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Engineering’s Impact on Society
Stanley M. Howard, PhD, PEDepartment of Materials and Metallurgical EngineeringSouth Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD
AcknowledgementDr. Harold Stern
Associate ProfessorCommunications & ControlsUniversity of AlabamaEmail: [email protected]
For his original Power Point work on which this presentation is based
Slides with an “*” in the lower right hand corner were patterned directly after his work.
Engineers Are Action Oriented Action Means Change and
Different Segments of Society Have Different Goals and Values
Good Intentions Can Produce Unexpected and Unwanted Results
Only Six Percent of the Public Are Scientifically Literate
Actions Have Unforeseen Scientific, Political, and Social Consequences
Actions have Unforeseen Consequences
Actions have Unforeseen Consequences
Actions have Unforeseen Consequences
Unforeseen Consequences Classic Example #1
Original Problem: Soil Erosion
Solution: Introduce Kudzu from Japan
Unintended Consequence: Overrun with VinesKilling of Other VegetationPower Lines Shorting OutEtc. Southeastern USA Kudzu
Credit: Harold P. E. Stern
Unforeseen Consequences Classic Example #2
Original Problem: Manual LaborLow ProductivitySlow Transportation
Solution: Industrialization
Unintended Consequence: Air PollutionSweat ShopsUrban Problems Santiago Chile Smog
Credit: http://www.planetark.org/envpicstory.cfm/newsid/17148
Actions have Unforeseen ConsequencesConsequences are more likely to be identified when people with varied expertise and perspectives offer input.
Number of People of Varied Backgrounds Offering InputIdentifying Consequences
Issues Concerning Openness National Security Competitive Edge
Streamline Effort
Cut Costs
Save Time
“What They Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Them”
When Should Secrecy be Maintained?
When Could Secrecy Appropriately be Maintained? National security restricted by legally
authorized government oversight
Private activities involving only intellectual property
Product and process development with consequences limited to consumer choice
Group Exercise
Develop a set of specific procedures to Inform society of the tradeoffs Gain society’s prior approval Limit unintended consequences
*
When Should the Public be Informed?
Inform the public whenever society could be affected by the proposed project except in cases of simple consumer options or national security authorized by the legally empowered governmental agency.
Procedures to Limit Unintended Consequences and Gain Public Consent
Study similar problems and previous solutions to determine their societal impact
Identify technological trends associated with the proposed solution
Project possible societal impacts of these trends to limit unintended consequences
Research all laws and regulations that may exist concerning a proposed solution
Determine the appropriate ways to inform society and achieve an informed consensus
*
Resources Available Prior projects Codes and regulations Editorials Case studies
*
Resources Available to Identify Trends
Codes
Phased Implementation of Laws
World Initiatives
Professional Societies
*
Resources Available to Research Laws and Regulations
Governmental Agencies
Other Designers
Patents
Professional Societies/Associates/Groups
*
Public Meetings
Elections
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
*
Resources Available to Achieve an Informed Consensus
Group Exercise - Analysis
A reporter selected by each group will present their analysis
Analyze placement of widespread windmill farms in western South Dakota
Analyze the positives and negatives and the intended and unintended consequences
Propose societal impact management methods
Report Format Benefits
Negatives
Consequences Likely Unforeseen by Many
Procedures
Analysis (cont’d)
BenefitsClean and Cheap Renewable Power, Small Land Requirements, Economic Stimulation and Options, Low Impact
Negatives Periodic, No on-demand Supply, Noisy, New Power
Grid Needed, Aesthetics, Bird Strikes, Maintenance, Large Land Requirements, More Activity
Note: The contradictory items offered by a group of engineers. Imagine the contradictions had the group been more diverse. This illustrates the role of values and intangibles.
Possible Unintended ConsequencesNeed more infrastructureAdverse affect on current energy-related industryDisplacement of Agri-businessHealth effectsElectromagnetic induced cancersNeurotic cowsCommunication disruptionTopsoil lossAmbience disruptionWage/living issues
Analysis (cont’d)
ProceduresGet more info from other expertsFocus groups, previous projectsPublic hearingsGovernment regulationsProfessional standards
Analysis (cont’d)
Engineering’s Impact on Society
Seek Input Embrace the Regulatory Environment as an
Valuable Operating Template Never Violate the Public Good Use Secrecy only for intellectual rights, simple
market-related activities, or government authorized activity
Conclusion