Case studies play a critical role in an Engineering Ethics course, providing context through historical events. Supplementary videos, such as the New York Times Retro Report on the Challenger and Columbia disasters, enhance understanding by illustrating real impacts on individuals involved. Students often react emotionally, particularly when witnessing pivotal moments like shuttle explosions. Discussions focus on technical failures and decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and role responsibilities among professionals. Such approaches make classroom discussions more personal and grounded, fostering deeper ethical reflection among students.
Engineers at Morton Thiokol recommended no launch due to uncertainty about the safety of the Challenger shuttle; they grappled with risk, expertise, and role responsibilities.
Pausing the video around 13:30 encourages grounded discussion about decision-making processes relating to the tragic Challenger and Columbia disasters.
Seeing the shuttle explosions evokes an emotional response from students, shifting the discussion from abstract concepts to personal and serious reflections.
Case studies and supplementary videos make the material more relatable to students unfamiliar with the historical events of the Challenger and Columbia disasters.
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