Why the Best Engineers Should Study Humanities

Abstract

The engineer must operate in a world which uses technology, but neither understands it, or behaves and develops according to patterns familiar to the scientifically trained mind. Three ideas underlie the societal challenges which face the engineer. First, technology influences individuals, society, and the course of history. Second, and conversely, the development of technology is influenced by the cultural and intellectual milieu. These first two ideas emphasize the bilateral interaction between technology and society. The third idea stress that the development of technology is part of the broader development of ideas, attitudes and activities which give any civilization its vital character of growth and change. Engineers should devote some portion of their university years to those disciplines whose goal is to understand the human experience, because it will make them better engineers, more responsible, more creative and effective.