This chapter examines the role of ethics in both moral philosophy and engineering practice. It begins by introducing deontological ethics, a duty-based approach to moral reasoning that focuses on following universal moral principles when deciding what is right or wrong. The discussion presents key ideas developed by Immanuel Kant, including moral obligation and the categorical imperative. It also briefly considers recent scientific perspectives on moral decision-making.
The chapter then moves to engineering ethics and discusses the standards and responsibilities that guide professional conduct. It reviews established codes of ethics, such as those developed by the National Society of Professional Engineers, and explains how these principles influence engineering decisions, design processes, and professional behavior. Finally, the chapter highlights why ethics is important in engineering, particularly in relation to safety, quality, public trust, sustainability, and the protection of both organizations and professionals.
Deontological ethics, often described as duty-based ethics, is a branch of moral philosophy that emphasizes following moral rules and obligations when judging whether an action is right or wrong. The term comes from the Greek words “deon” (duty) and “logos” (study or reasoning). According to this view, some actions are considered morally wrong in themselves, regardless of the outcomes they may produce [1].
This approach was most notably developed by Immanuel Kant in the 18th century through the concept of the categorical imperative, which stresses that moral rules should apply universally. Although deontology has traditionally been studied in philosophy, recent research has also provided useful insights into the psychological and neurological processes involved in moral decision-making [2].
Engineering ethics refers to the principles and responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work. These principles are important because engineering decisions can directly affect people’s safety, daily lives, and the environment. Following ethical standards helps ensure that projects are designed and carried out in a safe, reliable, and responsible way.
Engineers are expected to consider not only the goals of their company, but also the needs of clients, users, and the wider public when making decisions. Ethical principles also influence how systems are designed, tested, and implemented, helping to reduce risks and improve reliability. By following professional standards, engineers can help build public trust and maintain the credibility of the profession [3].
A well-known example of engineering ethics is the code of ethics developed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This code outlines the main responsibilities that engineers are expected to follow in their professional work.
According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), engineers should prioritize public safety, health, and welfare, and only carry out work in areas where they have the necessary knowledge and skills. They are also expected to communicate honestly, avoid deceptive actions, and act responsibly toward clients, employers, and the public.
In addition to these core principles, the code includes further professional obligations that help guide ethical decision-making in different situations. These standards are important because they help engineers maintain professional integrity and protect public trust in the engineering field [4].
Ethics plays an important role in engineering because engineering decisions can directly affect people, organizations, and the environment. One of the main reasons ethics is important is safety. Engineers are responsible for making sure that the systems they design and develop do not create unnecessary risks for users or the public. Following ethical standards helps prevent accidents, reduce harm, and create safer working environments.
Ethics is also closely related to the quality of engineering work. Engineers are expected to work within their area of knowledge and take responsibility for the reliability of their designs. This helps reduce mistakes and improves the overall quality of projects. In professional settings, ethical behavior also supports teamwork, good communication, and responsible leadership.
Another important aspect is public trust. Engineers often work on systems that affect people’s daily lives, so honest communication and responsible decision-making are essential. Acting ethically helps build confidence in both the engineer and the profession as a whole.
In addition, ethics supports sustainability and long-term responsibility. Engineers should consider not only short-term project goals, but also the wider social and environmental impact of their work. This includes using resources responsibly and thinking about how current decisions may affect future users.
Finally, ethical standards help protect both organizations and professionals. They support fair treatment, respect for intellectual property, confidentiality, and professional integrity. By following ethical principles, engineers can contribute to safer systems, stronger organizations, and more responsible innovation [5].
Safety is one of the most important considerations in engineering design. This system combines electronics, water, and plant care, which creates possible risks such as water leakage, electrical faults, or damage to nearby objects. To reduce these risks, the design needs to include proper water containment and reliable components. Safe operation is important not only for the user, but also for the environment where the system is used.
The system relies on sensors and automated control technologies to monitor conditions such as soil moisture in real time [6],[7]. While this improves convenience and efficiency, it also creates challenges because water and electronic components are used together.
The system uses sensors, microcontrollers, and water supply devices to control irrigation automatically based on real-time data [8]. This improves efficiency, but it also introduces some important risks.
One key issue is sensor accuracy and overall system reliability. If the sensor gives incorrect readings or the system malfunctions, the plant may receive too much or too little water. This can reduce system performance and negatively affect plant health [9].
Another important risk is moisture exposure. Since the system operates in a humid environment, water ingress can damage electronic components, reduce performance, and lead to system failure [10]. For this reason, protection against water and dust is an important part of the design. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defines protection levels through the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, which is widely used as a guideline for products exposed to water [11].
To reduce these risks, several safety measures should be included in the design.
First, water and electronic components should be clearly separated. Waterproof enclosures, sealed structures, and proper layout design can help prevent moisture from reaching sensitive parts. Using suitable IP-rated protection can further improve safety [12].
Second, the system should use reliable sensors and continuous monitoring to maintain stable operation. Accurate soil moisture readings are important for precise irrigation control and for detecting unusual conditions early [13].
Finally, fail-safe features should be included. The system should be able to stop automatically if an abnormal condition is detected, helping to prevent damage. Threshold-based control can also reduce the risk of overwatering, and the design should allow the system to remain in a safe state even if a failure occurs.
Responsible behaviour design means creating systems that can influence user actions while still respecting important ethical values such as autonomy and well-being. As digital technologies become more involved in daily life, it is important to make sure that these systems encourage positive habits without limiting users’ freedom to make their own choices.
Since this system is designed to influence user behaviour, it should avoid persuasive methods that feel manipulative or harmful. Research on persuasive technology shows that systems can raise ethical concerns when they create pressure, exploit users’ weaknesses, or reduce their sense of control [14].
For this reason, the goal of Screen2Green should be to support healthier digital habits in a positive way, rather than making users feel guilty or stressed when they exceed their screen-time limits. A design that creates too much pressure could reduce users’ sense of autonomy and make the system less ethical.
This idea is also supported by motivation research. According to the Self-Determination Theory, autonomy is an important psychological need, and people are more likely to stay motivated when they feel that their actions are self-directed [15].
This suggests that the system should help users make healthier choices by encouraging awareness and reflection, rather than using strict or controlling methods. Supporting users’ sense of choice can lead to more meaningful and lasting behaviour change.
In addition, the system should make sure that any effects on the plant stay within safe biological limits. The plant should never be harmed as part of the behaviour change process. Even if the system is designed to motivate users, plant health must remain a priority.
Although most persuasive technology research focuses on users, designers also have a responsibility to consider the wider effects of the system. In this project, that means making sure that any interaction linked to the plant still allows it to grow in healthy and safe conditions.
The system collects screen-time data through an associated application. Because this information is linked to users’ daily habits, ethical data management is an important part of the design. Users should clearly understand what data is being collected, how it will be stored, and how it will be used. Data collection should only begin after informed consent is given, and the system should avoid collecting sensitive personal information unless it is necessary for the system to work properly.
Even with these principles, privacy and security challenges can still arise when this type of system is used in a home smart farming environment. Many of these systems rely on low-cost Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which often have limited processing power and weaker built-in security. This can make them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
One of the main concerns is the sensitivity of screen-time data. If this information is accessed without permission, it may reveal users’ routines, habits, and daily schedules. In addition, the system also collects environmental data such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and light levels to support plant growth.
Although this environmental data may seem less sensitive, it can still reveal patterns about user behaviour or home occupancy when collected over time. Because of this, the system may be exposed to risks such as unauthorized access, data interception, or manipulation of sensor readings. For example, false soil moisture data could cause incorrect irrigation, which may harm plant health and reduce system reliability [16],[17].
At the same time, improving security in IoT systems is not always simple. Strong encryption can improve protection, but in low-power devices it may also increase energy use and reduce system efficiency. This creates an important trade-off between security and energy consumption, which needs to be considered carefully [18].
To reduce these risks, several practical strategies can be applied.
First, lightweight encryption methods can help protect important data while keeping energy use low. A balanced approach should also be used for data protection. More sensitive information, such as screen-time data, should have stronger security, while less sensitive environmental data can use lighter protection methods.
Second, edge computing can improve both privacy and efficiency by processing data locally instead of constantly sending it to external servers. Sending data in batches rather than continuously can also reduce communication frequency and save energy.
Finally, transparency and system maintenance are essential. Users should be able to easily understand how their data is collected and used through clear privacy settings, simple policies, and notifications. Regular software updates, strong authentication methods, and anomaly detection systems should also be included to improve overall security. For example, unusual soil moisture patterns could help detect possible cyberattacks or system faults before serious problems occur.
Professional competence means that engineers have the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their work safely, responsibly, and effectively. In engineering projects, this also means following professional standards and ethical principles throughout the design process.
For this system, professional competence is important because the design involves electronics, water, sensors, and user-related data. Engineers need to make sure that the system is safe, reliable, and suitable for its intended use. This includes considering user safety, protecting privacy, and reducing possible risks during both development and operation.
Professional competence also means recognizing the limits of one’s own knowledge. If a problem goes beyond an engineer’s expertise, it is important to seek support, collaborate with others, or consult relevant technical standards. This helps reduce mistakes and improves the overall quality of the system.
In addition, engineers should continue updating their knowledge as technologies develop. Since systems like this depend on sensors, automated control, and digital applications, keeping up with new technologies is important for making informed design decisions.
Finally, proper testing and validation are essential. The system should be tested under different conditions to make sure it works correctly and safely. By maintaining professional competence, engineers can improve system performance while also meeting their ethical responsibility to protect users and maintain public trust.
Sales and marketing ethics are important because the way a product is presented can affect how users understand it and how they use it. This is especially important for Screen2Green, since the product is meant to help users build healthier screen-time habits. Because Screen2Green uses technology, user feedback, and behavior change features, it is important to present the product in a clear and honest way. Users should understand what the system does, what its limits are, and what they can expect from using it.
This section discusses the main ethical issues related to how Screen2Green should be presented to users. It focuses on honest communication, avoiding manipulative marketing, being clear about how the system works, and considering younger users who may be more sensitive to digital influence..
The product should be marketed with clear and honest communication about its functionality and purpose. Marketing materials should accurately describe what the device does, how it influences user behavior, and what benefits users can realistically expect. Clear communication is especially important in digital well-being products, as users need to understand both the purpose and the limits of the system in order to trust it and use it properly [19].
Since the product focuses on digital well-being and screen-time awareness, it is important to avoid marketing strategies that create anxiety, guilt, or fear about technology use. The aim of Screen2Green is to support healthier habits in a positive way, not to pressure users or make them feel bad about their behavior. Research on persuasive technologies shows that overly controlling designs can reduce user autonomy and may even cause stress [20].
Users should clearly understand how the system works before using it. This includes how screen time is monitored, how the plant responds to user behavior, and what type of data is collected. Providing this information clearly helps users make informed decisions and increases trust in the product [21].
If the product is used by children or teenagers, additional ethical considerations are needed. Younger users are generally more vulnerable to persuasive technologies and may be more easily influenced by digital feedback systems. For this reason, the system should avoid strong behavioral pressure and include suitable safeguards if designed for younger users [22].
Environmental ethics is an important part of the Screen2Green project because the system is not only a digital product, but also something that directly interacts with a living plant. Since the project uses electronic parts, sensors, and a watering system, it is important to think about how the design may affect the environment. This is not only about reducing the electricity used by the device, but also about choosing suitable materials, making the product last longer, and making sure the plant is cared for properly. A good design should avoid creating unnecessary waste and should allow parts to be repaired or replaced when needed. Because the project is meant to encourage better daily habits, it should also reflect responsible choices in its own design. For this reason, environmental ethics in Screen2Green focuses on energy use, material selection, and plant welfare to make sure the system is practical, sustainable, and respectful of the environment.
Modern digital technologies consume significant amounts of energy. Smartphones, applications and online services all depend on servers and data centers that operate continuously and contribute to carbon emissions because they require constant electricity. Moreover, increased screen time raises the overall energy demand once again [23].
According to the International Energy Agency, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is a rapidly increasing contributor to global energy use [24].
This creates an ethical challenge: as technology becomes more integrated into daily life, both users and developers must consider its environmental impact.
From an ethical perspective, Screen2Green aligns with:
By encouraging more mindful screen use, Screen2Green may help reduce unnecessary energy use while also promoting environmental awareness. In addition, the system is designed with low-power electronic components such as an ESP32 microcontroller and simple environmental sensors, which helps keep the device’s own energy consumption relatively low.
Screen2Green shows how innovative design can support more responsible habits while considering environmental impact.
Ethical product design also includes thinking about the materials used in the device, how long they last, and whether they can be repaired or recycled. A modular design with replaceable parts can make the product last longer and reduce environmental impact.
For the prototype, the main structure was planned using PLA, which is lightweight and commonly used in 3D printing because it is easy to manufacture. A cork base was also considered to improve stability and provide some insulation. The internal system includes common electronic parts such as an ESP32 microcontroller, relay module, sensors, and a solenoid valve for the watering system.
This combination of simple materials and modular parts makes maintenance easier and allows damaged parts to be replaced without throwing away the whole product. Previous studies also suggest that modular design can help products last longer and make repair easier, which can reduce waste over time [25].
The material choice was also considered in the life cycle analysis in order to reduce waste and improve long-term durability.
Since the plant plays a role in the behavior feedback system, ethical considerations must also include plant welfare. The plant should not be exposed to harmful conditions as part of the system. Any changes to watering or light levels must stay within safe biological limits to make sure the plant remains healthy.
To support this, the system uses soil moisture and temperature sensors to check the plant’s condition and give more accurate feedback. The watering system was designed with safe limits so that overwatering or underwatering can be avoided as much as possible. This is important because incorrect watering can damage roots, slow growth, and affect the plant’s overall health.
Previous studies on smart irrigation systems also suggest that sensor-based monitoring can help improve watering accuracy and support healthier plant growth [26]. For this reason, the system should also include clear safety limits and allow users to water the plant manually when needed, so that the plant’s health is always more important than the feedback system.
Liability is an important issue in the Screen2Green project because the system combines electronics, water, and digital monitoring. Since these parts work together, problems such as sensor errors, water leakage, software malfunction, or wrong irrigation decisions could affect the user, nearby objects, or the plant itself.
Studies on smart irrigation systems show that faults in sensors or control systems can lead to overwatering or underwatering, which may damage plant health and reduce system reliability [27]. For this reason, possible risks should be considered from the early design stage. The team should use reliable components, test the system properly, and include safety measures such as waterproof protection, safe watering limits, and alerts for abnormal conditions.
Liability also includes user data. Because the system may collect screen-time information through the app, users should clearly understand what data is collected, why it is needed, and how it is stored. Research on smart home IoT systems shows that users are often not fully aware of privacy risks, so clear information and transparency are important [28].
In addition, because the plant is part of the feedback system, responsibility also includes protecting plant welfare. The system should not use behaviour feedback in a way that harms the plant. Features such as manual override and safe watering limits should be included so that plant health is always more important than the feedback mechanism.
Overall, liability in this project means reducing risks as much as possible through safe design, clear communication, and responsible system use.
This chapter looked at the main ethical and deontological issues related to Screen2Green, such as safety, user privacy, behaviour design, environmental impact, plant welfare, and liability. Through this analysis, the team understood that the system should not only work properly, but also be safe, clear to users, and responsible in the way it affects both people and plants.
Based on this ethical and deontological analysis, the team chose a modular design with simple monitoring components, a soil moisture sensor, an ESP32 microcontroller, a controlled watering system, waterproof protection, and low-cost recyclable materials. These choices were made to reduce possible risks, protect plant health, support responsible data use, and make the product easier to maintain.
Consequently, the team decided to include features such as safe watering limits, basic fail-safe protection, clear user information, modular parts, and behaviour feedback that supports users without creating pressure. These features help make the system safer, easier to use, and more suitable for daily use.
This chapter also helped guide the team’s technical decisions and gives a clear basis for the next chapter, which explains how these ideas were applied in the system design and development process.