About Reflections on Thomas Tredgold’s Definition of Engineering
| Authors | Schwindt, Randal |
|---|---|
| Date | 2024 |
| Proceedings | Proceedings of the 2024 Christian Engineering Conference |
| URL | https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/christian_engineering_conference/2024/proceedings/23 |
Type: Conference Paper
Tags: Christian Engineering
Abstract
What is engineering? To a practicing engineer or to a college student majoring in engineering this question might be too obvious to ask or its answer too simple to bother articulating. Certainly, an engineering professor, an engineering educator, will have a ready answer... In any case, it behooves every engineer to consider and seek a broad, deep understanding of what he or she is about—after all, engineers know the value of good definitions. It is especially incumbent upon the Christian engineer to consider what engineering is in light of the Christian faith, in light of God, creation, man, Christ, and the gospel, as revealed in scripture. The concepts in this paper have been developed in the context of the first-year Introduction to Engineering course at a Christian university, with the understanding that it is wise to start one’s journey as a Christian engineer by considering what engineering is in light of the Christian faith. As with most things, the prospects of finishing well are enhanced by starting well. At the same time, reflecting on the definition of engineering is appropriate for the practicing Christian engineer. Fresh insights may be gleaned, and a deeper commitment to Christ and his calling may be inspired. The follower of Christ never outgrows the fundamental truths of the gospel, and revisiting those truths frequently is a source of spiritual growth. The practicing Christian engineer similarly benefits from the revisiting of engineering fundamentals if only to be reminded of what he or she is about.