Professional ethics isn't just about following rules—it's about making decisions that can literally save lives, as demonstrated by the dramatic story of New York's Citicorp Center and the engineer who risked everything to prevent a catastrophic collapse. This course explores the critical ethical foundations that guide planning, design, and construction professionals in protecting public health, safety, and welfare through real-world case studies and practical decision-making frameworks. You'll examine five core ethical considerations—serving the public interest, social responsibility, environmental responsibility, interrelatedness of decisions, and rights and accessibility—while learning to navigate complex dilemmas involving client pressures, financial constraints, and competing stakeholder interests. By the end of this course, you'll have a comprehensive ethical toolkit to help you make sound professional decisions that uphold the highest standards of integrity and public trust.
