Philosophy of Engineering Unit-3 Past Paper PDF

Philosophy of Engineering Unit - 3 Epistemology of Engineering Relations between Science, Technology, and Engineering - Questions on Philosophy of Engineering - Four Dimensions of Engineering...

Philosophy of Engineering Unit - 3 Epistemology of Engineering Relations between Science, Technology, and Engineering - Questions on Philosophy of Engineering - Four Dimensions of Engineering - RIASEC Model - Epistemology of Engineering Design - Rigour, Creativity, and Change in Engineering Practice 7: Analyze the nature, contents, and complexity of the knowledge base in engineering Practice 8: Case Study on RIASEC Theory of Career Choice Practice 9: Analyze Distinctive Features of Epistemology of Engineering Design Prepared by R. Logeshwaran Assistant Professor, DSBS, SRMIST.  foundational branch of Epistemology of Engineering philosophy Theory/ Study of 1. What is knowledge? knowledge 2. How do we acquire knowledge? It seeks to understand the 3. What are the limits of knowledge? nature, scope, and limits Address 4. What is the role of belief, evidence, and of human knowledge, as es questio justification? well as the processes ns such as through which we acquire, 5. Skepticism justify, and evaluate 6. Epistemic justification knowledge. 7. Reliability of knowledge sources What is knowledge?  Epistemologists aim to define knowledge and distinguish it from mere belief or opinion.  One common definition of knowledge is justified true belief, meaning that for something to be considered knowledge, it must be true; the person believing it must be justified in believing it. How do we acquire knowledge?  This question delves into the ways in which humans gain information and beliefs.  Epistemologists examine processes like perception, reason, memory, and testimony as sources of knowledge. What are the limits of knowledge?  Epistemology explores the boundaries of what we can know.  For instance, can we ever be certain about anything? Are there questions that are beyond the reach of human knowledge? What is the role of belief, evidence, and justification?  Epistemologists examine how our beliefs are formed, how evidence plays a role in shaping Skepticism  Epistemology also considers various forms of skepticism, which challenge the certainty and reliability of knowledge.  Philosophical skepticism, for example, questions whether we can have any certain knowledge at all. Epistemic justification  This involves exploring how and to what extent our beliefs can be justified.  Do we have to have strong evidence for all our beliefs, or are some beliefs justified in other ways? Reliability of knowledge sources  Epistemologists study the reliability of different sources of knowledge, such as sense perception, introspection, and testimony.  They investigate under what conditions these sources can be trusted. The Gettier problem  This is a famous problem in epistemology that challenges the traditional definition of To Sum up, Epistemology It helps us understand how we come to know the world, how we justify our beliefs, and the extent to which we can trust our understanding of reality.  Relations between Science, Technology, and Engineering “Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been.” —Theodore von Kármán Science is a study of the natural world, while Engineering is creating new things based on that study. To bring out a comparison between science, engineering, and technology: “Science is the study of the natural world as it is; Engineering is creating new tools, devices, and processes based on scientific knowledge; Technology is the sum total of all the engineered tools, devices, and processes available.” Comparison between Science, Technology, and Engineering Science Engineering Technology Knowledge of the natural world Creation based on the scientific Set of engineered creations put put together knowledge put together together. Comes from observation of the Comes from acquiring and applying Comes from repeated world knowledge, application and approval of the engineered tools. Creating meaning of natural Creating new devices, tools and Creating a collection of phenomenon processes, engineered and tested tools for the mankind. Key relationships between Science, Technology, and Engineering: Science and Technology: 1. Science as a Basis for Technology:  Science provides the foundational knowledge and understanding of the natural world.  Technological advancements often rely on scientific discoveries.  For example, breakthroughs in physics led to the development of nuclear technology and the transistor, which revolutionized electronics. 2. Applied Science:  Technology is the practical application of scientific knowledge.  Scientists often collaborate with engineers and technologists to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world applications.  This can include fields like materials science, where discoveries in the properties of materials lead to the development of new technologies. Science and technology have a feedback loop. Scientific research can lead to the creation of new technologies, and these technologies, in turn, enable scientists to conduct experiments and gather data more efficiently. Key relationships between Science, Technology, and Engineering: Technology and Engineering: 1. Engineering as Applied Technology:  Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to design and build practical systems, structures, and devices.  It relies heavily on existing technologies and often leads to the creation of new ones. 2. Innovation:  Engineers are responsible for innovating and improving upon existing technologies.  They design, develop, and optimize technological solutions to meet specific goals and solve practical problems.  For instance, civil engineers design and construct bridges and buildings using the latest construction technologies. 3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:  Engineers often work closely with technologists and scientists.  For example, in the field of biomedical engineering, engineers collaborate with medical researchers and scientists to develop new medical devices and technologies. Key relationships between Science, Technology, and Engineering: Science, Technology, and Society: 1. Impact on Society:  Advances in science, technology, and engineering have profound effects on society.  They can improve the quality of life, enhance communication, and solve complex problems.  Conversely, they can also raise ethical, environmental, and social issues that need to be addressed. 2. Ethical and Moral Considerations:  As technology and engineering create new possibilities, ethical questions arise.  For instance, the development of genetic engineering raises ethical questions about altering human genes, and the use of artificial intelligence raises concerns about privacy and bias. 3. Policy and Regulation:  Governments and organizations play a role in regulating and shaping the development and use of technology and engineering.  Regulations and policies often aim to balance innovation with safety, ethics, and public Four Dimensions of Engineering: Engineering has four main dimensions:  Fundamental sciences,  Social sciences,  Design, and  Practical accomplishment. This enables us to consider an engineer as a specialist who combines several skills in varying ratios. a scientist’s, a sociologist’s, a designer’s, and a doer’s traits. Basic Sciences  The component influenced by the basic sciences emphasizes the importance of logic and rigor while viewing engineering as the application of the natural and exact sciences.  It also considers knowledge as being created via analysis and experimentation.  This dimension prefers research above other methods of operation because it views the discovery of initial principles as an activity that will earn it more respect. Social Sciences  The capacity to perceive the essentially social nature of the world they act in and the social complexity of the teams they belong to allows engineers to be seen as social specialists as well as technologists in the social component of engineering.  In this aspect of engineering, the developments of social and economic value, as well as the belief in the happiness of end users, emerge as core values. Design  According to the design perspective, engineering is a form of design.  It places a higher weight on systems thinking than on the analytical reasoning that distinguishes traditional science.  In contrast to fragmentary visions, it bases its practice on comprehensive, contextual, and integrated views of the world. This dimension typically emphasizes compromise and exploring options.  The important choices in this dimension, which commonly uses non-scientific ways of thinking, are frequently based on partial knowledge and intuition, as well as on individual and group experiences. Practical Realization  The fourth mode views engineering as the art of getting things done, valuing the ability to change the world, and overcoming complexity with flexibility and perseverance.  It corresponds to the art of the homo faber, in its purest expression, and to the ability to tuck up one’s sleeves and get down to the nitty-gritty.  In this dimension, the completed job, which stands before the world, leads to higher recognition. RAISEC Model:  In the 1950s, John Holland theorized that personality and work environment are measurable and that the two should be matched in order to find a satisfying career.  Holland's theory describes six basic personality types  The goal is to match an individual's code, or personality type, with his or her career. Realistic - R (Doers) Investigative - I (Thinkers)  Like to work with their hands and focus on  Tend to focus on ideas.  Like to collect and analyze data and things in the physical world and use physical skills. information of all kinds. Curious and tend to  Like be creative and original. to repair and work with tools,  Task-oriented and motivated by analysing and machines, or animals; outdoor work is researching. often preferred.  Tend to prefer loosely structured situations  Prefer problems that are concrete rather with minimal rules or regulations. than abstract; want practical solutions that  Prefer to think through rather than act out can be acted out. problems.  Characteristics include stability, assertive,  Characteristics include reserved, physical strength, and practical. independent, analytical, and logical. Holland typology: Holland typology:  Realistic, practical, frank, nature  Investigative, inquisitive, scientific, lover, curious, concrete, self- precise, cautious, self-confident, Artistic - A (Creators)  Creative and tend to focus on self-expression through all kinds of mediums: materials, music, and words, as well as systems and programs.  Able to see possibilities in various settings and are not afraid to experiment with their ideas.  Like variety and tend to feel cramped in structured situations.  Deal with problems in intuitive, expressive, and independent ways.  Tend to be adverse to rules.  Characteristics include intuitive, creative, expressive, and unconventional. Holland typology:  Artistic, creative, imaginative, unconventional, independent, original, impulsive, courageous, complicated, nonconforming, intuitive, innovative, emotional, expressive, Social - S (Helpers)  Concerned with people and their welfare.  Tend to have well-developed communication skills and like to help, encourage, counsel, guide, train, or facilitate others.  Enjoy working with groups or individuals, using empathy and an ability to identify and solve problems.  Value cooperation and consensus.  Deal with problems through feelings.  Flexible approach to problems.  Characteristics include humanistic, verbal, interpersonal, and responsible. Holland typology:  Social, friendly, idealistic, outgoing, cooperative, responsible, kind, persuasive, Enterprising - E (Persuaders)  Work with and through people, providing leadership and delegating responsibilities for organizational and/or financial gain.  Goal-oriented and want to see results.  Tend to function with a high degree of energy.  Prefer business settings, and often want social events to have a purpose beyond socializing.  Attack problems with leadership skills.  Decision-Maker.  Characteristics include persuasive, confident, demonstrate leadership, interest in power/status. Holland typology:  Enterprising, self-confident, sociable, enthusiastic, adventurous, impulsive, Conventional - C (Organizers)  Like to pay a lot of attention to detail and organization, and prefer to work with data, particularly in the numerical, statistical, and record-keeping realm.  Have a high sense of responsibility, follow the rules, and want to know precisely what is expected.  Prefer clearly defined, practical problems and to solve problems by applying rules.  Oriented to carrying out tasks initiated by others.  Characteristics include conscientious, efficient, concern for rules and regulation, orderly. Holland typology:  Conventional, well-organized, accurate, numerically-inclined, methodical, efficient, orderly, thrifty, structured, ambitious, persistent, conscientious, conforming, practical, systematic, polite, obedient. Epistemology of Engineering Design Summary Epistemology of engineering design refers to the philosophical study of knowledge and its acquisition within the context of engineering design processes.  It explores questions related to how engineers come to know what they know, how they make decisions during the design process, and what constitutes valid and reliable knowledge in engineering design. In summary, the epistemology of engineering design explores how knowledge is generated, applied, and validated in the context of designing practical solutions to complex problems. It combines empirical, scientific, mathematical, experiential, and ethical dimensions to inform the decision-making Empirical Knowledge: Engineering Design Heuristics: : Engineers design relies heavily on empirical frequently use heuristics, or rules of thumb, Design Thinking: to guide their design decisions. knowledge gained through experiments, Design thinking is an These heuristics are based on past testing, and observation. approach that experiences and can be valuable shortcuts Engineers gather data to understand the emphasizes empathy, for making design choices efficiently. behavior of materials, systems, and creativity, and iteration processes. This empirical knowledge is in the design process. fundamental to making informed design Uncertainty and Risk: Engineering It acknowledges that decisions. Scientific Foundations: Engineering design often involves dealing with knowledge is not static design is often built upon a foundation of but evolves as designers uncertainty and risk. scientific principles and theories. engage with the problem Engineers must assess the reliability of Engineers draw upon the laws of physics, and iterate on solutions. their knowledge and make decisions under chemistry, and other sciences to conditions of uncertainty, considering understand the behavior of natural phenomena and use this knowledge to Epistemology potential failures and safety concerns. Multidisciplinary Nature: Many inform their designs. engineering design problems are Mathematical Modeling: of Engineering multidisciplinary, from various fields. requiring knowledge Mathematics plays a crucial role in engineering design. Engineers use Validation and Engineers must integrate knowledge from mathematical models to simulate and design Testing: different domains, which can present epistemological challenges in terms of predict the behavior of systems and Engineers must validate structures. their designs through reconciling conflicting information or These models can help identify potential testing and methodologies. Ethical Considerations: The problems, optimize designs, and make experimentation to epistemology of engineering design also Experience and Expertise: informed decisions. ensure that they meet encompasses ethical considerations Experienced engineers often rely on their specified requirements related to knowledge and decision-making. accumulated knowledge and expertise and standards. Engineers must consider the ethical when making design decisions. This process of implications of their designs, including This tacit knowledge, gained through years validation contributes to potential harm to society and the of practice, is not always explicitly the epistemological Rigour, Creativity, and Change in Engineering  Engineers’ drive for innovation can be significantly curtailed by the “bottom line” finances available.  Obtaining parts for experimentation in practically zero time can require very resourceful effort because the rigid systems in place for parts procurement too often have been established primarily for production and “just-in-time” receipt.  One partial solution is obtaining “samples,” but these are sometimes unreliable parts— and a single failure can result in a quick dismissal of a project by management.  Rigorous design rules, such as parts derating, design reviews (Preliminary Design Reviews, Critical Design Reviews, and Final Design Reviews), are important.  But with tight constraints on schedules and finances they often severely limit time for experimentation. Thank you