The Codes Of Hummurabi Relating To Engineering Ethics

“If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kill its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. ”

Engineers hold the paramount and the safety of the public in the performance of their professional duties. Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession engineers are required to exhibit high standards of integrity and reliability. A person being an engineer should be responsible and does not have an error in his engineering work. This above code of Hummurabi emphasizes on the severity of the fact that that engineering works should be reliable. They make life easier. Contrary to it, any act of irresponsibility can lead to significant loses. keeping in mind the seriousness of the matter Hammurabi verdicted a life sentence to such persons whose immature buildings collapse. The same is the case of an engineer. His skills should be up to the task. He should be punished severely if his engineering work collapse and cause significant loss.

Islamic aspect

This code of Hammurabi also accounts for the ethics and codes of islam that a person should be dutiful and responsible. Any person, no matter from which profession of life should perform efficiently. Our religion teaches us dutifulness and responsibility. As our Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Everyone of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his custody” (HADITH)

In short, this particular code of Hummurabi relates to the ethics of engineering that an engineer and the engineering work should be reliable. Therefore an engineer should keep in his mind his this great responsibility. In other case, as Hummurabi said he should be punished severly.

“If any one ensnare another, putting a ban upon him, but hecannot prove it, then he that ensnared him shall be put todeath. ’’

This code of Hummurabi also relates to the engineering ethics. The ethics of engineering include that an engineer should have some definite arguments and theories to his plan. This is very important because it is a matter of great responsibility. Any minor default in the module can cause significant damage to the society. Likewise one should have some definite proofs with him if he accuse someone for a reason, if he do not carry enough arguments then he is justified to be punished.

Islamic aspect

This code actually teaches us the lesson of islam that we are responsible for our actions and stances. No body should humiliate anyone without any solid reason. We should think before we accuse anyone. we should be very cautious in this regard, because this could spoil his repute and life. so the urge of this code is to be responsible before blaming someone and if someone proves worng in his stance then he should be punished. As it is said by Allah that: “O my servants, it is only your deeds that I record for you and then recompense for you, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself. ”

In short this code relates to the ethics of engineering that an engineer must have some definite reasons and arguments before doing anything. In other way he may becaome the cause of a significant damage.