{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Environmental_Analysis_Undertaking",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112404+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer A, a principal in an environmental engineering firm, undertakes an analysis for a developer client of a property adjacent to a protected wetlands area for potential residential condominium development.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "principal, environmental engineering firm",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Faithfulness to Client"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Client Engagement Active"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Provide the developer client with a professional analysis of the property\u0027s development potential",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Environmental engineering analysis",
    "Wetlands assessment"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "At the outset of the engagement, before the biologist\u0027s report",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 5,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A is a principal in an environmental engineering firm and is requested by a developer client to prepare an analysis of a piece of property adjacent to a wetlands area for potential development as a residential condominium."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Environmental Analysis Undertaking"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Species_Threat_Reporting",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112555+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "The firm\u0027s biologist reports to Engineer A his professional opinion that the condominium project could threaten a bird species inhabiting the adjacent protected wetlands, a species designated as threatened by federal and state regulators.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "staff biologist, Engineer A\u0027s firm",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Firm biologist",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Threatened Species Concern Known to Engineer A"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Inform Engineer A of the environmental threat identified during the analysis",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [
    "Protect the Environment for Future Generations"
  ],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Biological species assessment"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During the firm\u0027s analysis",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 7,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "one of the engineering firm\u2019s biologists reports to Engineer A that in his opinion, the condominium project could threaten a bird species that inhabits the adjacent protected wetlands area"
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Species Threat Reporting"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Verbal_Concern_Disclosure",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112598+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer A verbally mentions the threatened species concern to the developer client during subsequent discussions.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "principal, environmental engineering firm",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Faithfulness to Client",
    "Sustainable Development"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Client Aware of Species Threat"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Make the client aware of the potential threat to the bird species",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional communication",
    "Environmental engineering judgment"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "In subsequent discussions with the developer client, after the biologist\u0027s report",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 8,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "In subsequent discussions with the developer client, Engineer A verbally mentions the concern"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Verbal Concern Disclosure"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Written_Report_Omission",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112628+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Engineer A omits the threatened species information from the written report that will be submitted to the public authority considering the developer\u0027s proposal. The Board treats this non-performance as Engineer A\u0027s conduct and the central ethical decision.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "principal, environmental engineering firm",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "Public authority deprived of information relevant to its approval decision",
    "Potential harm to the threatened bird species and the protected wetlands"
  ],
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Faithfulness to Client"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate omission",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Public Authority Uninformed of Species Threat",
    "Incomplete Written Report"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Limit the written report submitted to the public authority to information favorable to the client\u0027s proposal",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional report preparation",
    "Environmental engineering judgment"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "At preparation of the written report for the public authority, after the verbal disclosure to the client",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 9,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A does not include the information in a written report that will be submitted to a public authority that is considering the developer\u2019s proposal"
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [
    "Include All Relevant and Pertinent Information in Reports",
    "Protect the Environment for Future Generations"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Written Report Omission"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Code_Section_Addition",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112704+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "The NSPE Board of Directors approves adding Section III.2.d. on sustainable development to the NSPE Code of Ethics, together with a clarifying footnote defining the term.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "NSPE Board of Directors",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate institutional decision",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Sustainable Development Provision in Force"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Place additional responsibilities on engineers to protect the environment for future generations",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional code governance"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "January 2006",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 10,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "In January 2006, the NSPE Board of Directors approved a change to the NSPE Code of Ethics to add Section III.2.d. to the NSPE Code."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Code Section Addition"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Code_Language_Modification",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112744+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "The NSPE House of Delegates votes to modify Section III.2.d. so that engineers are encouraged, rather than shall strive, to adhere to the principles of sustainable development.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "NSPE House of Delegates",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate institutional decision",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Modified Sustainable Development Provision in Force"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Clarify and adjust the modality of the sustainable development provision",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional code governance"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "July 2007",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 11,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "in July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates voted to modify the language in NSPE Code Section III.2.d. to state that \u201cengineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Code Language Modification"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Action_Board_Ethical_Determination",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112773+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Applying new Code Section III.2.d. and Section II.3.a. as a matter of first impression, the Board concludes that Engineer A had an obligation to include the threatened species information in the written report and to advise the client of its inclusion.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development",
    "Objectivity and Truthfulness in Reports",
    "Public Health and Safety Paramountcy"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "NSPE Board of Ethical Review",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate adjudicative reasoning",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Duty to Disclose in Written Report Established"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Resolve the conflict between client confidentiality and environmental and reporting duties, and establish guidance under the new Code language",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Ethical review and adjudication"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "After July 2007, upon review of the present case",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 12,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer A, therefore, had an obligation to include it in the written report and advise the client of its inclusion."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Board Ethical Determination"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Event_Wall_Defect_Discovery",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112953+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.9",
  "proeth:description": "In BER Case No. 97-13, while conducting the bridge inspection, Engineer A noticed an apparent preexisting defective condition in the wall close to where the fatal accident occurred, and surmised it may have contributed to the wall failure.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Suspected Preexisting Wall Defect",
    "Out-of-Scope Safety Information Held"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During the bridge inspection (BER Case No. 97-13)",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 1,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "While conducting the bridge inspection, and although not part of the scope of services for which he was retained, Engineer A noticed an apparent preexisting defective condition in the wall close to where the accident involving Police Officer B occurred.",
    "Engineer A surmised that the defective condition may have been a contributing factor in the wall failure and noted this in his engineering notes."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Wall Defect Discovery"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Event_Vehicle_Control_Loss",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112846+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.95",
  "proeth:description": "In BER Case No. 97-13, Police Officer B lost control of his patrol car while traveling across the bridge and crashed into the bridge wall.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventType": "exogenous",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Vehicle Impact on Bridge Wall"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Three months prior to the scheduled bridge overhaul (BER Case No. 97-13)",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 2,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Three months prior to the beginning of the scheduled overhaul of the bridge, while traveling across the bridge, Police Officer B lost control of his patrol car. The vehicle crashed into the bridge wall."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Vehicle Control Loss"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Event_Bridge_Wall_Failure",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112929+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.93",
  "proeth:description": "In BER Case No. 97-13, the bridge wall failed to restrain the crashing patrol car, which fell to the river below, killing Police Officer B. An apparent preexisting defective condition may have been a contributing factor.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventType": "exogenous",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Police Officer Fatality",
    "Bridge Safety Concern"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Three months prior to the scheduled bridge overhaul (BER Case No. 97-13)",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 3,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "The wall failed to restrain the vehicle, which fell to the river below, killing Police Officer B."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Bridge Wall Failure"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Event_Illegal_Fill_Discovery",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112975+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.92",
  "proeth:description": "In BER Case No. 04-8, a few months after completing wetland delineation services, Engineer A drove by the client\u0027s property and noticed the client had installed substantial fill material across a portion of the wetlands without permits, variances, or permissions, a substantial violation of federal and state law.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventType": "exogenous",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Known Environmental Law Violation"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "A few months after Engineer A completed the wetland delineation services (BER Case No. 04-8)",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 4,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "A few months after Engineer A completed the services, he drove by his client\u2019s property and noticed that the client had installed a substantial amount of fill material on more than half an acre across a portion of the wetlands without any permits, variances, or permissions.",
    "The installation of the fill material was a substantial violation of the federal and state laws and regulations."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Illegal Fill Discovery"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "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/ontology/case/83#Event_Species_Threat_Identification",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.112998+00:00",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#Action_Environmental_Analysis_Undertaking",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.88",
  "proeth:description": "During the firm\u0027s analysis of the property in the present case, the firm\u0027s biologist forms the professional opinion that the condominium project could threaten a bird species inhabiting the adjacent protected wetlands, a species considered threatened by federal and state environmental regulators.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Threatened Species Risk",
    "Relevant Environmental Information Held"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During the firm\u0027s analysis of the property (present case)",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 6,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "During the firm\u2019s analysis, one of the engineering firm\u2019s biologists reports to Engineer A that in his opinion, the condominium project could threaten a bird species that inhabits the adjacent protected wetlands area.",
    "The bird species in not an \u201cendangered species,\u201d but it is considered a \u201cthreatened species\u201d by federal and state environmental regulators."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Species Threat Identification"
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_2",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113089+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew the species was considered a \u0027threatened species\u0027 by federal and state environmental regulators",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "one of the engineering firm\u2019s biologists reports to Engineer A that in his opinion, the condominium project could threaten a bird species that inhabits the adjacent protected wetlands area",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Biologist forms professional opinion during the firm\u0027s analysis",
      "proeth:element": "Species Threat Identification",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Biologist reports the opinion to Engineer A",
      "proeth:element": "Species Threat Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 2
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Species Threat Identification",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Had the biologist not identified the threat, there would have been nothing to report to Engineer A",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Species Threat Reporting",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Biologist forming the professional opinion of a threat",
    "Biologist\u0027s role within the firm reporting to Engineer A"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Firm\u0027s biologist",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Professional identification of the threat + internal firm reporting structure"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_3",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113112+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew from a qualified biologist that the project could threaten a federally and state recognized \u0027threatened species\u0027",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "In subsequent discussions with the developer client, Engineer A verbally mentions the concern",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Biologist informs Engineer A of the threat to the bird species",
      "proeth:element": "Species Threat Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A engages in subsequent discussions with the developer client",
      "proeth:element": "Client Discussions",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A verbally mentions the concern to the client",
      "proeth:element": "Verbal Concern Disclosure",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Species Threat Reporting",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the biologist\u0027s report, Engineer A would have had no concern to mention to the client",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Verbal Concern Disclosure",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A receiving the biologist\u0027s report",
    "Ongoing discussions between Engineer A and the developer client"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Knowledge of the threat + occasion of client discussions + Engineer A\u0027s decision to disclose verbally"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_4",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113134+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew the species was a \u0027threatened species\u0027 and that the report would be submitted to a public authority considering the developer\u0027s proposal",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A does not include the information in a written report that will be submitted to a public authority that is considering the developer\u2019s proposal",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Biologist reports the threat to Engineer A",
      "proeth:element": "Species Threat Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A verbally mentions the concern only to the client",
      "proeth:element": "Verbal Concern Disclosure",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A prepares the written report to the public authority without the species information",
      "proeth:element": "Written Report Omission",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Species Threat Reporting",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the biologist\u0027s report there would have been no information to omit; with the information, inclusion was fully within Engineer A\u0027s control, so the omission was not inevitable",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Written Report Omission",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Client\u0027s business interest in the development proceeding",
    "General confidentiality expectations of the engineer-client relationship"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A\u0027s possession of the species threat information",
    "Preparation of a written report destined for the public authority",
    "Engineer A\u0027s volitional choice to exclude the information"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Possession of material information + control over report content + decision to omit"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_5",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113154+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Board knew the information was neither confidential nor speculative: \u0027the client never directly requested that Engineer A maintain it as confidential\u0027 and \u0027the facts are relatively unambiguous and obvious\u0027",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A, therefore, had an obligation to include it in the written report and advise the client of its inclusion.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A omits the threatened species information from the public-authority report",
      "proeth:element": "Written Report Omission",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board distinguishes the facts from BER 89-7 and 97-13 (no confidentiality request, no speculation, established competence)",
      "proeth:element": "Precedent Comparison",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board applies Sections II.3.a. and III.2.d. as a matter of first impression",
      "proeth:element": "Code Application",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board concludes Engineer A had an obligation to include the information and advise the client",
      "proeth:element": "Board Ethical Determination",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Written Report Omission",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Had Engineer A included the information in the written report, the Board would have had no omission to adjudicate and no finding of breached obligation",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Board Ethical Determination",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Adoption and modification of Code Section III.2.d. prior to review",
    "Precedent in BER Case Nos. 89-7, 97-13, and 04-8"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A\u0027s omission of relevant information from a report to a public authority",
    "NSPE Code Section II.3.a. requiring truthfulness and inclusion of all relevant and pertinent information",
    "NSPE Code Section III.2.d. on sustainable development"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A (conduct reviewed); NSPE Board of Ethical Review (determination made)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Omission of unambiguous, competently derived information + absence of any client confidentiality request + Code obligations"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_6",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113173+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Both bodies understood the sustainable development language and its footnoted definition",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Thereafter, in July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates voted to modify the language in NSPE Code Section III.2.d. to state that \u201cengineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development in order to protect the environment for future generations.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "January 2006: Board of Directors approves adding Section III.2.d. (\u0027shall strive to adhere\u0027)",
      "proeth:element": "Code Section Addition",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "July 2007: House of Delegates modifies language to \u0027are encouraged to adhere\u0027",
      "proeth:element": "Code Language Modification",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board of Ethical Review reviews the language as a matter of first impression in the present case",
      "proeth:element": "First Impression Review",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Code Section Addition",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the January 2006 addition, there would have been no Section III.2.d. language to modify in July 2007",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Code Language Modification",
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Existence of Section III.2.d. as adopted in January 2006",
    "House of Delegates\u0027 authority to modify Code language"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "NSPE Board of Directors (addition); NSPE House of Delegates (modification)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Existing section language + House of Delegates vote to modify"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_8",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113210+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "No party is stated to have known of the defective condition prior to the accident",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Police Officer B lost control of his patrol car. The vehicle crashed into the bridge wall. The wall failed to restrain the vehicle, which fell to the river below, killing Police Officer B.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Police Officer B loses control of his patrol car on the bridge",
      "proeth:element": "Vehicle Control Loss",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The vehicle crashes into the bridge wall",
      "proeth:element": "Wall Impact",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The wall fails to restrain the vehicle, which falls to the river below, killing Police Officer B",
      "proeth:element": "Bridge Wall Failure",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Vehicle Control Loss",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the loss of vehicle control there would have been no impact; per Engineer A\u0027s surmise, without the defective condition the wall may have restrained the vehicle",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Bridge Wall Failure",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Apparent preexisting defective condition in the wall, which \u0027may have been a contributing factor in the wall failure\u0027"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Loss of vehicle control causing impact with the wall",
    "Apparent preexisting defective condition in the wall"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Police Officer B (loss of control); responsibility for the wall condition undetermined in the facts",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Vehicle impact + defective wall condition together were sufficient for the wall\u0027s failure to restrain the vehicle"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": false
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_9",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113227+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Observation was based on visual inspection only; he lacked stated expertise in structural engineering and the defect was outside his scope of work",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A surmised that the defective condition may have been a contributing factor in the wall failure and noted this in his engineering notes.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A notices the apparent preexisting defective condition while inspecting the bridge",
      "proeth:element": "Wall Defect Discovery",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A notes the surmise in his engineering notes",
      "proeth:element": "Defect Documentation",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A verbally reports the information to his client, VWX",
      "proeth:element": "Verbal Defect Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Wall Defect Discovery",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Had Engineer A not noticed the defective condition during inspection, no note would have been made",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Defect Documentation",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Scope of work limited solely to pavement damage identification"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A conducting the bridge inspection",
    "Visual observation of the apparent preexisting defective condition"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A (bridge inspection subconsultant, BER 97-13)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Observation of the defect + Engineer A\u0027s professional practice of documenting observations"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_10",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113245+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "VWX knew the observation was outside Engineer A\u0027s scope of work and beyond his stated structural expertise",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A verbally reported this information to his client, who then verbally reported the information to the public agency. The public agency contacted VWX Architects and Engineers, who then contacted Engineer A and asked Engineer A not to include this additional information in his final report since it was not part of his scope of work.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A verbally reports the defect to VWX",
      "proeth:element": "Verbal Defect Reporting",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "VWX verbally reports the information to the public agency",
      "proeth:element": "Agency Notification",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The public agency contacts VWX about the information",
      "proeth:element": "Agency Contact",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "VWX asks Engineer A not to include the information in his final report",
      "proeth:element": "Report Omission Request",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Verbal Defect Reporting",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Had Engineer A never verbally reported the defect, VWX and the public agency would have had no information prompting the omission request",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Report Omission Request",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Public agency\u0027s contact with VWX",
    "Scope-of-work limitations of the subconsultant contract"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A\u0027s verbal report to VWX",
    "VWX\u0027s report to the public agency",
    "Public agency contacting VWX about the information"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "VWX Architects and Engineers (made the request); public agency (indirect)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Chain of verbal notifications + agency response + scope-of-work rationale motivated VWX\u0027s request"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_11",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113264+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew his surmise rested on visual inspection alone and that VWX \u0027was in a far better position than Engineer A to understand the interrelationships between various elements of the projects\u0027",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer A stated that he would retain the information for his engineering notes but not include it in the final report, as requested.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "VWX asks Engineer A to exclude the defect information from the final report",
      "proeth:element": "Report Omission Request",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A agrees, retaining the information in his engineering notes but excluding it from the final report",
      "proeth:element": "Requested Omission Compliance",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board holds Engineer A must \u0027follow through to see that correct follow-up action was taken by the public agency\u0027",
      "proeth:element": "Follow-up Obligation",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Report Omission Request",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without VWX\u0027s request, Engineer A would have had no occasion to agree \u0027as requested\u0027; the Board found the compliance ethical because \u0027there was nothing under the facts to indicate anything more than Engineer A\u2019s general surmise and speculation\u0027",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Requested Omission Compliance",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Board\u0027s condition that compliance was ethical only \u0027as long as corrective action was taken by the public agency within a relatively short period of time\u0027"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "VWX\u0027s request that the information be excluded from the final report",
    "Engineer A\u0027s judgment that the observation was speculative and outside his scope and expertise"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A (BER 97-13 subconsultant)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Client request + speculative basis of the observation + retention of the information in engineering notes as a safeguard"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_1",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113059+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew the property was adjacent to a wetlands area when accepting the engagement",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "During the firm\u2019s analysis, one of the engineering firm\u2019s biologists reports to Engineer A that in his opinion, the condominium project could threaten a bird species that inhabits the adjacent protected wetlands area.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Engineer A undertakes analysis of property adjacent to wetlands for developer client",
      "proeth:element": "Environmental Analysis Undertaking",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The firm\u0027s biologist examines the property as part of the analysis",
      "proeth:element": "Biologist Site Examination",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Biologist forms professional opinion that the condominium project could threaten the bird species",
      "proeth:element": "Species Threat Identification",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Environmental Analysis Undertaking",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the firm\u0027s analysis being undertaken, the biologist would not have examined the site and the threat to the bird species would not have been professionally identified",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Species Threat Identification",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Pre-existing presence of the threatened bird species",
    "Federal and state regulatory classification of the species as \u0027threatened\u0027"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Engineer A accepting the developer\u0027s request to analyze the property",
    "The firm\u0027s biologist participating in the analysis",
    "The property\u0027s adjacency to the protected wetlands area inhabited by the threatened species"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "indirect",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Engineer A (as principal directing the firm\u0027s analysis)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Combination of the firm\u0027s analysis being underway + qualified biologist examining the site + presence of the threatened bird species in the adjacent wetlands"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/83#CausalChain_7",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-13T19:54:33.113192+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Knew the prior precedents were \u0027decided prior to the addition of the language contained in NSPE Code Section III.2.d.\u0027",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "With this added language a further clarification, the NSPE Board of Ethical Review will review this language as a matter of first impression and in the context of other language in the NSPE Code and earlier NSPE Board of Ethical Review Opinions.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "House of Delegates finalizes the \u0027encouraged to adhere\u0027 language",
      "proeth:element": "Code Language Modification",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "The present facts come before the Board for review",
      "proeth:element": "Case Submission",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Board applies III.2.d. and II.3.a., concluding Engineer A had an obligation to include the information in the written report",
      "proeth:element": "Board Ethical Determination",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Code Language Modification",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "The Board could still have found the omission unethical under pre-existing Section II.3.a., but the analysis would not have applied III.2.d. as a matter of first impression",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Board Ethical Determination",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Precedent cases BER 89-7, 97-13, and 04-8"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Modified Section III.2.d. language being in effect",
    "A live case (Engineer A\u0027s omission) requiring application of the new language"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "NSPE Board of Ethical Review",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "New Code language + present case facts + Board\u0027s mandate to issue opinions"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}