Role of Engineers in Society Today
As technology advances, the role of engineers in society and the demand for engineers grows. From civil to aerospace, and everything in between, the engineering field is incredibly broad, and the demand for them is constantly growing.
Difference between engineers and scientists
A scientist explores the natural world to learn about its basic laws; an engineer uses these laws to design products that serve society’s needs. An engineer uses his/her skills and knowledge to create economically sound and socially acceptable solutions.
Engineers work with materials, tools, machines, systems, and processes to invent or improve things that can make life better, more accessible, efficient, comfortable, and safer. They may use scientific principles to solve problems, develop new technologies, or apply existing ones to create functional devices.
A brief history of the role of engineers in society
The role of engineers in society is well documented, and they have always played a vital role in our lives. Without them, we would not be living in the modern age where science has advanced so far.
Even back then, when Rome was still an empire, the Roman army couldn’t have crossed the Rhine without the help of engineers who built the bridges for them.
Despite building the bridges in under two weeks, they could sustain the weight of tens if not hundreds of thousands of people crossing it at once.
The Romans were also known to build aqueducts that brought water from the mountains down into their cities. These are just some examples of how essential engineers are in our world today.
Where does the word “engineer” come from?
The word “engineer” comes from the Latin word “ingeniare”, meaning “to contrive,” “invent,” or “devise.” Engineers designed buildings, roads, ships, weapons, and other structures in ancient times.
Over time, however, the term came to mean someone who designs machines. Today’s engineers must know many different types of math and science along with drafting, design, and problem-solving skills.
The first recorded use of the word “engineer” dates back to the 14th century B.C., in 1350 BC, the Code of Hammurabi included the profession of “engineers” among the professions allowed to practice law.
The role of engineers in society during the Middle Ages, Medieval Age and Industrial Age
In the Middle Ages, “engineers’’ referred to master masons who worked on cathedrals and castles. By the 16th century, the word had come to refer to anyone who made instruments, clocks, and other mechanical devices.
In 1776, James Watt patented the steam engine, which used steam power instead of animal or human muscle to drive machinery. He called himself an “engineer”, but he did not patent this invention until 1781.
During the Industrial Revolution, the number of engineers grew, and the role of engineers in society was more pronounced. Many of these men and women were self-taught and often lacked formal training. However, they played a critical role in developing technology during this period.
During World War I, German scientists developed the first aeroplane engines powered by internal combustion. After the war, American engineers took over the development of aircraft engines.
After World War II, the United States began spending large amounts of money on research and development (R&D). The government invested heavily in the military and encouraged private industry to invest in R&D.
As a result, the U.S. became the leading producer of consumer goods such as cars, refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.
Role of engineers in society today
The role of engineers in society is visible in almost every aspect of modern life.
Engineering is one of the most diverse fields out there because it involves using your mind to think of ways to do something that will benefit others. You don’t necessarily need to go to college to become an engineer.
A person can start working as an engineer by taking on internships in high school and even community colleges. This way, students can begin making money right away, which helps them pay for all those books they will need to buy!
Engineers help the government by ensuring that government projects don’t cost taxpayers lots of money.
Engineers design products by considering many different things, including costs, safety, reliability, and so on. They then test their designs extensively before releasing them into the market.
Engineers don’t just design the roadways and buildings you drive to work or go to college or the skyscrapers they construct; they also design everyday items like the paper cups you sip your coffee from each day to the incredibly complex parts of the computers you’re currently reading this on.
Engineers are an essential part of today’s society. Without engineers, things like traffic signals, trains, skyscrapers, etc., would not exist. They are responsible for ensuring that they function correctly so everyone can access them.
