2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This theory paper reviews the integration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles within the framework of engineering ethics, addressing a critical gap in current research and educational approaches. While DEI has gained increasing recognition in engineering practice, it is often relegated to secondary importance in ethical discussions, overshadowed by technical considerations. This paper emphasizes that DEI considerations must be integrated alongside traditional ethical challenges in engineering, such as balancing innovation with safety, the ethical use of resources, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this paper is to examine the existing literature on DEI in engineering ethics, analyze its theoretical foundations, and propose new frameworks that elevate DEI while ensuring these broader ethical tensions are also addressed.

The review will focus on two key areas: (1) how DEI is currently conceptualized and integrated within engineering ethics research and education, and (2) the ethical implications of technologies that exacerbate societal inequities, such as healthcare disparities and biased artificial intelligence systems. Drawing from empirical studies, theoretical papers, and case studies, this review identifies gaps in current understanding and provides insights into how inclusive design practices, when considered alongside traditional ethical concerns, can inform responsible decision-making in engineering.

A central component of this paper will be the introduction of Intersectionality-Informed Ethics Principles, which provide practical guidance for engineers to evaluate how multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., race, gender, disability) intersect with broader ethical concerns, such as safety, sustainability, and resource management. Beyond healthcare and artificial intelligence, this framework will be demonstrated across a range of engineering challenges, such as environmental sustainability and resource management in infrastructure development. For example, intersectionality can be applied to the design of sustainable energy systems that take into account the unique needs of marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to clean energy. In resource management, this framework supports the development of water systems that are safe, sustainable, and accessible to underserved populations, addressing both technical and social concerns.

In addition to the theoretical insights, the paper will present case studies that have successfully demonstrated the application of intersectionality in various engineering practices. These real-world examples validate the practicality of the Intersectionality-Informed Ethics Principles in guiding engineers to design solutions that address both technical and societal needs. By expanding these principles across multiple engineering domains, the paper offers a solid foundation for future research and broader application in engineering ethics.

This paper aims to contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable approach to engineering ethics that ensures the ethical practice of engineering is both technically sound and socially responsible, addressing both DEI and traditional ethical imperatives.