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Overview
Provenance Draft

PASS 3: Temporal Dynamics

Case 13: Sustainability - Lawn Irrigation Design

30 entities 7 actions 3 events 7 causal chains 12 temporal relations
Timeline Overview
Action Event 10 sequenced markers
Irrigation System Specification During project design, before Cutting Edge's task assignment
Contract Acceptance At contract formation, before the task assignment
Employment Commencement Shortly before the task assignment
Ethics Code Amendment July 2007, decades before the present case
Task Assignment After Wasser joins the firm and after contract acceptance
Task Refusal Immediately upon receiving the task assignment
Formal Dissent Memorandum Following his verbal refusal of the task
Proposing Sustainable Alternatives Prospective, recommended by the BER as the path forward
Hydrogeological Study Release Recently, prior to Wasser's task refusal
Ethical Conflict Emergence Upon Wasser's refusal of the assigned task
OWL-Time Temporal Structure 12 relations time: = w3.org/2006/time
recent hydrogeological study time:intervalBefore Wasser's refusal to perform the task
1946 NSPE Canons of Ethics adoption time:intervalBefore July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d
period without sustainable development mention (60 years) time:intervalMeets July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d
landscape architect's specification of traditional irrigation system time:intervalBefore Cutting Edge accepting the MEP contract
Cutting Edge accepting the MEP contract time:intervalBefore Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task
Wasser's hiring at Cutting Edge time:intervalBefore Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task
Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task time:intervalBefore Wasser's refusal to perform the task
Wasser's verbal refusal time:intervalBefore Wasser's formal memorandum to Jaylani
July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d time:intervalBefore Wasser's citation of NSPE Code III.2.d in his memorandum
case events (assignment, refusal, memorandum) time:intervalBefore BER Discussion/analysis of the case
proposing sustainable alternatives to the client time:intervalBefore client's decision on the irrigation system
client's insistence on traditional irrigation system (hypothetical) time:intervalBefore Cutting Edge and Wasser completing the assigned task
Extracted Actions (7)
Volitional professional decisions with intentions and ethical context

Description: The NSPE House of Delegates approved adding a sustainable development provision, Section III.2.d, to the NSPE Code of Ethics, establishing the ethical framework Wasser later invokes.

Temporal Marker: July 2007, decades before the present case instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Sustainable Development Provision in Code State

Mental State: deliberate

Intended Outcome: Encourage engineers to adhere to sustainable development principles in order to protect the environment for future generations

Guided By Principles:
  • Sustainable Development Principle
Required Capabilities:
Professional ethics governance
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • guidedByPrinciple: Sustainable Development Principle
  • requiresCapability: Professional ethics governance
  • initiates: Sustainable Development Provision in Code State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: The NSPE House of Delegates approved adding a sustainable development provision, Section III.2.d, to the NSPE Code of Ethics, establishing the ethical framework Wasser later invokes.
  • hasAgent content: NSPE House of Delegates
  • temporalMarker content: July 2007, decades before the present case
  • eventRoleContext content: professional society governing body
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate
  • intendedOutcome content: Encourage engineers to adhere to sustainable development principles in order to protect the environment for future generations
  • textReferences content: In July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates approved the addition of a sustainable development provision to the Code, Section III.2.d
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 1
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Ethics_Code_Amendment",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.233728+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "The NSPE House of Delegates approved adding a sustainable development provision, Section III.2.d, to the NSPE Code of Ethics, establishing the ethical framework Wasser later invokes.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "professional society governing body",
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development Principle"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "NSPE House of Delegates",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Sustainable Development Provision in Code State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Encourage engineers to adhere to sustainable development principles in order to protect the environment for future generations",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Professional ethics governance"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "July 2007, decades before the present case",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 1,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "In July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates approved the addition of a sustainable development provision to the Code, Section III.2.d"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Ethics Code Amendment"
}

Description: The project's landscape architect specified a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort golf course located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States.

Temporal Marker: During project design, before Cutting Edge's task assignment instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Traditional Irrigation Specification State

Mental State: deliberate

Intended Outcome: Provide irrigation for the resort's golf course per the project design

Required Capabilities:
Landscape design
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • requiresCapability: Landscape design
  • initiates: Traditional Irrigation Specification State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: The project's landscape architect specified a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort golf course located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States.
  • hasAgent content: Landscape architect
  • temporalMarker content: During project design, before Cutting Edge's task assignment
  • eventRoleContext content: project design professional
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate
  • intendedOutcome content: Provide irrigation for the resort's golf course per the project design
  • textReferences content: The project’s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort’s golf course as part of the project.
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 2
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Irrigation_System_Specification",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.233895+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "The project\u0027s landscape architect specified a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort golf course located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "project design professional",
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Landscape architect",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Traditional Irrigation Specification State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Provide irrigation for the resort\u0027s golf course per the project design",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Landscape design"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "During project design, before Cutting Edge\u0027s task assignment",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 2,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "The project\u2019s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort\u2019s golf course as part of the project."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Irrigation System Specification"
}

Description: Cutting Edge Engineering, through principal Jaylani, accepted the contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for the resort with the traditional irrigation specification in mind.

Temporal Marker: At contract formation, before the task assignment instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Contractual Obligation State

Mental State: deliberate

Intended Outcome: Secure and perform the MEP work for the new resort project

Required Capabilities:
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • requiresCapability: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering
  • initiates: Contractual Obligation State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: Cutting Edge Engineering, through principal Jaylani, accepted the contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for the resort with the traditional irrigation specification in mind.
  • hasAgent content: Engineer Jaylani
  • temporalMarker content: At contract formation, before the task assignment
  • eventRoleContext content: Firm Principal, Cutting Edge Engineering
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate
  • intendedOutcome content: Secure and perform the MEP work for the new resort project
  • textReferences content: is under contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for a new resort that will be located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States; Cutting Edge accepted work with that specification in mind
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 3
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Contract_Acceptance",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.233939+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Cutting Edge Engineering, through principal Jaylani, accepted the contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for the resort with the traditional irrigation specification in mind.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "Firm Principal, Cutting Edge Engineering",
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Jaylani",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Contractual Obligation State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Secure and perform the MEP work for the new resort project",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "At contract formation, before the task assignment",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 3,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "is under contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work for a new resort that will be located in a semi-arid region of the southwestern United States",
    "Cutting Edge accepted work with that specification in mind"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Contract Acceptance"
}

Description: Jaylani assigned newly hired Engineer Intern Wasser the task of sketching out details for the traditional irrigation system.

Temporal Marker: After Wasser joins the firm and after contract acceptance instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Assigned Design Task State

Mental State: deliberate

Intended Outcome: Have the irrigation system design details prepared as part of the firm's contracted work

Obligation Engagement:
At stake (1)
  • Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
Required Capabilities:
Project management Delegation of design work
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • requiresCapability: Project management; Delegation of design work
  • initiates: Assigned Design Task State
  • raisesObligation: Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: Jaylani assigned newly hired Engineer Intern Wasser the task of sketching out details for the traditional irrigation system.
  • hasAgent content: Engineer Jaylani
  • temporalMarker content: After Wasser joins the firm and after contract acceptance
  • eventRoleContext content: Firm Principal, Cutting Edge Engineering
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate
  • intendedOutcome content: Have the irrigation system design details prepared as part of the firm's contracted work
  • textReferences content: Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 6
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Task_Assignment",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.233970+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Jaylani assigned newly hired Engineer Intern Wasser the task of sketching out details for the traditional irrigation system.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "Firm Principal, Cutting Edge Engineering",
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Jaylani",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Assigned Design Task State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Have the irrigation system design details prepared as part of the firm\u0027s contracted work",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [
    "Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation"
  ],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Project management",
    "Delegation of design work"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "After Wasser joins the firm and after contract acceptance",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 6,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system"
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Task Assignment"
}

Description: Wasser refused to perform the assigned irrigation design task, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water, citing a hydrogeological study on lowering of the water table, and asserting Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.

Temporal Marker: Immediately upon receiving the task assignment instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (2)
  • Ethical Dissent State
  • Career Risk State

Mental State: conscientious dissent based on personal conviction

Intended Outcome: Prevent the firm from contributing to fresh water waste and lowering of the water table

Foreseen Unintended Effects:

  • Significant career issues for Wasser if Cutting Edge's position does not align with his view
  • Client is not informed of sustainable options by mere refusal
Obligation Engagement:
Violates (1)
  • Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
Guided By Principles:
  • Sustainable Development Principle
Required Capabilities:
Hydrogeological knowledge Sustainability knowledge
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • violatesObligation: Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
  • guidedByPrinciple: Sustainable Development Principle
  • requiresCapability: Hydrogeological knowledge; Sustainability knowledge
  • initiates: Ethical Dissent State; Career Risk State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: Wasser refused to perform the assigned irrigation design task, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water, citing a hydrogeological study on lowering of the water table, and asserting Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.
  • hasAgent content: Engineer Intern Wasser
  • temporalMarker content: Immediately upon receiving the task assignment
  • eventRoleContext content: new employee, Cutting Edge Engineering
  • hasMentalState content: conscientious dissent based on personal conviction
  • intendedOutcome content: Prevent the firm from contributing to fresh water waste and lowering of the water table
  • foreseenUnintendedEffects content: Significant career issues for Wasser if Cutting Edge's position does not align with his view; Client is not informed of sustainable options by mere refusal
  • textReferences content: Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 7
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Task_Refusal",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.233995+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Wasser refused to perform the assigned irrigation design task, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water, citing a hydrogeological study on lowering of the water table, and asserting Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "new employee, Cutting Edge Engineering",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "Significant career issues for Wasser if Cutting Edge\u0027s position does not align with his view",
    "Client is not informed of sustainable options by mere refusal"
  ],
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development Principle"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "conscientious dissent based on personal conviction",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Ethical Dissent State",
    "Career Risk State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Prevent the firm from contributing to fresh water waste and lowering of the water table",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Hydrogeological knowledge",
    "Sustainability knowledge"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Immediately upon receiving the task assignment",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 7,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [
    "Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation"
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Task Refusal"
}

Description: Wasser submitted a formal memorandum to Jaylani arguing the proposed lawn irrigation system is inconsistent with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 11, and 15 and does not conform to NSPE Code III.2.d sustainability principles.

Temporal Marker: Following his verbal refusal of the task instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Documented Ethical Objection State

Mental State: deliberate, formally documenting ethical objection

Intended Outcome: Persuade Jaylani and the firm that the traditional irrigation system violates sustainability principles and should not be designed

Foreseen Unintended Effects:

  • Escalation of the disagreement with his employer
Guided By Principles:
  • Sustainable Development Principle
Required Capabilities:
Sustainability knowledge Professional communication
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • guidedByPrinciple: Sustainable Development Principle
  • requiresCapability: Sustainability knowledge; Professional communication
  • initiates: Documented Ethical Objection State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: Wasser submitted a formal memorandum to Jaylani arguing the proposed lawn irrigation system is inconsistent with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 11, and 15 and does not conform to NSPE Code III.2.d sustainability principles.
  • hasAgent content: Engineer Intern Wasser
  • temporalMarker content: Following his verbal refusal of the task
  • eventRoleContext content: new employee, Cutting Edge Engineering
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate, formally documenting ethical objection
  • intendedOutcome content: Persuade Jaylani and the firm that the traditional irrigation system violates sustainability principles and should not be designed
  • foreseenUnintendedEffects content: Escalation of the disagreement with his employer
  • textReferences content: In a formal memorandum to Jaylani, Wasser argues the proposed lawn irrigation system is not consistent with several United Nations sustainable development goals; Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, “Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,” and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles.
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 9
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
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  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Formal_Dissent_Memorandum",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234023+00:00",
  "proeth:description": "Wasser submitted a formal memorandum to Jaylani arguing the proposed lawn irrigation system is inconsistent with UN Sustainable Development Goals 6, 11, and 15 and does not conform to NSPE Code III.2.d sustainability principles.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventRoleContext": "new employee, Cutting Edge Engineering",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "Escalation of the disagreement with his employer"
  ],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development Principle"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate, formally documenting ethical objection",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Documented Ethical Objection State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Persuade Jaylani and the firm that the traditional irrigation system violates sustainability principles and should not be designed",
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Sustainability knowledge",
    "Professional communication"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Following his verbal refusal of the task",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 9,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "In a formal memorandum to Jaylani, Wasser argues the proposed lawn irrigation system is not consistent with several United Nations sustainable development goals",
    "Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, \u201cEngineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,\u201d and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles."
  ],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Formal Dissent Memorandum"
}

Description: The BER-endorsed prospective action in which Wasser and Cutting Edge introduce and offer sustainable alternatives to the traditional lawn irrigation system to the client, such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management, harmonizing code provisions I.4 and III.2.d.

Temporal Marker: Prospective, recommended by the BER as the path forward interval

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Client Informed of Sustainable Options State
Terminates (1)
  • Ethical Dissent State

Mental State: deliberate, seeking to integrate competing ethical obligations

Intended Outcome: Inform and serve the client with sustainable irrigation options while completing the accepted work

Foreseen Unintended Effects:

  • The client may refuse the alternatives and insist upon the traditional irrigation system
Obligation Engagement:
Fulfills (1)
  • Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
Guided By Principles:
  • Sustainable Development Principle
Required Capabilities:
Sustainability knowledge Integrated water management design Client communication
Within Competence: Yes
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • fulfillsObligation: Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation
  • guidedByPrinciple: Sustainable Development Principle
  • requiresCapability: Sustainability knowledge; Integrated water management design; Client communication
  • initiates: Client Informed of Sustainable Options State
  • terminates: Ethical Dissent State
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: The BER-endorsed prospective action in which Wasser and Cutting Edge introduce and offer sustainable alternatives to the traditional lawn irrigation system to the client, such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management, harmonizing code provisions I.4 and III.2.d.
  • hasAgent content: Engineer Intern Wasser and Cutting Edge Engineering
  • temporalMarker content: Prospective, recommended by the BER as the path forward
  • agents content: Engineer Intern Wasser; Cutting Edge Engineering
  • agentRelation content: and
  • hasMentalState content: deliberate, seeking to integrate competing ethical obligations
  • intendedOutcome content: Inform and serve the client with sustainable irrigation options while completing the accepted work
  • foreseenUnintendedEffects content: The client may refuse the alternatives and insist upon the traditional irrigation system
  • textReferences content: By introducing and offering sustainable alternatives to a traditional lawn irrigation system, Wasser and Cutting Edge can harmonize code provisions I.4 and III.2.d.; Cutting Edge and Wasser can act as faithful trustees by sharing with the client sustainable options for irrigation.
  • temporalExtent content: interval
  • temporalSequence content: 10
  • withinCompetence assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Proposing_Sustainable_Alternatives",
  "@type": "proeth:Action",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234165+00:00",
  "proeth:agentRelation": "and",
  "proeth:agents": [
    "Engineer Intern Wasser",
    "Cutting Edge Engineering"
  ],
  "proeth:description": "The BER-endorsed prospective action in which Wasser and Cutting Edge introduce and offer sustainable alternatives to the traditional lawn irrigation system to the client, such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management, harmonizing code provisions I.4 and III.2.d.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:foreseenUnintendedEffects": [
    "The client may refuse the alternatives and insist upon the traditional irrigation system"
  ],
  "proeth:fulfillsObligation": [
    "Faithful Agent or Trustee Obligation"
  ],
  "proeth:guidedByPrinciple": [
    "Sustainable Development Principle"
  ],
  "proeth:hasAgent": "Engineer Intern Wasser and Cutting Edge Engineering",
  "proeth:hasMentalState": "deliberate, seeking to integrate competing ethical obligations",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Client Informed of Sustainable Options State"
  ],
  "proeth:intendedOutcome": "Inform and serve the client with sustainable irrigation options while completing the accepted work",
  "proeth:raisesObligation": [],
  "proeth:requiresCapability": [
    "Sustainability knowledge",
    "Integrated water management design",
    "Client communication"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Prospective, recommended by the BER as the path forward",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 10,
  "proeth:terminates": [
    "Ethical Dissent State"
  ],
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "By introducing and offering sustainable alternatives to a traditional lawn irrigation system, Wasser and Cutting Edge can harmonize code provisions I.4 and III.2.d.",
    "Cutting Edge and Wasser can act as faithful trustees by sharing with the client sustainable options for irrigation."
  ],
  "proeth:violatesObligation": [],
  "proeth:withinCompetence": true,
  "rdfs:label": "Proposing Sustainable Alternatives"
}
Extracted Events (3)
Occurrences that trigger ethical considerations and state changes

Description: A recent hydrogeological study became available indicating that the proposed traditional irrigation use would lower the water table in the semi-arid region, providing the evidentiary basis Wasser cites in his refusal.

Temporal Marker: Recently, prior to Wasser's task refusal instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (1)
  • Documented Water Table Risk
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • initiates: Documented Water Table Risk
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: A recent hydrogeological study became available indicating that the proposed traditional irrigation use would lower the water table in the semi-arid region, providing the evidentiary basis Wasser cites in his refusal.
  • temporalMarker content: Recently, prior to Wasser's task refusal
  • textReferences content: cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table
  • eventType content: exogenous
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 4
  • confidence assessment: 0.9
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Event_Hydrogeological_Study_Release",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234274+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.9",
  "proeth:description": "A recent hydrogeological study became available indicating that the proposed traditional irrigation use would lower the water table in the semi-arid region, providing the evidentiary basis Wasser cites in his refusal.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventType": "exogenous",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Documented Water Table Risk"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Recently, prior to Wasser\u0027s task refusal",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 4,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table"
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Hydrogeological Study Release"
}

Description: Wasser began employment as a new Engineer Intern at Cutting Edge Engineering, which brought into effect his standing as an employee owing faithful agent duties to the firm.

Temporal Marker: Shortly before the task assignment instant

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (2)
  • Employment Relationship
  • Faithful Agent Duty Active
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • initiates: Employment Relationship; Faithful Agent Duty Active
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: Wasser began employment as a new Engineer Intern at Cutting Edge Engineering, which brought into effect his standing as an employee owing faithful agent duties to the firm.
  • temporalMarker content: Shortly before the task assignment
  • textReferences content: Engineer Intern Wasser is a new employee at Cutting Edge
  • eventType content: outcome
  • temporalExtent content: instant
  • temporalSequence content: 5
  • confidence assessment: 0.8
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Event_Employment_Commencement",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234310+00:00",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.8",
  "proeth:description": "Wasser began employment as a new Engineer Intern at Cutting Edge Engineering, which brought into effect his standing as an employee owing faithful agent duties to the firm.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Employment Relationship",
    "Faithful Agent Duty Active"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "instant",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Shortly before the task assignment",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 5,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "Engineer Intern Wasser is a new employee at Cutting Edge"
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Employment Commencement"
}

Description: A tension between competing ethical obligations arose once Wasser refused the assigned irrigation design task, pitting his mandatory duty to act as a faithful agent to his employer against the Code's encouragement to adhere to sustainability principles.

Temporal Marker: Upon Wasser's refusal of the assigned task interval

Fluent Transitions:
Initiates (2)
  • Competing Ethical Obligations
  • Employer Position Misalignment Risk

Caused By Action: Action_Task_Refusal

Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • causedByAction: http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Task_Refusal
  • initiates: Competing Ethical Obligations; Employer Position Misalignment Risk
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • description content: A tension between competing ethical obligations arose once Wasser refused the assigned irrigation design task, pitting his mandatory duty to act as a faithful agent to his employer against the Code's encouragement to adhere to sustainability principles.
  • temporalMarker content: Upon Wasser's refusal of the assigned task
  • textReferences content: This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer’s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical.; Wasser has an ethical obligation to act as a faithful agent to his employer, while simultaneously upholding the Code’s ethical encouragement to adhere to sustainability principles.
  • eventType content: outcome
  • temporalExtent content: interval
  • temporalSequence content: 8
  • confidence assessment: 0.85
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#",
    "time": "http://www.w3.org/2006/time#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Event_Ethical_Conflict_Emergence",
  "@type": "proeth:Event",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234336+00:00",
  "proeth:causedByAction": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#Action_Task_Refusal",
  "proeth:confidence": "0.85",
  "proeth:description": "A tension between competing ethical obligations arose once Wasser refused the assigned irrigation design task, pitting his mandatory duty to act as a faithful agent to his employer against the Code\u0027s encouragement to adhere to sustainability principles.",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:eventType": "outcome",
  "proeth:initiates": [
    "Competing Ethical Obligations",
    "Employer Position Misalignment Risk"
  ],
  "proeth:temporalExtent": "interval",
  "proeth:temporalMarker": "Upon Wasser\u0027s refusal of the assigned task",
  "proeth:temporalSequence": 8,
  "proeth:textReferences": [
    "This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer\u2019s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical.",
    "Wasser has an ethical obligation to act as a faithful agent to his employer, while simultaneously upholding the Code\u2019s ethical encouragement to adhere to sustainability principles."
  ],
  "rdfs:label": "Ethical Conflict Emergence"
}
Causal Chains (7)
NESS test analysis: Necessary Element of Sufficient Set

Causal Language: Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • The study's availability and its finding that the proposed use would lower the water table
  • Wasser's knowledge of the study
  • The task assignment triggering Wasser's decision
Sufficient Factors:
  • Study evidence + Wasser's sustainability convictions + the assignment of the contested task
Counterfactual Test: Wasser might still have refused on sustainability principle grounds alone, but the study provided the empirical justification he explicitly cited; refusal was less likely without it
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Wasser (Engineer Intern) — the study is an external event; Wasser bears responsibility for how he acted on it
Type: indirect
Within Agent Control: No

Causal Sequence:
  1. Hydrogeological Study Release
    Recent study indicates the proposed irrigation use would lower the water table
  2. Task Assignment
    Wasser is assigned the irrigation design task
  3. Task Refusal
    Wasser refuses, citing the study as evidence of water waste
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Hydrogeological Study Release
  • effect: Task Refusal
  • responsibleAgent: Wasser (Engineer Intern) — the study is an external event; Wasser bears responsibility for how he acted on it
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.
  • necessaryFactors content: The study's availability and its finding that the proposed use would lower the water table; Wasser's knowledge of the study; The task assignment triggering Wasser's decision
  • sufficientFactors content: Study evidence + Wasser's sustainability convictions + the assignment of the contested task
  • counterfactual content: Wasser might still have refused on sustainability principle grounds alone, but the study provided the empirical justification he explicitly cited; refusal was less likely without it
  • agentKnowledge content: Wasser knew the study indicated the proposed use would lower the water table
  • interveningFactors content: Wasser's personal convictions about sustainable development; Semi-arid regional water scarcity context
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Hydrogeological Study Release', 'proeth:description': 'Recent study indicates the proposed irrigation use would lower the water table'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Task Assignment', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser is assigned the irrigation design task'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Task Refusal', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser refuses, citing the study as evidence of water waste'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: indirect
  • withinAgentControl assessment: False
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_4",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234475+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Wasser knew the study indicated the proposed use would lower the water table",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Recent study indicates the proposed irrigation use would lower the water table",
      "proeth:element": "Hydrogeological Study Release",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser is assigned the irrigation design task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Assignment",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser refuses, citing the study as evidence of water waste",
      "proeth:element": "Task Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Hydrogeological Study Release",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Wasser might still have refused on sustainability principle grounds alone, but the study provided the empirical justification he explicitly cited; refusal was less likely without it",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Task Refusal",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Wasser\u0027s personal convictions about sustainable development",
    "Semi-arid regional water scarcity context"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "The study\u0027s availability and its finding that the proposed use would lower the water table",
    "Wasser\u0027s knowledge of the study",
    "The task assignment triggering Wasser\u0027s decision"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "indirect",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Wasser (Engineer Intern) \u2014 the study is an external event; Wasser bears responsibility for how he acted on it",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Study evidence + Wasser\u0027s sustainability convictions + the assignment of the contested task"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": false
}

Causal Language: Turning to the present case, the project’s landscape architect specified installing an irrigation system and Cutting Edge accepted work with that specification in mind. Further, Engineer Intern Wasser was assigned a design task to include provisions for a “traditional” irrigation system.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • Cutting Edge's contractual obligation to complete MEP work including the specified irrigation system
  • The landscape architect's specification being part of the accepted scope
  • Availability of an employee to whom the task could be delegated
Sufficient Factors:
  • Combination of accepted contract scope + Jaylani's authority as firm principal + Wasser's employment as engineer intern
Counterfactual Test: Without Cutting Edge accepting the contract that included the irrigation specification, Jaylani would have had no basis to assign the irrigation design task to Wasser
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Jaylani (firm principal, Cutting Edge Engineering)
Type: direct
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Irrigation System Specification
    Landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the golf course
  2. Contract Acceptance
    Cutting Edge accepts the MEP contract with the irrigation specification in mind
  3. Employment Commencement
    Wasser begins employment as a new engineer intern at Cutting Edge
  4. Task Assignment
    Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Contract Acceptance
  • effect: Task Assignment
  • responsibleAgent: Jaylani (firm principal, Cutting Edge Engineering)
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: Turning to the present case, the project’s landscape architect specified installing an irrigation system and Cutting Edge accepted work with that specification in mind. Further, Engineer Intern Wasser was assigned a design task to include provisions for a “traditional” irrigation system.
  • necessaryFactors content: Cutting Edge's contractual obligation to complete MEP work including the specified irrigation system; The landscape architect's specification being part of the accepted scope; Availability of an employee to whom the task could be delegated
  • sufficientFactors content: Combination of accepted contract scope + Jaylani's authority as firm principal + Wasser's employment as engineer intern
  • counterfactual content: Without Cutting Edge accepting the contract that included the irrigation specification, Jaylani would have had no basis to assign the irrigation design task to Wasser
  • agentKnowledge content: Jaylani knew the contract included the landscape architect's traditional irrigation specification when accepting the work
  • interveningFactors content: Landscape architect's design specification; Client's project requirements in a semi-arid region
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Irrigation System Specification', 'proeth:description': 'Landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the golf course'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Contract Acceptance', 'proeth:description': 'Cutting Edge accepts the MEP contract with the irrigation specification in mind'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Employment Commencement', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser begins employment as a new engineer intern at Cutting Edge'}; {'proeth:step': 4, 'proeth:element': 'Task Assignment', 'proeth:description': 'Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: direct
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_1",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234397+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Jaylani knew the contract included the landscape architect\u0027s traditional irrigation specification when accepting the work",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Turning to the present case, the project\u2019s landscape architect specified installing an irrigation system and Cutting Edge accepted work with that specification in mind. Further, Engineer Intern Wasser was assigned a design task to include provisions for a \u201ctraditional\u201d irrigation system.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the golf course",
      "proeth:element": "Irrigation System Specification",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Cutting Edge accepts the MEP contract with the irrigation specification in mind",
      "proeth:element": "Contract Acceptance",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser begins employment as a new engineer intern at Cutting Edge",
      "proeth:element": "Employment Commencement",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system",
      "proeth:element": "Task Assignment",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Contract Acceptance",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without Cutting Edge accepting the contract that included the irrigation specification, Jaylani would have had no basis to assign the irrigation design task to Wasser",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Task Assignment",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Landscape architect\u0027s design specification",
    "Client\u0027s project requirements in a semi-arid region"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Cutting Edge\u0027s contractual obligation to complete MEP work including the specified irrigation system",
    "The landscape architect\u0027s specification being part of the accepted scope",
    "Availability of an employee to whom the task could be delegated"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Jaylani (firm principal, Cutting Edge Engineering)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Combination of accepted contract scope + Jaylani\u0027s authority as firm principal + Wasser\u0027s employment as engineer intern"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

Causal Language: The project’s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort’s golf course as part of the project.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • A resort project requiring MEP engineering services
  • The landscape architect's authority to specify the irrigation approach
  • Cutting Edge's willingness to take on the specified scope
Sufficient Factors:
  • The specification being embedded in the project scope + Cutting Edge's business decision to contract for the work
Counterfactual Test: Cutting Edge might still have accepted the MEP contract without the traditional irrigation specification, but the specific ethical controversy would not have arisen; the specification shaped the contested scope
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Project landscape architect
Type: indirect
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Irrigation System Specification
    Traditional lawn irrigation system specified for the resort golf course
  2. Contract Acceptance
    Cutting Edge accepts the contract with the specification in mind
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Irrigation System Specification
  • effect: Contract Acceptance
  • responsibleAgent: Project landscape architect
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: The project’s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort’s golf course as part of the project.
  • necessaryFactors content: A resort project requiring MEP engineering services; The landscape architect's authority to specify the irrigation approach; Cutting Edge's willingness to take on the specified scope
  • sufficientFactors content: The specification being embedded in the project scope + Cutting Edge's business decision to contract for the work
  • counterfactual content: Cutting Edge might still have accepted the MEP contract without the traditional irrigation specification, but the specific ethical controversy would not have arisen; the specification shaped the contested scope
  • agentKnowledge content: The landscape architect specified a traditional system for a golf course in a semi-arid region; the facts do not indicate awareness of the hydrogeological study
  • interveningFactors content: Client preferences for a traditional golf course lawn; Absence of zoning rules or building code restrictions
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Irrigation System Specification', 'proeth:description': 'Traditional lawn irrigation system specified for the resort golf course'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Contract Acceptance', 'proeth:description': 'Cutting Edge accepts the contract with the specification in mind'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: indirect
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_2",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234427+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "The landscape architect specified a traditional system for a golf course in a semi-arid region; the facts do not indicate awareness of the hydrogeological study",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "The project\u2019s landscape architect specifies a traditional lawn irrigation system for the resort\u2019s golf course as part of the project.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Traditional lawn irrigation system specified for the resort golf course",
      "proeth:element": "Irrigation System Specification",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Cutting Edge accepts the contract with the specification in mind",
      "proeth:element": "Contract Acceptance",
      "proeth:step": 2
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Irrigation System Specification",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Cutting Edge might still have accepted the MEP contract without the traditional irrigation specification, but the specific ethical controversy would not have arisen; the specification shaped the contested scope",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Contract Acceptance",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Client preferences for a traditional golf course lawn",
    "Absence of zoning rules or building code restrictions"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "A resort project requiring MEP engineering services",
    "The landscape architect\u0027s authority to specify the irrigation approach",
    "Cutting Edge\u0027s willingness to take on the specified scope"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "indirect",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Project landscape architect",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "The specification being embedded in the project scope + Cutting Edge\u0027s business decision to contract for the work"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

Causal Language: Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system. Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • Wasser being assigned the irrigation design task
  • Wasser's personal convictions about sustainable development
  • Wasser's awareness of the hydrogeological study and UN sustainability goals
Sufficient Factors:
  • Combination of the assignment + Wasser's sustainability convictions + supporting evidence from the hydrogeological study
Counterfactual Test: Without the task assignment, Wasser would have had no occasion to refuse; the refusal is a direct volitional response to the assignment
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Wasser (Engineer Intern)
Type: direct
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Hydrogeological Study Release
    Study becomes available indicating the proposed use would lower the water table
  2. Task Assignment
    Jaylani assigns Wasser the irrigation design task
  3. Task Refusal
    Wasser refuses, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water and that Cutting Edge should not do this work
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Task Assignment
  • effect: Task Refusal
  • responsibleAgent: Wasser (Engineer Intern)
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system. Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.
  • necessaryFactors content: Wasser being assigned the irrigation design task; Wasser's personal convictions about sustainable development; Wasser's awareness of the hydrogeological study and UN sustainability goals
  • sufficientFactors content: Combination of the assignment + Wasser's sustainability convictions + supporting evidence from the hydrogeological study
  • counterfactual content: Without the task assignment, Wasser would have had no occasion to refuse; the refusal is a direct volitional response to the assignment
  • agentKnowledge content: Wasser knew of the recent hydrogeological study indicating the proposed use would lower the water table, and knew of NSPE Code III.2.d and UN sustainable development goals
  • interveningFactors content: Hydrogeological Study Release; Ethics Code Amendment establishing Section III.2.d
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Hydrogeological Study Release', 'proeth:description': 'Study becomes available indicating the proposed use would lower the water table'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Task Assignment', 'proeth:description': 'Jaylani assigns Wasser the irrigation design task'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Task Refusal', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser refuses, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water and that Cutting Edge should not do this work'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: direct
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_3",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234450+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Wasser knew of the recent hydrogeological study indicating the proposed use would lower the water table, and knew of NSPE Code III.2.d and UN sustainable development goals",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task of sketching out details for the irrigation system. Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditional irrigation system will waste fresh water, cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table, and asserts that Cutting Edge should not do this kind of work.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Study becomes available indicating the proposed use would lower the water table",
      "proeth:element": "Hydrogeological Study Release",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Jaylani assigns Wasser the irrigation design task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Assignment",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser refuses, asserting the traditional system will waste fresh water and that Cutting Edge should not do this work",
      "proeth:element": "Task Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 3
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Task Assignment",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the task assignment, Wasser would have had no occasion to refuse; the refusal is a direct volitional response to the assignment",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Task Refusal",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Hydrogeological Study Release",
    "Ethics Code Amendment establishing Section III.2.d"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Wasser being assigned the irrigation design task",
    "Wasser\u0027s personal convictions about sustainable development",
    "Wasser\u0027s awareness of the hydrogeological study and UN sustainability goals"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Wasser (Engineer Intern)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Combination of the assignment + Wasser\u0027s sustainability convictions + supporting evidence from the hydrogeological study"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

Causal Language: Further, Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, “Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,” and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • The 2007 addition of Section III.2.d to the NSPE Code
  • Wasser's knowledge of the provision
  • Wasser's belief that the traditional system violates sustainability principles
Sufficient Factors:
  • Existence of III.2.d + UN sustainable development goals + Wasser's decision to formalize his dissent in writing
Counterfactual Test: Without Section III.2.d, Wasser's memorandum could not have grounded its argument in the NSPE Code; his ethics-based dissent would have lacked its principal professional authority
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: NSPE House of Delegates (for the amendment); Wasser (for invoking it in the memorandum)
Type: shared
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Ethics Code Amendment
    NSPE House of Delegates approves Section III.2.d in July 2007
  2. Task Assignment
    Wasser assigned the irrigation design task
  3. Task Refusal
    Wasser refuses the assigned task
  4. Formal Dissent Memorandum
    Wasser submits a formal memorandum invoking III.2.d and UN goals 6, 11, and 15
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Ethics Code Amendment
  • effect: Formal Dissent Memorandum
  • responsibleAgent: NSPE House of Delegates (for the amendment); Wasser (for invoking it in the memorandum)
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: Further, Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, “Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,” and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles.
  • necessaryFactors content: The 2007 addition of Section III.2.d to the NSPE Code; Wasser's knowledge of the provision; Wasser's belief that the traditional system violates sustainability principles
  • sufficientFactors content: Existence of III.2.d + UN sustainable development goals + Wasser's decision to formalize his dissent in writing
  • counterfactual content: Without Section III.2.d, Wasser's memorandum could not have grounded its argument in the NSPE Code; his ethics-based dissent would have lacked its principal professional authority
  • agentKnowledge content: Wasser knew the provision uses encouraging ('are encouraged') rather than mandatory language, though he treated nonconformance as disqualifying
  • interveningFactors content: UN sustainable development goals 6, 11, and 15; Hydrogeological Study Release
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Ethics Code Amendment', 'proeth:description': 'NSPE House of Delegates approves Section III.2.d in July 2007'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Task Assignment', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser assigned the irrigation design task'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Task Refusal', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser refuses the assigned task'}; {'proeth:step': 4, 'proeth:element': 'Formal Dissent Memorandum', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser submits a formal memorandum invoking III.2.d and UN goals 6, 11, and 15'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: shared
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_5",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234495+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Wasser knew the provision uses encouraging (\u0027are encouraged\u0027) rather than mandatory language, though he treated nonconformance as disqualifying",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Further, Wasser points to NSPE Code of Ethics Professional Obligation III.2.d, \u201cEngineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development,\u201d and claims the proposed lawn irrigation system does not conform to sustainability principles.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "NSPE House of Delegates approves Section III.2.d in July 2007",
      "proeth:element": "Ethics Code Amendment",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser assigned the irrigation design task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Assignment",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser refuses the assigned task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser submits a formal memorandum invoking III.2.d and UN goals 6, 11, and 15",
      "proeth:element": "Formal Dissent Memorandum",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Ethics Code Amendment",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without Section III.2.d, Wasser\u0027s memorandum could not have grounded its argument in the NSPE Code; his ethics-based dissent would have lacked its principal professional authority",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "facts",
  "proeth:effect": "Formal Dissent Memorandum",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "UN sustainable development goals 6, 11, and 15",
    "Hydrogeological Study Release"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "The 2007 addition of Section III.2.d to the NSPE Code",
    "Wasser\u0027s knowledge of the provision",
    "Wasser\u0027s belief that the traditional system violates sustainability principles"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "NSPE House of Delegates (for the amendment); Wasser (for invoking it in the memorandum)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Existence of III.2.d + UN sustainable development goals + Wasser\u0027s decision to formalize his dissent in writing"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

Causal Language: This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer’s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • Wasser's refusal of the assigned task
  • The mandatory faithful-agent duty ('engineer shall act')
  • The encouraged sustainability provision (III.2.d)
Sufficient Factors:
  • Refusal of an assigned, legally permissible task + coexistence of the faithful-agent obligation and sustainability encouragement in the Code
Counterfactual Test: Without the refusal, the latent tension between faithful agency and sustainability principles would not have crystallized into an active ethical conflict requiring resolution
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Wasser (Engineer Intern)
Type: direct
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Task Assignment
    Jaylani assigns the irrigation design task
  2. Task Refusal
    Wasser refuses, asserting the work is unethical
  3. Formal Dissent Memorandum
    Wasser formalizes his objection citing UN goals and NSPE III.2.d
  4. Ethical Conflict Emergence
    Tension arises between the mandatory faithful-agent duty and encouraged sustainability adherence
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Task Refusal
  • effect: Ethical Conflict Emergence
  • responsibleAgent: Wasser (Engineer Intern)
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer’s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical.
  • necessaryFactors content: Wasser's refusal of the assigned task; The mandatory faithful-agent duty ('engineer shall act'); The encouraged sustainability provision (III.2.d)
  • sufficientFactors content: Refusal of an assigned, legally permissible task + coexistence of the faithful-agent obligation and sustainability encouragement in the Code
  • counterfactual content: Without the refusal, the latent tension between faithful agency and sustainability principles would not have crystallized into an active ethical conflict requiring resolution
  • agentKnowledge content: Wasser knew he had an obligation to his employer but believed the task was ethically objectionable based on the study and sustainability principles
  • interveningFactors content: Absence of zoning rules or building code restrictions making the system legally permissible; Non-mandatory language of III.2.d
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Task Assignment', 'proeth:description': 'Jaylani assigns the irrigation design task'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Task Refusal', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser refuses, asserting the work is unethical'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Formal Dissent Memorandum', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser formalizes his objection citing UN goals and NSPE III.2.d'}; {'proeth:step': 4, 'proeth:element': 'Ethical Conflict Emergence', 'proeth:description': 'Tension arises between the mandatory faithful-agent duty and encouraged sustainability adherence'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: direct
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_6",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234515+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "Wasser knew he had an obligation to his employer but believed the task was ethically objectionable based on the study and sustainability principles",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "This case is also about competing ethical obligations, specifically an engineer\u2019s right to dissent in the belief that an assigned task is unethical.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Jaylani assigns the irrigation design task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Assignment",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser refuses, asserting the work is unethical",
      "proeth:element": "Task Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser formalizes his objection citing UN goals and NSPE III.2.d",
      "proeth:element": "Formal Dissent Memorandum",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Tension arises between the mandatory faithful-agent duty and encouraged sustainability adherence",
      "proeth:element": "Ethical Conflict Emergence",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Task Refusal",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the refusal, the latent tension between faithful agency and sustainability principles would not have crystallized into an active ethical conflict requiring resolution",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Ethical Conflict Emergence",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Absence of zoning rules or building code restrictions making the system legally permissible",
    "Non-mandatory language of III.2.d"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "Wasser\u0027s refusal of the assigned task",
    "The mandatory faithful-agent duty (\u0027engineer shall act\u0027)",
    "The encouraged sustainability provision (III.2.d)"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "direct",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Wasser (Engineer Intern)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "Refusal of an assigned, legally permissible task + coexistence of the faithful-agent obligation and sustainability encouragement in the Code"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}

Causal Language: Suggesting sustainable options for an irrigation system as a means to resolving the ethical tension presented in this case is a path the BER endorses.

Necessary Factors (NESS):
  • The emerged ethical tension between faithful agency (I.4) and sustainability encouragement (III.2.d)
  • Wasser's education, knowledge, and convictions about sustainable development
  • The client's freedom of choice regarding sustainable design options
Sufficient Factors:
  • The unresolved ethical conflict + BER's recognition that sustainable alternatives harmonize I.4 and III.2.d + Wasser's expertise
Counterfactual Test: Without the ethical conflict, there would have been no tension requiring resolution; the traditional design would likely proceed without any sustainability alternatives being formally proposed
Responsibility Attribution:

Agent: Wasser and Cutting Edge (shared, with BER endorsing the path)
Type: shared
Within Agent Control: Yes

Causal Sequence:
  1. Task Refusal
    Wasser refuses the irrigation design task
  2. Ethical Conflict Emergence
    Competing obligations between faithful agency and sustainability principles crystallize
  3. Proposing Sustainable Alternatives
    Wasser and Cutting Edge offer sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management to the client
  4. Client Decision Point
    Client either adopts sustainable options or insists on the traditional system, in which case Cutting Edge and Wasser must complete the accepted task
Field classification (triples vs literals)
Relations (structural triples)
  • cause: Ethical Conflict Emergence
  • effect: Proposing Sustainable Alternatives
  • responsibleAgent: Wasser and Cutting Edge (shared, with BER endorsing the path)
Literal extractions (kept for synthesis)
  • causalLanguage content: Suggesting sustainable options for an irrigation system as a means to resolving the ethical tension presented in this case is a path the BER endorses.
  • necessaryFactors content: The emerged ethical tension between faithful agency (I.4) and sustainability encouragement (III.2.d); Wasser's education, knowledge, and convictions about sustainable development; The client's freedom of choice regarding sustainable design options
  • sufficientFactors content: The unresolved ethical conflict + BER's recognition that sustainable alternatives harmonize I.4 and III.2.d + Wasser's expertise
  • counterfactual content: Without the ethical conflict, there would have been no tension requiring resolution; the traditional design would likely proceed without any sustainability alternatives being formally proposed
  • agentKnowledge content: The BER recognized Wasser 'could be in a unique position to meaningfully serve the client' given his education and passionate beliefs about sustainable development
  • interveningFactors content: Client's ultimate right to refuse and insist upon the traditional system; Legal permissibility of the traditional system
  • causalSequence content: {'proeth:step': 1, 'proeth:element': 'Task Refusal', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser refuses the irrigation design task'}; {'proeth:step': 2, 'proeth:element': 'Ethical Conflict Emergence', 'proeth:description': 'Competing obligations between faithful agency and sustainability principles crystallize'}; {'proeth:step': 3, 'proeth:element': 'Proposing Sustainable Alternatives', 'proeth:description': 'Wasser and Cutting Edge offer sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management to the client'}; {'proeth:step': 4, 'proeth:element': 'Client Decision Point', 'proeth:description': 'Client either adopts sustainable options or insists on the traditional system, in which case Cutting Edge and Wasser must complete the accepted task'}
  • responsibilityType assessment: shared
  • withinAgentControl assessment: True
RDF JSON-LD 
{
  "@context": {
    "proeth": "http://proethica.org/ontology/intermediate#",
    "proeth-case": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#",
    "rdf": "http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#",
    "rdfs": "http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema#"
  },
  "@id": "http://proethica.org/ontology/case/13#CausalChain_7",
  "@type": "proeth:CausalChain",
  "generatedAtTime": "2026-07-15T00:42:11.234533+00:00",
  "proeth:agentKnowledge": "The BER recognized Wasser \u0027could be in a unique position to meaningfully serve the client\u0027 given his education and passionate beliefs about sustainable development",
  "proeth:causalLanguage": "Suggesting sustainable options for an irrigation system as a means to resolving the ethical tension presented in this case is a path the BER endorses.",
  "proeth:causalSequence": [
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser refuses the irrigation design task",
      "proeth:element": "Task Refusal",
      "proeth:step": 1
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Competing obligations between faithful agency and sustainability principles crystallize",
      "proeth:element": "Ethical Conflict Emergence",
      "proeth:step": 2
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Wasser and Cutting Edge offer sustainable options such as rainwater harvesting, integrated water management, and stormwater management to the client",
      "proeth:element": "Proposing Sustainable Alternatives",
      "proeth:step": 3
    },
    {
      "proeth:description": "Client either adopts sustainable options or insists on the traditional system, in which case Cutting Edge and Wasser must complete the accepted task",
      "proeth:element": "Client Decision Point",
      "proeth:step": 4
    }
  ],
  "proeth:cause": "Ethical Conflict Emergence",
  "proeth:counterfactual": "Without the ethical conflict, there would have been no tension requiring resolution; the traditional design would likely proceed without any sustainability alternatives being formally proposed",
  "proeth:discoveredInSection": "discussion",
  "proeth:effect": "Proposing Sustainable Alternatives",
  "proeth:interveningFactors": [
    "Client\u0027s ultimate right to refuse and insist upon the traditional system",
    "Legal permissibility of the traditional system"
  ],
  "proeth:necessaryFactors": [
    "The emerged ethical tension between faithful agency (I.4) and sustainability encouragement (III.2.d)",
    "Wasser\u0027s education, knowledge, and convictions about sustainable development",
    "The client\u0027s freedom of choice regarding sustainable design options"
  ],
  "proeth:responsibilityType": "shared",
  "proeth:responsibleAgent": "Wasser and Cutting Edge (shared, with BER endorsing the path)",
  "proeth:sufficientFactors": [
    "The unresolved ethical conflict + BER\u0027s recognition that sustainable alternatives harmonize I.4 and III.2.d + Wasser\u0027s expertise"
  ],
  "proeth:withinAgentControl": true
}
Allen Temporal Relations (12)
Interval algebra relationships with OWL-Time standard properties
From Entity Allen Relation To Entity OWL-Time Property Evidence
recent hydrogeological study before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Wasser's refusal to perform the task time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		cites a recent hydrogeological study indicating that the proposed use would lower the water table.
1946 NSPE Canons of Ethics adoption before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		The NSPE Canons of Ethics for Engineers trace to 1946... In July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates a... [more]
period without sustainable development mention (60 years) meets
Entity1 ends exactly when Entity2 begins 		July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d time:intervalMeets
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalMeets 		for 60 years the NSPE ethics code did not mention sustainable development. In July 2007, the NSPE Ho... [more]
landscape architect's specification of traditional irrigation system before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Cutting Edge accepting the MEP contract time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		the project's landscape architect specified installing an irrigation system and Cutting Edge accepte... [more]
Cutting Edge accepting the MEP contract before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		is under contract to complete the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work... Engineer Jaylani assi... [more]
Wasser's hiring at Cutting Edge before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Engineer Intern Wasser is a new employee at Cutting Edge, and Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the ta... [more]
Jaylani assigning Wasser the irrigation design task before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Wasser's refusal to perform the task time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Engineer Jaylani assigns Wasser the task... Wasser refuses to perform the task and says the traditio... [more]
Wasser's verbal refusal before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Wasser's formal memorandum to Jaylani time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Wasser refuses to perform the task and says... In a formal memorandum to Jaylani, Wasser argues the ... [more]
July 2007 addition of Section III.2.d before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Wasser's citation of NSPE Code III.2.d in his memorandum time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		In July 2007, the NSPE House of Delegates approved the addition of a sustainable development provisi... [more]
case events (assignment, refusal, memorandum) before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		BER Discussion/analysis of the case time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Turning to the present case... the Board believes Engineer Intern Wasser could be in a unique positi... [more]
proposing sustainable alternatives to the client before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		client's decision on the irrigation system time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Cutting Edge and Wasser can act as faithful trustees by sharing with the client sustainable options ... [more]
client's insistence on traditional irrigation system (hypothetical) before
Entity1 is before Entity2 		Cutting Edge and Wasser completing the assigned task time:intervalBefore
http://www.w3.org/2006/time#intervalBefore 		Should the client refuse and insist upon the traditional irrigation system – which is not illegal, C... [more]
About Allen Relations & OWL-Time

Allen's Interval Algebra provides 13 basic temporal relations between intervals. These relations are mapped to OWL-Time standard properties for interoperability with Semantic Web temporal reasoning systems and SPARQL queries.

Each relation includes both a ProEthica custom property and a time:* OWL-Time property for maximum compatibility.

Back to Extraction Continue to Step 4

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