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Gilbert's
Human Competence |
| Gilbert
(1978, p. 3, p. 12) observers that scientists and philosophers
have traditionally used three simple principles to judge the efficacy
of any theory. They are: utility (value), parsimony (simplicity),
and elegance (coherence). Elsewhere (p. 4) he elaborates on his
understanding of the difference between science and engineering.
Although this list is very useful to reflect about what scientists,
technologists, and engineers do, I believe it is merely illustrative.
Scientist |
Engineer |
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| Approaches
nature with humility, for there is so much we do not know
- we are surrounded by a vast sea of ignorance. |
Approaches
nature with assuredness, because there is so much we know
that we have not applied - we are surrounded by a vast sea
of intelligence |
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| Is content
to find out what the world is like as it is. |
Is intent
on remaking the world. |
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Has a
well-developed methodology,and will go
wherever it leads. |
Knows
precisely where to go, and will use any methodology to get
there. |
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| Makes
no value judgment of nature - it is what it is. |
Begins
with value judgments of nature - and seeks to create changes
that people will value. |
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Seeks
knowledge as an end, valuable for its own sake; and worth
great expenditures to
gain it. |
Seeks
knowledge as a costly means that should be applied efficiently
if the costs are not to detract from the valuable ends. |
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