Socially Responsible Engineering: Justice in Risk Management [Paperback]

Daniel A. Vallero (Author), P. Aarne Vesilind (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471787078 | ISBN-13: 978-0471787075 | Publication Date: September 11, 2006 | Edition: 1

The only guide to understanding ethical challenges in engineering projects from both a technical and a social perspective



What does it mean to be a "good" engineer, planner, or design professional in the ethical sense? Technical professionals must make daily decisions which impact upon the quality of life of those who live near the facilities, plants, structures, and thoroughfares they design, and in the cities and communities they plan and build. The questions of where these projects are built, who they are to serve, and how they will affect those who live near them are at the heart of Socially Responsible Engineering. Written from the perspective of the engineer, this new resource from two leading engineering authors is essential to professionals and students who must grapple with how solutions to engineering problems impact the people those solutions are meant to serve.

The first book of its kind to focus on the environmental implications of engineering ethics and justice, Socially Responsible Engineering provides a wealth of tools for evaluating projects from an ethical perspective and properly assessing the inherent risk to communities affected by engineering projects. This thorough book provides a historical and philosophical foundation of environmental justice, as well as:
* Case studies highlighting real-world concepts of environmental justice
* Practical examples of investigations, resolutions when possible, and questions for further debate
* Biographical sketches of key scientists, engineers, and activists who have contributed to our growing sense of environmental justice

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The only guide to understanding ethical challenges in engineering projects from both a technical and a social perspective

What does it mean to be a "good" engineer, planner, or design professional in the ethical sense? Technical professionals must make daily decisions which impact upon the quality of life of those who live near the facilities, plants, structures, and thoroughfares they design, and in the cities and communities they plan and build. The questions of where these projects are built, who they are to serve, and how they will affect those who live near them are at the heart of Socially Responsible Engineering. Written from the perspective of the engineer, this new resource from two leading engineering authors is essential to professionals and students who must grapple with how solutions to engineering problems impact the people those solutions are meant to serve.

The first book of its kind to focus on the environmental implications of engineering ethics and justice, Socially Responsible Engineering provides a wealth of tools for evaluating projects from an ethical perspective and properly assessing the inherent risk to communities affected by engineering projects. This thorough book provides a historical and philosophical foundation of environmental justice, as well as:

• Case studies highlighting real-world concepts of environmental justice
• Practical examples of investigations, resolutions when possible, and questions for further debate
• Biographical sketches of key scientists, engineers, and activists who have contributed to our growing sense of environmental justice

About the Author

Daniel A. Vallero, PhD, is Adjunct Professor of Engineering Ethics in the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University and former director of Duke's Program in Science, Technology, and Human Values. His professional experience spans three decades in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government and at universities, and he is recognized as a leader in environmental research, engineering education, ethics, and environmental justice. He is the author of three previous books on environmental engineering and risk assessment.

P. Aarne Vesilind, PhD, is Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Bucknell University. He serves on many technical and pro?fessional editorial boards and has written nine books on environmental engineering, solid waste management, education, and environmental ethics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (September 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471787078
• ISBN-13: 978-0471787075
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,914,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dan Vallero is an internationally recognized expert in environmental science and engineering. For over three decades, he has conducted research, advised regulators and policy makers, and advanced the state-of-the-science of environmental measurement and modeling. He has worked in both the executive and legislative branches of U.S. government on the most important environmental problems, including global scale atmospheric problems such as persistent, bioaccumulating toxins (so-called PBTs), ecosystem response to climate change and acid rain, and human risks posed by chemicals, such as cancer and endocrine disruption.

At Duke University, he has led the establishment of the Engineering Ethics program, a popular and innovative program that introduces students to the complex relationships between professional, scientific, technological and societal demands on the engineer. He co-directs Duke's first-year Engineering Frontiers Focus program (visit: http://trinity.duke.edu/focus-program/clusters-courses/engineering-frontiers), teaches courses in ethics, sustainable design and green engineering, and is an advisor to the National Academy of Engineering's Online Ethics Committee (visit: http://www.onlineethics.org/). In 2010, Dr. Vallero was elected to the Executive Board of the National Institute of Engineering Ethics.

An authority on societal aspects of emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology and environmental biotechnology, Dr. Vallero has presented new paradigms to address the macroethical issues associated with public health and sustainability. His research addresses emergency response and homeland security, notably leading exposure studies in New York City.

Dr. Vallero is the author of ten engineering textbooks, with his latest addressing air pollution, green engineering, pollution prevention and waste management. In his soon-to-be-released book, he collaborates with leaders from every waste discipline, including scientists, engineers and practitioners. He serves as consulting editor (environmental engineering) to the McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science and Technology and the Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, with his articles appearing in both. His recent publications appear in the Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants, Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society. Leadership and Management and Engineering Environmental Science & Technology, Environmental Health Perspectives, Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, Hydrological Science and Technology, and Environmental Engineering Science. Dr. Vallero is guest editor of the special issue of the journal, Ethics in Biology, Engineering and Medicine, which traces the roots of bioethics and proposes a comprehensive and systematic approach to responsible applications of the life sciences in medicine and engineering.

Dr. Vallero holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, a Masters in Environmental Health Sciences (Civil and Environmental Engineering) from the University of Kansas, a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University, and a Bachelors Degree in the Earth Sciences and Psychology from SIU.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Balanced Approach Is Required, May 19, 2007

By 

jags (kuwait) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Socially Responsible Engineering: Justice in Risk Management (Paperback)

At the outset, it should be noted that all efforts placed in writing any book is appreciated.

The book emphasizes environmental justice from a social aspect and presents case studies that discuss adverse impacts resulting from environmental pollution.

The environmental pollution is considered as social injustice typically exposed to minority groups, the impacts of which are infringement on individual liberties and rights.

In my opinion the books theme is more of a political statement that a scientific appraisal. Risk Management is mentioned in broad sense. Crucial aspect related to EPA legislation and Management Systems requirements are not discussed or mentioned in depth; as a result the book seems outdated.

Regards