Integrating Philosophy into the Education of Engineers: Some results from the UK

Andrew Fox. Marine Science and Engineering,

University of Plymouth, Devon,

UK

Aim of presentation

To inform the current debate on philosophy in engineering in two ways:

1. By presenting results from a study, conducted in 2005-6, that was designed to explore the philosophical issues that were occupying the minds of engineers at that time in the UK.

2. To assess what progress has been achieved towards the implementation of ideas emanating from the study.

Structure of presentation

1. Discussion forum hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), UK

2. Workshop hosted by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), Engineering Subject Centre, UK

3. Conclusions

ICE Discussion forum

Engineering and Philosophy

October 2005-Sept 2006

373 postings 61 members40 regular contributors27 topics14 postings per topic (ave)

Main philosophical issues:

1. What is an engineer?

2. How important is ethics in engineering?

3. What do engineers do?

4. What is philosophy?

5. How important are art and science in engineering?

Delegates were asked to engage with a number of questions grouped around three themes:

1. Defining the concept of a PoE

2. Building a PoE into the educational programme of engineers

3. Moving a PoE forward

Note: PoE – Philosophy of Engineering

Theme 1 – Defining a PoE

Q.1 - What are the fundamental concepts in engineering that need to be defined in order to underpin a philosophy of engineering?

• Understand the historical developments that have led to the current concept of what constitutes engineering – what is engineering? Consider if being too philosophical may be detrimental to being a good engineer?

• Consider engineering’s commitment to the real world – pragmatism, utility, practical know-how

• Understand the role of technology in engineering – modelling, experimentation, testing

• Understand the links between science and engineering – the application of science, not precise, how is engineering different

• Understand the network of interdisciplinary concepts that make up engineering – has this led to a crisis of identity?

• Understand the nature of professionalism – rigour, process, practicality, ethics, responsibility

• Understand what defines success in engineering - function, form, elegance, ingenuity, creativity

Theme 1 – Defining a PoE

Theme 2 – Building a PoE into the educational programme

Q. How can the principles of a philosophy of engineering be built into the education, training and continued professional development of engineers and philosophers?

In terms of content:• Introduce topics on the philosophy of science, metaphysics and ethics• Encourage the questioning of assumptions, critical thinking, argument, decision making and

moral judgements• Include ideas about aesthetics, form, function, value, social responsibility, classification of

objects and modellingIn terms of implementation:• Can this fit into the curriculum - needs the support of the professional bodies, reflect on

how much of an engineer’s technical education is actually used, how will it affect accreditation, what balance needs to be achieved, is a longer degree programme needed, should the PoE be a core subject

• Can it be taught – staff with credibility in both disciplines are needed, cognate disciplinary material does exist, issues and case studies help,

• Lessons can be learned from the USA and Australia where they have made progress in this direction already

Theme 3 – The future

Q. How should the development of a philosophy of engineering be moved forward?

• Encourage special editions of journals with a focus on the philosophy of engineering

• Continue discussions along the lines of the ICE e-forum discussion

• Build a database or centre where interested individuals can gain access to information and discussions

• Contact philosophy departments and encourage more philosophers to engage with the debate

• Organise more face to face meetings with a focus on issues relevant to a philosophy of engineering

• Encourage institutional support for the idea

• Organise a conference themed around the subject of a philosophy of engineering

Structure of presentation

1. Discussion forum hosted the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

2. Workshop hosted by the Higher Education Academy (HEA), Engineering Subject Centre

3. Conclusions

ConclusionsQuestions Suggestions Progress

What are engineers?AndWhat do engineers do?

History, real world, science, art, technology, professional

Good - Science in engineering, technology, professionalism

Less good – Engineering history, art in engineering

What is philosophy?AndHow can philosophy be applied to engineering?

Epistemology, ontology, metaphysics, ethics, mereology, philosophy of science, hermeneutics

Good – Ethics

Less good – Epistemology, ontology, metaphysics, mereology, philosophy of science, hermeneutics

What is a philosophy of engineering?AndHow can the philosophy of engineering be incorporated into the education of engineers?

Critical thinking, argument, decision making, moral judgements, aesthetics, social responsibility, classifying objects, modelling

Good – Decision making, moral judgements, social responsibility, modelling

Less good – critical thinking, argument, aesthetics, classifying objects

One final thought

Cogito ergo sum! Facio ergo ingeniare?