Since the beginning of the awareness of the environmental crisis, studies have tried to trace back the historical and ideological roots of industrial evolution. Many of these studies indicated elements of the Judeo-Christian tradition as at least co-responsible. Some 40 years later, this chapter overviews some strands of the discussions these studies have provoked, especially concerning the alleged anthro-pocentrism of Judaism and Christianity, and their disenchanting attitude towards nature. These traditional ideas are confronted with insights from Marcel Gauchet’s philosophy of (...) religion, with inputs from other religions, and with empirical data from recent surveys. (shrink)

Why should engineers behave ethically? Often, an answer to this question is sought in the qualification of engineering as a “profession”, and professional or-ganizations have codes of ethics that members should comply with. In many countries however, engineering is organized differently. In this chapter broader conceptions of “professionalism” are explored, inspired by similar evolutions in other occupational areas. A second part questions the idea that professionalism encompasses ethical responsibilities “beyond ordinary morality”. The thesis will be defended that, although there may (...) be specific rules for “professionals”, the philosophical foundation of professional ethics yet rests on ordinary morality. (shrink)