On "bettering humanity" in science and engineering education.

Full Abstract

Authors such as Krishnasamy Selvan argue that "all human endeavors including engineering and science" have a single primary objective: "bettering humanity." They favor discussing "the history of science and measurement uncertainty." This paper respectfully disagrees and argues that "human endeavors including engineering and science" should not pursue "bettering humanity" as their primary objective. Instead these efforts should first pursue individual betterment. One cannot better humanity without knowing what that means. However, there is no one unified theory of what is to the betterment of humanity. Simultaneously, there is no one field (neither science, nor engineering, nor philosophy) entitled to rule univocally. Perhaps if theorists tended their own gardens, the common weal would be tended thereby.

Author information

Author/s: Stieb, James A (JA);

Affiliation: Department of English, Drexel University, 3241 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. steibja(-atsign-)drexel.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Science and engineering ethics (Sci Eng Ethics), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jun; vol 13 (issue 2) : pp 265-73

Dates: Created 2007/08/24; Completed 2007/09/20;

PMID: 17717737, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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