A Case study in Ethics

**pawnhead** · 31st January 2007, 08:52 PM

I read this story a few years ago now, and I came across it again in my bookmarks so I read it again, and I thought that some of you may be interested.

It’s an engrossing tale about a respected and honoured man who, at the peak of his career, realized that he’d made a mistake. A mistake that could have cost the lives of thousands, and he was the only one that knew. His actions have since gone down as a case study in ethics.

From The New Yorker, read the story of William J. LeMessurier, and THE FIFTY-NINE-STORY CRISIS.

PS The text is quite small on that site, so you might want to go to; View / Text Size / Increase, in your browser.
A condensed version, along with other interesting tales, can be found at Damn Interesting.

**scooter** · 31st January 2007, 10:23 PM

Very interesting read, John, thanks for posting.

Cheers.................Sean

**pawnhead** · 1st February 2007, 01:26 AM

Cheers Sean

I was once called to a job to replace a foreman who had simply walked off the job, for no apparent reason. It soon became clear to me that he probably faced a similar situation as LeMessurier, though with only financial, rather than life and death consequences. I’m sure that he could have saved the builder unnecessary expense, but he took the cowards way out. If I met him I’d give him this advice: -
“You are professionally obliged to solve problems and to take responsibility for your mistakes. You don't feel better or worse by sitting around examining your soul, but of course, you do feel good if you behave yourself." William J. LeMessurier

Last May, LeMessurier received an honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. They praised him for his "international renown as a visionary designer, his insistence on integrity, proving that a good name is the firmest foundation and a reputation the strongest mortar." It pleased him immensely.
http://web.mit.edu/giving/spectrum/winter99/stuff.html

**joe greiner** · 1st February 2007, 01:35 AM

I remember the episode well, John. Made me proud to share his profession, even though I never had to face his challenge.

Joe

**pawnhead** · 1st February 2007, 02:50 AM

Yeh, it's a good story, and I recall reading somewhere that they actually reduced his insurance premiums following the pay out, to encourage similar ethical behaviour, which of course may also avoid a greater cost to insurers.

**Stuart** · 1st February 2007, 05:38 AM

This was used as the basis for one of the episodes of "Numb3rs" Not that I like the show much - FOS, but the episode was interesting, given it's basis on a real scenario

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