A Peircian approach to professional ethics instruction

Abstract

The author presents a method for using C.S. Peirce's (1867) three conceptual categories to present a compact historical overview of major ethical theories to PEs (professional engineers) during professional ethics training seminars. The use of this method helps the seminar participant to easily grasp the "big picture" of ethical thought and to discover his or her own place within that picture. The benefit of this is that the participant is then more engaged when discussing codes of ethics and case studies.