Engineering as a Global Profession: Technical and Ethical Standards

This book explores the question of whether engineering is a global profession or many national or regional professions, and seeks to improve the way STS and the philosophy of technology approach the study of engineering. It aims to understand engineering as a reasonable undertaking.

Format: Hardback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This book, while initially delving into the analysis of engineering as a profession, ultimately focuses on a crucial question that has emerged in recent years: Is engineering a global profession akin to medicine, or is it comprised of numerous national or regional professions, similar to law? While science and technology studies (STS) have gradually embraced an "empirical turn," much of STS research remains ambiguous regarding the professional responsibility of engineers, thus preventing STS from fully addressing the subject, thereby hindering the development of engineering ethics as a global profession. Similarly, the philosophy of technology has tended to overlook the study of engineering, resulting in a lack of empirical research necessary to teach engineering ethics effectively.

To address this issue, this book aims to enhance the approaches taken by STS and the philosophy of technology in their study of engineering. It involves delving into the philosophy of engineering and striving to comprehend engineering as a reasonable endeavor.

In the opening chapters, the book explores the historical development of engineering as a profession and examines the various perspectives on its nature and scope. It questions whether engineering can be considered a unified global discipline or whether it is better characterized as a collection of national or regional practices. The authors argue that while STS has made significant strides in empirical research, there is still a need for greater clarity regarding the professional responsibility of engineers. This lack of clarity hinders the teaching of engineering ethics as a global profession.

Furthermore, the book discusses the philosophical foundations of engineering and explores the ethical implications of technological advancements. It examines the role of engineers in society and the responsibilities they hold in shaping the future of our world. The authors argue that STS and the philosophy of technology should play a more active role in shaping the ethical discourse surrounding engineering.

To achieve this goal, the book proposes a multidisciplinary approach that combines the insights of STS, engineering, and other relevant fields. It encourages researchers to adopt an empirical approach to studying engineering, while also considering the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the profession. The authors suggest that by integrating these perspectives, STS and the philosophy of technology can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of engineering and its role in society.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable intervention in the study of engineering and its ethical implications. By exploring the nature of engineering as a profession, the book challenges the notion of engineering as a global discipline or a collection of national or regional practices. It advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that combines the insights of STS, engineering, and other relevant fields to enhance our understanding of engineering and its role in society. The book aims to contribute to the development of engineering ethics as a global profession and promote the responsible and ethical use of technology.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538155042