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: hstern@coe.eng.ua.edu

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