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Engineer in Society

Course Content
Module 1
Week 1: Ethical concepts of development.
Indicators of development, and the role of
science and technology
Week 2: The contribution of Government to the
process of development and the Nigerian
experience in the process of economic
development (Nigerian Vision 20:2020,
development plans, successes and setbacks)
Week 3: Limits of growth, appropriate
technology and a new world of science and
technology

Course Content
Module 2
Week 4: The inter-relationship of social
ethics and values, and science and
technology
Week 5: Societal needs and resources in
the genesis and development of science
and technology
Week 6: Social problems, impact
assessment, and control of science and
technology. Responsibilities of Engineers.
Science, Technology and Environment

Course Content
Module 3
Week 7: Disruption or enhancement
of environmental quality through
harmful or sound science and
technology in relation to air, space,
water, land, populations, agriculture,
industry, wild life, human
settlements, culture, education etc.

Course Content
Module 4
Week 8: Theistic and secular concepts of
personal, social and professional ethics
Week 9: Codes of conduct of Engineers. Council
for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
(COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
and other professional Engineering Societies
Week 10: Motivation, control, responsibility,
rewards and accountability of engineers and
development of an ethical engineering
professionalism
Week 11: Revisions

Limits of growth, appropriate technology and


a new world of science and technology

Limits of Growth
The agricultural society, family, town and community,
religion, and education have been identified as traditional
value input sources in a persons environment
However the growth of a technologically oriented culture,
with its increased mobility and affluence has altered the
impact of those five traditional value inputs
Technology currently has a significant influence on the
formation of value systems though other forces play a
significant role too
We can conclude that since engineers and scientists are
largely responsible for much of technology, then it is not
unreasonable to say that they may have a significant
influence on the evolutionary path of human value systems

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Limits of growth
The practice of engineering has historically been
affected (+ve and ve) by the forces of society
Simultaneously, engineering, science and
technology have influenced the direction taken
by society
These assertions were true in the past and they
are still true in the present, and the synergetic
effects will likely be greater in the future
An understanding of historical forces will help
engineers place contemporary issues in
perspective

Limits of Growth
Even though advances in technology have
helped improve our way of life, technology has
been blamed for many social ills
But are technologists the force responsible for
the evil side of technology?
A solid case can be made that the responsibility
must be shared by many elements of society,
including scientists and engineers, courts and
judges, politicians and governmental
institutions, economists and managers and the
public

Limits of Growth
In the past , growth of science and
technology has been constrained by
numerous forces such as:
Economics
Theology
Politics
Philosophy

Future growth may be constrained or


supported by many of these same forces
and also new ones

Limits of Growth
Certainly environmental constraints (as we are presently
experiencing) may be significant
Environmental constraint on growth of science and technology
was not an issue in the 19th century
Politics has been a force and shall continue for example through
support of research by making funds available. Engineering on
its part had played significant roles on the rise of cities and
nations e.g. the Industrial Revolution
Religion was a dominant force on the growth of science and
technology in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
(Copernicus (1473-1543, Galileo)
Religion is still a force in the acceptance of some new technologies
and ideas e.g., stem cell research, cloning, global warming,
population control use of contraceptives). Religion shall continue
to be a force

Limits of Growth (Anti-technology


Forces - Technophobic)
Some groups want to tighten the
reins on the growth of science and
technology. They justify their views
by pointing to the failures of past and
even present technologies
They believe that modern technology
is threatening their ways of life and
livelihoods

Limits of Growth (Anti-technology


Forces - Technophobic)
For example
Despite the significant impact that fossils have
and are still making in driving the economies of
countries of the world exploration activities are
being opposed by environmentalists because of
oil spill (Niger Delta)
the use of nuclear power has been constrained
partly because of the bombs and partly because
of events such as Chernobyl , Three-Mile Island
and recently Fukushima disaster (Read about
the Luddites, Amish and Ordnung).

Limits of Growth (Anti-technology


Forces - Technophobic)
Parents often fear technology. They worry that their
children might be exposed to inappropriate pornographic or
violent content online, or be negatively influenced or
explicitly hurt by a stranger through social media.
Phones (with fb) are used constantly in the classroom;
students are assigned tasks on computers but they more
often than not ignore the assignment and view Youtube or
play games. Its now common amongst students to be
committing examination malpractices with their mobile
phones.
Manned flight has made the world very small, but has
provided new opportunities for terrorism (Terror Attack on
Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, New York)

Appropriate Technology
Definition: Appropriate technology is technology
tailored to fit the psychosocial (social institutions,
politics, culture, economics, ethics and the
personal/spiritual needs of individuals) and
biophysical (health, climate, biodiversity and ecology)
context prevailing in a particular location and period.
cheap enough to be accessible to anyone
small-scale application (1st computer)
room for human creativity

Inappropriate technology: severe side effects, causes


dependence, inappropriately deployed and badly
designed for context

Appropriate Technology
Must be accessible
Must not be offensive
Socially acceptable
Safe
Economical (affordable)
Function (must solve the problem)
Aesthetically appealing (fanciful)
Constructability (achievable)

New World of Science and


Technology
1.If the present growth trends in world
population, industrialization, pollution,
food production, and resource
depletion continue unchanged, the
limits to growth on this planet will be
reached sometime within the next 100
years. The most probable result will be
a sudden and uncontrollable decline in
both population and industrial capacity.

New World of Science and


Technology
2. It is possible to alter these growth
trends and to establish a condition of
ecological and economic stability
that is sustainable far into the future.
The state of global equilibrium could
be designed so that the basic
material needs of each person on
earth are satisfied and each person
has an equal opportunity to realize
his or her individual human potential.

New World of Science and


Technology
3. If the worlds people decide to
strive for this second outcome rather
than the first, the sooner they begin
working to attain it, the greater will
be their chances of success.
(Meadows et al., 1972)

New World of Science and


Technology
The challenges of sustainability,
climate change, conflicts over water
supply and terrorism (extremism) are
continuously defining the careers of
21st century
Sustainability (reuse, recycle)
Climate Change (ecological change,
carbon foot prints)
Terrorism (extremism)

New World of Science and Technology


(Sustainability, health, reducing vulnerability and joy of living)

Make solar energy more economical


Provide energy from fusion
Develop carbon storing methods
Manage the nitrogen cycle
Provide access to clean water
Prevent nuclear terror
Restore and improve urban infrastructure
Advance personalized learning
Engineer better medicines
Advance health informatics
Secure cyberspace
Reverse-engineer the brain
Ameliorate virtual reality
Engineer the tool of scientific discovery
etc

Sustainability
Sustainable development: the
challenge of meeting human need for
natural resources, industrial
products, energy, food,
transportation, shelter, and effective
waste management while conserving
and protecting environmental quality
and the natural resource base
essential for future development

Sustainability
Four types of sustainability are:
Energy resource sustainability
Ecological sustainability
Soil sustainability
Environmental sustainability

The Inter-relationship of Social Ethics


and Values, and Science and technology

The Philosophy of a Body of


Knowledge
A body of knowledge is an
educational prescription to ensure
that upcoming professionals serve
the needs of the society, the
profession, the clients, and the firms
and organizations that are involved.

The Philosophy of a Body of


Knowledge
The engineer of the 21st century will require
an extensive background of knowledge
Learning does not end with ones formal
education, but continues throughout ones
career using both organized training and
self-study
Individuals within the profession must be
actively engaged beyond technical
matters, rather than accepting a passive
role in local and global affairs

The Philosophy of a Body of


Knowledge
Knowledge skills and attitudes are not
outcomes that one posses or does not possess;
instead, individuals move through stages and
must seek to attain a higher level of each. This
is accomplished through formal education and
training, practical experience, personal growth
and self-study
Engineers must be more than technicians but
must be leaders in their society
The engineering profession must take on a
global perspective

Humanities, Social Sciences and


Engineering
The engineer must have both technical and societal
knowledge to be a socially responsible citizen and a
professional
Thus an engineer must be liberally educated in the
humanities and social sciences as well as in mathematics
and the natural sciences
Engineers of the 21 st century must be good communicators
in order to meet their responsibilities to clients and the
public, and to efficiently interact within design teams
Knowledge of the humanities helps prepare engineers to ask
the right questions, to be open minded and creative and to
communicate well to bring about solutions to the broad
based problems that confront society and the engineering
profession

Humanities
Humanities are branches of knowledge that address human
culture and include:
History: The branch of knowledge that records and analyses past events
Language: The means of communicating thoughts, feelings, meaning, or
intent with a special emphasis on transmitting knowledge of a culture
Philosophy: A system of inquiry into the nature of beliefs and values
based on logical reasoning rather than empirical investigations and
evidence, or the use of reasoned argument techniques to examine the
nature, scope, and limits of existence, knowledge, and morals.
Fine Arts: Creative works intended to invoke contemplative delight or
thought rather than for utilization
Literature: Communications, usually written and often imaginative,
produced by learned scholars for transmitting ideas
Architecture: The art and science of design, usually structures, for
orderly proportioning

Humanities
Values (creativity, feelings, ideas, emotions, variety, enjoyment and aesthetics) are
inherent to the humanities whereas utility is the central focus of courses in engineering.
Imaginative expression is important to engineering design
Knowledge of the humanities with its emphasis on creative thought complements the
emphasis placed on utility in engineering
A knowledge of philosophy would enable an engineer to appreciate the aesthetic value of
a wetland; facilitate research about new materials in engineering design; use rationalism
and empiricism in integrating observations and the results of experimental studies
The public wants bridges and buildings that are aesthetically pleasing not just functional
Without some knowledge of the humanities, design engineers may place too much
emphasis on utility rather than on aesthetics, thus producing a skyline that fails to be
aesthetically appealing
A complete design therefore should acknowledge the aesthetic, ethical and historical
considerations that are involved in making an engineering design complete
The design engineer needs to understand and appreciate the benefits of a design that
reflects the culture and goals of that society
Engineers must recognize how engineering impacts society and vice versa.
Therefore knowledge of the humanities is essential for a professional to meet his or her
responsibilities in the society

Humanities

Philosophy and decision making (develops critical thinking


techniques that allow engineers to interpret information
The study of Aristotle and Platos philosophies focuses on the
importance of logical reasoning indecision making. The Socratic
method is a teaching technique in which philosophical inquiry is used
to examine the implications of an idea and to bring about a solution.
Centres on questioning the basics of the problem. Helps in examining
every implication of a statement made and to think critically when
making an argument
Knowledge of these would help engineers to inquire about risks and
uncertainties, safety issues, and the sustainability of any project thus
leading to better decisions.
When engineers are confronted by ethical dilemmas that require wellreasoned decisions, a knowledge of philosophy would help in defining
the moral dilemma, developing alternative solutions, obtaining relevant
information about each alternative, evaluating the alternatives, and
implementing the selected alternative
Philosophy encourages examination of personal values and morals
which ensures that an engineer will make decisions for the common
good especially when challenges bothering on competing influences
are encountered

Humanities
Art and engineering design- The understanding of the fine
arts can be personally rewarding, it can also improve an
engineers ability to design effectively. The branches of art
include sculpture, painting, drawing, architecture, literature,
drama, music, and dance. The core characteristics from arts
which are relevant to engineering are:
Balance: A sense of visual symmetry for the sectors of the art piece
Proportion: An artist uses proportions of objects in a picture to control
the feelings of the viewer by placing emphasis on certain objects within
the art piece. However an unrealistic proportion may be used for
emphasis and seem to be injudicious by the rational viewer, but it may
be the artists way of invoking the viewers thoughts and feelings
Variety: Variations in colour, shading, and object shapes can add
variety to art, which can invoke feelings in the viewer
Unity: while variety is important to keep the artwork from being
mundane, unity is necessary to ensure that the artwork as a whole is
seen as a single idea or concept

The engineer should ensure that all these characteristics


are considered to create a design that is aesthetically
pleasing and yet functional

Humanities
Importance of language to a professional (means of
communicating thoughts and feelings)
To a professional, persuasion, motivation and transmitting knowledge
are extremely important elements of language.
Language helps to persuade a client that your firm is the best one to
complete the job , express reasons why your design solution is best,
refute irrational reasons of competitors, motivate subordinates to work
toward organization goals, make oral and written communications more
effective
Foreign language studies can enhance understanding of other cultures
and business relations with foreign businesses
The study of language involves both grammar and vocabulary
Language skills are central to persuasion (inability to persuade might
hinder rise to leadership). Persuasion is the process of changing the
attitudes , behaviour, or beliefs of another person through the use of
language

Humanities
Humanities and cultural perspective
Culture is the socially transmitted behaviour patterns, beliefs,, and institutions of a
community
An understanding of the culture in which an engineer designs is essential to how the
design meets the needs of society
The study of literature involves the analysis of the thoughts embedded in the literary
works and their societal implications
Religious studies can provide perspective on the values of others through the study
of history, moral principles, and interconnectedness of different religion. A study on
world religions can provide knowledge of the morals and values of a people in other
countries that may impact their decisions in engineering design and their attitudes at
workplace.
Understanding culture through philosophy, literature, and religious studies allows
engineers to understand how they should approach design and the scope of the
designs impact on society
Reading novels can provide insight into the ways that machines change society and
the value conflicts that may confront engineering management in the future
When reading fiction, it is important to view the events and characters in a broader
context especially considering the potential application to the engineering culture

Humanities
Humanities relevant to personal and
professional development
Role of curiosity in advancement (a dominant
force in the advancement of science and
engineering, for the engineering profession
to solve the problems of the future, civil
engineers will need to develop new
knowledge, this requires curiosity, the
attitude of wanting to know and learn about
problems and their solutions)

Humanities
The creation and evaluation of new knowledge in the humanities (similar to
what obtains in engineering). A few questions related to new knowledge in the
humanities are as follows:
History: What was the publics perception of risk about traveling on public transportation
during the era of steam boiler explosions? How does it differ from the perception of risk
now?
Language: Does text message have an effect on language development?
Philosophy: Has increased environmental concern changed the concept of nature?
Architecture: Has the threat or terrorism influenced architectural design?

New knowledge, whether it is related to the humanities or engineering, must


be evaluated to ascertain the accuracy, importance, merit, or benefit of the
new knowledge.
The new knowledge must be logical and reasonable on the basis of observation
and thought, in order to be valid
Valid statements of new knowledge will resist challenge
The concluding statements that reflect new knowledge should show
consistency of reasoning
Judgements should be unbiased

Social Sciences
How do people collectively react during a
natural disaster?
Why are some individuals confident while
others are fearful of interacting with others?
Is economic growth and environmental
preservation a zero-sum game? Or can
economics provide insight into ways of
curbing environmental destruction?
Does engineering benefit from social
research or even research in general?

Social Sciences
Should engineers be concerned about human behaviour?
Attitude development? The environment versus economics
quandary?
If yes , then social science courses in sociology, psychology,
economics, anthropology, history, geography and political science
are of professional and personal benefit
Knowledge from the social sciences can contribute to:
Team management
Teaching and learning
Preparing and dealing with natural disasters
Land use planning
Mass transportation design
Consumer markets
Risk analysis
Environmental solutions

Social Sciences
Definitions:
Social science refers to the study of society,
including individual or group relationships
Sociology: The study of human social behaviour
Psychology: The science of behaviour, including the
emotional and behavioural characteristics of
individuals and groups
Economics: The management of materials,
personnel, or business activities
Political science: The study of government
processes, principles, and structures of political
institutions

Social Sciences
Importance of the Social Sciences to engineering:
Group dynamics of teams within an engineering company
Human behaviour during accidents
Leaders helping subordinates to overcome
Planning for evacuation of burning buildings
Helping a politician develop a public policy on
environmental sustainability
Human reactions during natural disasters
The role of government in clean-up after a disaster
The reactions of people during disruption to lifelines
The movement of people in land use planning
Consideration of risk factors in project economics

Social Sciences
Engineering services are delivered to people through
social mechanisms, thus it is important to understand
that social sciences are foundational to effective service
by those in engineering profession
Engineering applies the scientific methods of the social
sciences to real problems
The study of social sciences allows engineers to
understand how to work within a social framework and
consider nontechnical ramifications of their actions and
decisions
The process of development, delivery, and evaluation of
solutions that improve society are also enhanced
through the study of social sciences

Social Sciences
Interpersonal skills and the social sciences
Knowledge of sociology, anthropology, and psychology can enhance
interpersonal skills in the workplace. Engineers work in teams on projects.
Principles of team building, intervention into groups with personnel
problems , and problems with motivation are issues addressed in courses
on sociology and psychology
As globalization becomes more embedded within engineering practice,
more engineers will need to have an appreciation of worldwide cultures
Social sciences provide insight into how to critique others effectively and
understand the personal motivations of others
They also provide engineers with strategies to work effectively within
alternative organizational structures
An understanding of varied backgrounds and attitudes allows a engineer at
managerial level to be an effective communicator within a team or
organization
Knowledge of the social sciences would also enable engineers to mentor
and teach upcoming engineers effectively

Social Sciences
Physical geography and design for natural disasters
Geography goes beyond learning the names of places and
knowing the processes related to the formation of mountains.
An understanding of principles of physical geography would
enable engineers to properly design structures. It would also
enable engineers to effectively deal with the effects of natural
disasters and possibly putting measures in place that would
curtail the effects of such natural effects should they occur
A knowledge of physical geography also helps in knowing the
classification and characteristics of climate. It could also be of
value in handling sustainability issues.
Its relevant generally in knowing more on natural resources,
hydro-electric, wind, and geothermal power, and soil erosion
and conservation

Social Sciences
Engineering and economic impact
Engineering is a people-serving profession that also involves
business transactions. Therefore the practice of engineering
requires knowledge of economics
An engineer should be able to ascertain the economic viability of a
project or design. A new design or project can create an entirely
new market, and thus impact the economy
Fro example, the automobile created markets for transportation
systems, auto repair services, and insurance services, and spurred
the development of the petroleum, iron, steel and rubber industries
General economic principles studied in economics and business
courses are of primary importance to practicing engineers
Risk and uncertainty are central to economic decision making.
Weather conditions, labour problems, machine failures, theft and
collapses are some of such.

Social Sciences
Regional economics, land use, and
transportation planning
Ta knowledge of these would enable
engineers to apply economic concepts
during projects related to location, labour,
and capital migration, and public policies
related to urban growth. Many these are
related to distribution and use of natural
resources which are related to sustainability
and environmental management

Social Sciences
Analysis of engineering problems
with social science implications
Natural disasters
Environmental issues

Societal Needs and Resources in the Genesis


and Development of Science and Technology

Societal Needs and Resources in the


Genesis and Development of Science
and Technology
Engineers harness the great forces of nature for
the use and convenience of man with due
consideration of environmental and economic
sustainability. So engineering is applied science
So we can conveniently say that the primary
engagement of engineers is, solving human
problems
In the process solving such problems, engineers
come up with design and such entails a lot of
decision making

Societal Needs and Resources in the


Genesis and Development of Science
and Technology
Engineering decisions have an enormous
impact upon the quality of life in the global
community for example, the social and
economic effects of building dams in
developing countries or new airports on
the outskirts of cities. It is essential,
therefore, that engineers play full and
significant role in ordering the affairs of
society, not merely as technicians carrying
out the instructions of others.

Problem Solving and Role of


design
Clearly, at the core of decisionmaking in any technical project is the
design strategy
It is the essential creative process of
engineering different from science
which calls for imagination,
application of technical expertise and
experience, and skilful use of
materials.

Problem Solving and Role of


design
An awareness of fundamental design principles
enables engineers to engage in the highest level
of decision-making-to which they can then bring
their professional skill and training
Design principles have in the past focused on the
technical and scientific rules underpinning the
delivery process
Good engineering design involves many
parameters upon which the success of the project
depends each of which has its own subset of
laws, standards, practices, codes and regulations

Problem Solving and Role of


design
Underlying all these more specialised constraints
and directives are even more fundamental
principles related to the original decision
making process which provide the total context
for good design
These principles are not purely scientific,
axiomatic principles such as the laws of
thermodynamics or statics, but derive more from
experience, practice or pragmatism. They are the
very substance of professional engineering
judgement

Statements of Principle
Engineering design encompasses
three key stages of realisation
Need- all design begins with a clearly
defined need
Vision-all designs arise from a creative
response to a need
Delivery- all designs result in a system,
product or project that meets the need

Need
The first principle requires recognising and understanding the
nature of society, economics and humanitys needs
Reason, compassion, service and curiosity all contribute to the
definition of need.
Defining the need is a multidisciplinary task-carried out by
either a selected team of experts, or by an experiences and
multi-skilled individual
The skills required are not exclusively engineering but include
economic and political skills, and knowledge of marketing and
industrial management
It is important that a clear definition of the need is formulated,
with the reasons for the decisions given
There must be commitment at the highest level and maximum
feedback from earlier developments

Vision
The second principle is the conception and management of a
creative vision to meet the need. It requires the ability to think
laterally, to anticipate the unexpected-and to appreciate the
aesthetics of problem solving as well as the material aspect
The ethos within which the problem id being addressed must
be understood
Design development is an iterative process, so a good
relationship with the need-defining team is essential. The
perceived needs may change during this stage
Evaluation of the concept requires a full understanding of the
need as formulated, as well as the delivery constraints likely to
affect the design formulation
The designer needs too know the market constraints and
production processes

Vision contd.
The controlling team or individual must have access to
all necessary specialist advice.
On larger scale projects, the management of the various
inputs must be strong and effective without inhibiting
creative thinking
On smaller projects, good self-discipline is necessary to
ensure that the development does not deviate from the
perceived need. External advice must be well
coordinated, and its role in the design development
understood.
Specialist consultants must appreciate the total context
and aims of the project, which should not be confused
by individual disciplinary objectives

Delivery
The final principle involves delivering a solution to a recognised need
This requires assembling and managing resources and team
members with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to create
an appropriate and efficient design
As the scale and complexity of projects increase, so does the need to
define a clear management structure and the relationship of the
design components to the whole project.
Smaller projects may permit more flexibility, but engineers need to
take care to avoid making too many alterations on the basis of
manufacturing expediency
The original and formulated aims and proposals should provide the
platform for the production activities
There should be regular team reviews to ensure continuity of
concept, as well as testing and management to ensure a high and
consistent quality in the end product

Some Case Studies


To demonstrate the relationship between the
three basic design principles i.e. need, vision and
delivery some case studies are considered.
The examples chosen represent a wide range of
engineering designs from single, speciality
products to large scale projects:
An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.
Blatchford and Sons
The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by Mott MacDonald
An asthma inhaler developed by IVAX Pharmaceuticals
The Trent aero engine developed by Rolls-Royce

An intelligent prosthesis developed by


Chas A. Blatchford and Sons
Need

An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.


Blatchford and Sons

Suppliers Need

An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.


Blatchford and Sons

Users Need

An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.


Blatchford and Sons

Vision

An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.


Blatchford and Sons

Delivery

An intelligent prosthesis developed by Chas A.


Blatchford and Sons

Delivery

An intelligent prosthesis developed


by Chas A. Blatchford and Sons
Delivery

Making
the most
out of IP

The IP Plus
and
Programme
r

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Need

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Need

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Need

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Need

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Vision

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Vision

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Delivery

The Tsing Ma Bridge designed by


Mott MacDonald
Tsing Mas
innovative
streamlined
vented twolevel deck
designed to
withstand
typhoon
winds

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Need

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Need

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Vision

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Vision

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Delivery

The Trent aero engine developed by


Rolls-Royce
Two of the four Trent
500s produced by
Rolls Royce which
power Airbus A340

An asthma inhaler developed by


IVAX Pharmaceuticals
Need

An asthma inhaler developed by


IVAX Pharmaceuticals
Vision

An asthma inhaler developed by


IVAX Pharmaceuticals
Delivery

Societal Needs, Resources, Science


and Technology
Scientific research funded by the
private sector has become a crucial
factor for socio-economic
development, but this cannot
exclude the need for publicly-funded
research. Both sectors should work in
close collaboration and in a
complementary manner in the
financing of scientific research for
long-term goals.

Societal Needs, Resources, Science


and Technology
The inherent function of the scientific
endeavour is to carry out a comprehensive
and thorough inquiry into nature and society,
leading to new knowledge. This new
knowledge provides educational, cultural and
intellectual enrichment and leads to
technological advances and economic
benefits.
Promoting fundamental and problem-oriented
research is essential for achieving
endogenous development and progress.

Social Problems, Impact Assessment and Control of


Science and Technology. Responsibilities of Engineers
Science, Technology and Environment

Societal Needs, Resources, Science


and Technology
The essence of scientific thinking is the ability to examine problems from
different perspectives and seek explanations of natural and social
phenomena, constantly submitted to critical analysis. Science thus relies
on critical and free thinking, which is essential in a democratic world. The
scientific community, sharing a long-standing tradition that transcends
nations, religions and ethnicity, should promote, as stated in the
Constitution of UNESCO, the "intellectual and moral solidarity of
mankind", which is the basis of a culture of peace. Worldwide cooperation
among scientists makes a valuable and constructive contribution to
global security and to the development of peaceful interactions between
different nations, societies and cultures, and could give encouragement
to further steps in disarmament, including nuclear disarmament.
Governments and society at large should be aware of the need to use
natural and social sciences and technology as tools to address the root
causes and impacts of conflict. Investment in scientific research which
addresses them should be increased.

Societal Needs, Resources, Science


and Technology
The sciences should be at the service
of humanity as a whole, and should
contribute to providing everyone with
a deeper understanding of nature
and society, a better quality of life
and a sustainable and healthy
environment for present and future
generations.

Scientific knowledge has led to remarkable innovations that have


been of great benefit to humankind. Life expectancy has increased
strikingly, and cures have been discovered for many diseases.
Agricultural output has risen significantly in many parts of the world
to meet growing population needs. Technological developments and
the use of new energy sources have created the opportunity to free
humankind from arduous labour. They have also enabled the
generation of an expanding and complex range of industrial
products and processes. Technologies based on new methods of
communication, information handling and computation have
brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the
scientific endeavour as well as for society at large. Steadily
improving scientific knowledge on the origin, functions and
evolution of the universe and of life provides humankind with
conceptual and practical approaches that profoundly influence its
conduct and prospects.

In addition to their demonstrable benefits the applications of


scientific advances and the development and expansion of human
activity have also led to environmental degradation and
technological disasters, and have contributed to social imbalance or
exclusion. As one example, scientific progress has made it possible
to manufacture sophisticated weapons, including conventional
weapons and weapons of mass destruction. There is now an
opportunity to call for a reduction in the resources allocated to the
development and manufacture of new weapons and to encourage the
conversion, at least partially, of military production and research
facilities to civilian use. The United Nations General Assembly has
proclaimed the year 2000 as International Year for the Culture of
Peace and the year 2001 as United Nations Year of Dialogue among
Civilizations as steps towards a lasting peace; the scientific
community, together with other sectors of society, can and should
play an essential role in this process.

Most of the benefits of science are unevenly


distributed, as a result of structural asymmetries
among countries, regions and social groups, and
between the sexes. As scientific knowledge has
become a crucial factor in the production of
wealth, so its distribution has become more
inequitable. What distinguishes the poor (be it
people or countries) from the rich is not only that
they have fewer assets, but also that they are
largely excluded from the creation and the
benefits of scientific knowledge

Today, more than ever, science and its applications are indispensable for
development. All levels of government and the private sector should provide
enhanced support for building up an adequate and evenly distributed
scientific and technological capacity through appropriate education and
research programmes as an indispensable foundation for economic, social,
cultural and environmentally sound development. This is particularly urgent
for developing countries. Technological development requires a solid
scientific basis and needs to be resolutely directed towards safe and clean
production processes, greater efficiency in resource use and more
environmentally friendly products. Science and technology should also be
resolutely directed towards prospects for better employment, improving
competitiveness and social justice. Investment in science and technology
aimed both at these objectives and at a better understanding and
safeguarding of the planets natural resource base, biodiversity and lifesupport systems must be increased. The objective should be a move
towards sustainable development strategies through the integration of
economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions.

The engineer is a mediator between the philosopher and the working


mechanic and, like an interpreter between two foreigners, must
understand the language of both, hence the absolute necessity of
possessing both practical and theoretical knowledge
Traditionally, engineers are trained to deliver products, projects or
services to fit some specified requirement
They work to a required performance and quality, within a given time
and budget. But the creative and analytical skills of engineers are
frequently used only to develop or make practical decisions of others.
The importance of engaging engineers in the early-decision-making
processes of a project is frequently not appreciated, and major
decisions are left in the hands of the non-engineering professions the
politicians, lawyers, accountants or marketing experts.
This is despite the fact that these decisions may require not only
understanding the engineering possibilities, but also knowledge and
experience of potential environmental and social consequences

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