorandum Writing",
"proeth:counterfactual": "Without formal memorandum, the refusal might have been handled informally without triggering ethics review",
"proeth:effect": "Ethics Review Initiation",
"proeth:necessaryFactors": [
"Formal memorandum documenting ethical concerns",
"Task refusal creating project conflict",
"Organizational ethics review procedures",
"Clear citation of professional ethics code"
],
"proeth:responsibilityType": "indirect",
"proeth:responsibleAgent": "Cutting Edge Engineering (Organization)",
"proeth:sufficientFactors": [
"Formal documentation of ethics-based task refusal + established review procedures"
],
"proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Allen Temporal Relations (5)
Interval algebra relationships with OWL-Time standard properties| From Entity | Allen Relation | To Entity | OWL-Time Property | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| landscape architect specification |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
Engineer Jaylani task assignment |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
The project's landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort's go... |
| Jaylani task assignment |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
Wasser refusal |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system. Wasser ... |
| Wasser refusal |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
formal memorandum |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
Wasser refuses to perform the task... In a formal memorandum to Jaylani, Wasser argues |
| NSPE ethics code creation |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
sustainable development addition |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
The NSPE Canons of Ethics for Engineers trace to 1946, and for 60 years the NSPE ethics code did not... |
| BER Case 05-04 |
before
Entity1 is before Entity2 |
sustainable development inclusion in code |
time:before
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#before |
BER Case 05-04, written before NSPE included sustainable development in the NSPE Code of Ethics |
About Allen Relations & OWL-Time
Allen's Interval Algebra provides 13 basic temporal relations between intervals. These relations are mapped to OWL-Time standard properties for interoperability with Semantic Web temporal reasoning systems and SPARQL queries.
Each relation includes both a ProEthica custom property and a
time:* OWL-Time property for maximum compatibility.