Engineering and Society Pt. 1 : Working Towards Social Justice, Part I

Caroline Baillie, George Catalano

Engineers work in an increasingly complex entanglement of ideas, people, cultures, technology, systems and environments. Today, decisions made by engineers often have serious implications for not only their clients but for society as a whole and the natural world. Such decisions may potentially influence cultures, ways of living, as well as alter ecosystems which are in delicate balance. In order to make appropriate decisions and to co-create ideas and innovations within and among the complex networks of communities which currently exist and are be shaped by our decisions, we need to regain our place as professionals, to realize the significance of our work and to take responsibility in a much deeper sense. Engineers must develop the "ability to respond" to emerging needs of all people, across all cultures.^ To do this requires insights and knowledge which are at present largely...