The assessment of proposed technologies

Abstract

As new technologies are introduced at an increasingly rapid rate, it becomes vital that society develop strategies that assess the impact of such technologies on our lives. To address this challenge the Graduate School of Engineering at Santa Clara University has introduced a new course requirement for all engineers. This paper describes the need, and the approach that Santa Clara has taken. It has long been understood that new technologies often have a life of their own, leading to outcomes, some good, some bad, that were not anticipated by their developers. The reaction to such unanticipated consequences cannot be to pursue no new technologies, as that would have its own unforeseen consequences. Nor is it acceptable to blindly pursue new ideas with no reflection on their possible implications. An effective society must find a middle ground. It is critically important that we reflect on issues that include: stakeholders (present and future), possible consequences that are difficult to anticipate, ethical concerns, and others. Engineers are often in a unique position to address some of these issues. Santa Clara University has introduced a new set of courses designed to help engineers reflect on such matters so that they can make a positive contribution to the necessary societal debate. The paper briefly describes nine courses and then emphasizes a new course, Societal Issues in Engineering Professional Practice, which has been designed specifically to give engineers an organized approach to technology assessment. The paper also describes a web site which has been set up to help others in society assess technologies.