The Complexification of Engineering consists in
(a) that shift throughout which engineering becomes a science; thus it ceases to be a (mere) praxis or profession;
(b) becoming a science, engineering can be considered as one of the sciences of complexity.
In reality, the complexification of engineering is the process by which engineering can be studied, achieved, and understood in terms of knowledge, and not of goods and services any longer. Complex engineered systems and bio-inspired engineering are so far the two expressions of a complex engineering
What is the interest in tracing the map of the complexification of engineering? We have a number of reasons, namely
(i) understanding what engineering really is like is vital for the comprehension of technology. After all, engineering is today’s techne´ and ars, and we all need to clarify our ideas concerning technology. Yet it is a very particular ars and techne´ in that it has grown into a science in its own. To be sure, that is the subject of philosophy of technology;
(ii) in the history of mankind the relationships between science and technology have never been so passionate, vital, and crucial. In an optimistic view of future our fate depends on knowledge and research, and the engineering sciences play a fundamental role then;
(iii) acting upon nature and society is a matter of both sensitivity and intelligence. Two ways how we act are science and technology, not to mention art at large.
Hence, the question about engineering concerns the way we live and act upon the world. That is a social and cultural matter. All in all, the three reasons just mentioned are of philosophical nature.
A fourth reason is to be added which concerns the interplay of non-linearity, computation and information. Well, the engineering sciences are one very serious way that can help us understand, we believe, what life is really made of and what it is about. The last frontier, so to speak, is bio-inspired engineering, precisely. And our interest for life is certainly not a minor one.
Our best endeavor is heading up exactly in this direction.
Surtil : 