Engineering Philosophy

  Abstract This abstract discusses the paper "The Philosophical Weakness of Engineering as a Profession" by Carl Mitcham, and reflects on its arguments from the perspective of engineering practice. The key points are: Philosophical Weakness of Engineering: Mitcham argues that engineering, as a profession, lacks a strong philosophical foundation compared to professions like law and medicine, which are grounded in the ideals of justice and health, respectively. Different Sense of Weakness: The chapter acknowledges that engineering is philosophically weak, but suggests this weakness differs from Mitcham's original argument. It implies that the philosophical weakness of engineering lies not in its lack of aspirational ideals, but perhaps in other aspects related to its practice and goals. Aspirational and Institutional Challenges: The complexity of engineering, involving multiple objectives and institutional settings, makes it difficult for the profession to have simple, over...

  Abstract The abstract discusses the United States' approach to energy innovation, particularly in the context of mitigating anthropogenic global warming. Here's a concise explanation: Critique of the Linear Model in US Energy Innovation: Historically, US energy innovation has been heavily influenced by the linear model of science and innovation. This model places basic research at the core of the innovation process, suggesting that technological advancements primarily stem from fundamental scientific discoveries. Limitations of the Linear Model: Despite criticism from historians and economists of technology, the linear model continues to shape public innovation programs in the US. This approach is seen as inadequate because it overemphasizes the role of basic scientific research while potentially neglecting other important factors in innovation. Historical Context from the US Department of Energy: The paper surveys the history of the US Department of Energy (DOE) to illustrat...

Abstract This abstract discusses the concept of feasibility in the context of nanotechnology, a rapidly growing field with immense potential in various strategic industries. The paper differentiates between two types of possibilities: real and potential. Real possibility refers to feasibility, which is the focus of this chapter. The chapter aims to explore and critique the current understanding of feasibility, highlighting the limitations of this understanding. It introduces the Chinese concept of feasibility, which carries different connotations compared to the English term. The paper argues that this Chinese perspective can offer valuable insights into feasibility studies for nanotechnology, particularly in assessing the technology's possible positive and negative outcomes. Finally, the chapter proposes to outline basic strategies for developing nanotechnology based on this nuanced understanding of feasibility. These strategies are intended to guide the advancement of nanotechnol...

Abstract This abstract discusses a research project that investigates the methodology behind successful industrial inventions, aiming to demystify the invention process. The main outcomes of this research are: Identification of Phases: The research identifies specific phases through which successful industrialized inventions typically evolve. These phases are seen as an escalating series of steps, each necessary and, when combined, sufficient to guide an invention from conception to completion. Explanation of Phase Structure: The study proposes that this phase structure acts like a ladder, with each step representing a condition that must be met before moving to the next. This structure helps steer the development process effectively. Understanding Epistemic Failure: Using the phase structure, the research also explores why certain inventions fail. It looks at the conditions that lead to epistemic (knowledge-based) failure during the invention process. Practical Application: The ultima...