Being ethical can be hard.  Professional engineers are tasked with sound engineering judgement as well as protecting the safety and welfare of the public.  Structural engineers often face ethical dilemmas that can be murky waters to navigate.  From whom can engineers seek wise counsel regarding ethical dilemmas?

In the February 2026 SEU Ethics session, Barry Arnold, PE, SE, retired from ARW Engineers, presented 8 Tips to Avoid the Traps of Unethical Behavior.  Barry explained the fundamental purpose and principles of the Code of Ethics. He described 8 tips to build a solid ethical foundation and improve one’s ethical IQ, and identified resources to aid in ethical decision making.

Barry gave an important tip for engineers who are faced with an ethical dilemma.  After confronting and understanding the problem, engineers need to be aware of their own and other’s biases.  To hear Barry explore the importance of this tip, watch this short video:

Seeking advice on ethical dilemmas requires introspection and careful examination of the biases of yourself and others.  In most cases, it would be valid to seek out multiple opinions from trusted sources and unbiased third parties to try to eliminate any conflicts of interest in ethical decision making.  Each instance requires a unique perspective because ethical dilemmas are so varied and nuanced and engineers typically are not well seasoned on dealing with ethical issues, especially newly licensed engineers.  Barry rightfully recommends examining the biases and motivations of those in whom one seeks advice when faced with ethical dealings to avoid self interests or covert coverups.