Welcome & Recent Updates
This is a compilation site for theories about engineering. It also highlights individual engineer theorists.
The latest addition is Joel Mokyr's The Lever of Riches: Technological Creativity and Economic Progress . All additions are listed in the update history.
All engineers know of iconic figures in their own fields who
have advanced knowledge in major steps. Less well know are
Engineer Theorists. These are people who seek to
thoughtfully describe the interplay of factors in engineering practice.
"Theories provide structure and order for guiding and improving
professional practice, teaching ... and research." As well,
frameworks can be studied, evaluated and evolved
to makes better sense of new situations.
The approach taken here for the engineering field generally follows
that in Kathleen Sitzman and Lisa Wright Eichelberger's book
"Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists" from which the quote above
is taken. Theories are divided into a number of
categories starting at the highest level with ones which describe the
nature of engineering (overarching theories or philosophies).
The next category deals with the significant themes in engineering
practice (major theories). Following this is the category dealing with specific
engineering practices and concepts (mid-range theories). Some
theories may not fit neatly into this plan but still make insightful statements
about engineering so a category is reserved for these as well
(alternate theories).
The selections below are not written in stone. It is anticipated that these will be added to, discussed and perhaps reordered over time. Comments and suggestions are welcome.
- Gerhard Pahl and Wolfgang Beitz's Theory of Systematic Engineering Design
- Frederick Winslow Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management
- Henry Petroski's Theory of the Interrelationship of Success and Failure in Mechanical and Structural Engineering Design
- Genrich Altshuller's Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
- Aesthetics and the Professional Identity of the Modern German Engineer by Katherine Romba
- Strengths and Benefits of Professional Identity in the Work of French State Engineers
- A gendered view of engineering?
- How might engineers benefit from philosophy and what can engineering contribute in return?
- Is the professional engineering identity narrowing and what would be the consequences of this?
- A Social History of Engineering by Walter Armytage
- Technology as the Lever of Economic Riches by Joel Mokyr