Why does one need to be taught engineering logic
A. Y. Klimenko · 2007
It is not easy to give an accurate definition of engineering. One of the principal questions in defi ning engineering is whether this discipline has it is ow n methodology, or the methodology of engineering is f ully derived from the methodology of pure science. Scientific knowledge is, undoubtedly, extensively used in engineering, but it is also an arguable point that engineering knowledge is not limited by the knowledge base of pure sciences. Engineering often uses appro aches that are practical but not sufficiently rigorous or well- established from a scientific point of view. Invent iveness is an important part of engineering tradition that is difficult to define in precise terms, but its prese nce is one of the cornerstones of the engineering profession. The differences in the methodologies of engineering and pure science are reflected in the realities of engineeri ng education. Although future engineers must be well- educated people and should be taught science and economics, the style of education of scientists and engineers does not have to be the same. The methodology of science is the most established and validated to ol available to modern researchers and, of course, can not be replaced by the methodology of engineering. This, however, does not mean that engineering methodology has no merits of its own. We advocate an inclusive approach to the engineering discipline and relate i ts future success to the ability of educational instit utions to produce broadly-educated specialists.