Anaesthetising ourselves: Engineering and technology education as a barrier to an ethical technology programme

Stapleton, Larry and O'Dowd Smyth, Christine (2003) Anaesthetising ourselves: Engineering and technology education as a barrier to an ethical technology programme. IFAC-PapersOnLine. ISSN 14746670

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Abstract

This paper proposes the idea of ‘engineering consent’ as an important ethical consideration for engineers. The paper illustrates the notion of techno-culture, emphasising the non-neutrality of technology in the world and how technology can be used in cultural and economic colonialisation by the west. It advocates a fundamental review of engineering education theory and practice. In this review, the paper argues that engineers must enter new spaces of thought and learning including the post-colonial ‘Third Space’ advocated by Homi K. Bhaba. The review of education must be based on current ideas as to professional competence, as well as a healthy approach to dissidence through innovative and creative thought processes. In this way a new community of practice will emerge which is centred not upon technological progress but social responsibility.

Item Type:	Article
Departments or Groups:	Centre for INformation SYstems and TEchno-culture
Divisions:	School of Science
Depositing User:	Admin SSL
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2008 15:00
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2016 10:25
URI:	http://repository-testing.wit.ie/id/eprint/1105

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