What is an Engineer? from Mechanical Engineering (June 1969)

STS Class. 12/15/12

The article primary focuses on the abouts of an engineer. What it is and its scope and how it differs from scientists are emphasized for us to really understand what being an engineer is. This is important so that engineers will be able to maximize their roles and for other people to understand matter of engineers like their goals to bring progress to the society. This is also significant for us engineering student to have a clear view of our future work so that we can prepare well enough for it.

The argument that an engineer differs from scientist is pointed out in the article. It is stressed that the difference lies in their roles. Scientists discover dogmas and principles in the lore of science and many other fields of study. Engineers on the other hand make ways to apply these principles to create outputs for development and progress in the society. Also, it is cited, that more often engineers are confused with scientist and are not credited for their achievements which are often mistaken as scientific breakthroughs. A vivid example are those progress in space discovery through launching of satellites and visits to the moon which is made possible by the craft of engineers with the application of science principles and the like.

Another point is cited with engineers varying from one another with their specific fields of study. They develop and create for the society, they focus on their respective fields such as electronics, chemistry and computers. Though at times engineers work alone, more often they are team players and find happiness doing acts to utilize materials and forces for the benefit of mankind.

The approach used by the writer in presenting his ideas is a systematic series of points that acts like a funnel leading to what an engineer really is. He also used examples and a narration of the past. Comparison and contrast of engineers and scientists was also effective that I have learned the real reason why engineers need to study is that for them to make effective outputs by mastering the fundamental principles of nature.

I agree with the author’s idea that engineers need to study since they are dealing with crucial issues that may affect the life of people and may cause harm to the environment. Though their intentions are not to injure and cause damage, accompanied negative effects of their creations such as pollution due to engines are brought. On the other hand, I also go with the idea that as it is, nobody knows everything and so do engineers. Humans as they are, they are not perfect and has only limited capacity to comprehend. It takes time to learn so engineers study by specializing specific fields of study. Lastly, I am with the author in citing that engineers are not just builders but they give a good hand in solving problems and most of the time they are adventurers of their field. They build and create not simply to solidify outputs but to solve existing issues and problems.

Review : Small is Beautiful (Resources of Industry) of Schumacher, E.F.

STS Class. 02/26/13

This article of Schumacher highlights the importance of natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, to man’s sustainability. It emphasizes the need for conservation and optimization of such resources in a manner that  it needs  not to endanger nature for industrial growth. The validity and significance of the article is within its stand as an eye-opener to the public reader to once and for all cater to the course of action driven towards maximizing resources without excessively misusing and wasting such supply.

The author accumulated constructive ideas to present his main points and strengthened his arguments through citing reference places in the globe proof to diminishing resources and of with excessive use of oil for energy supply. Schumacher points that ,” an industrial system which uses 40% of the world’s primary resources to supply less than 6% of the world’s population could be called efficient only if it obtained strikingly successful results in terms of human happiness, well being…”.

I agree to the author on what he stated that, “it might said that energy is for the mechanical world what consciousness is for the human world”. And with similar realizations as to his, I also believe that what is lacking in the present efforts towards progress in the industry is an in-depth consideration of the metaphysics of the subject matter—this, I may point out is the lacking ingredient to the attempts to success.

The great scientists of the past generations may have well too come out to the same conclusion regarding the situation of man’s adventures towards natural resources. They may have shared the same observations that what is lacking in the equation of attaining resources to supply the industry is an alternate course of action with respect to metaphysical aspects. Albert Einstein even once said, “We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive.” What we must presently strive to achieve aside from finding efficient ways to attain  resources is that we must as well aim to preserve a considerable amount of resources to be bequeath for the future generations to use.

Pres. Theodore Roosevelt must have shared the same sentiments and thoughts when he said, “The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets, which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired in value”.

Overall, it may be said that the present scenario depicts instances of man forgetting what Aldo Leopold said that, “the oldest task in human history is to live in a piece of land without spoiling it.” Another line said by him may leave us a motivation, “that the situation that appears hopeless should not prevent us from doing our best” and as to resources of industry, we still can afford to save it if we have the will.