Engineering
Technoscience is a redirect to this article. See also Technoscience.
Engineering sciences (also engineering, technical sciences or technical sciences) are those sciences that deal with technology. Central issues concern research and development, construction, production and testing. Thus, they do not deal with all aspects of technology, but with the technology that already exists as well as with the future technology that is considered feasible. Past technology, on the other hand, is the subject of the history of technology, while philosophical and sociological aspects are considered by the philosophy of technology and the sociology of technology. Technology that is not feasible according to the respective state of knowledge is not studied in the engineering sciences.
To distinguish them from general technology, which deals with the general principles of engineering, the individual engineering disciplines are sometimes called special technologies. Most engineering disciplines became independent sciences in the course of the industrial revolution. The three classical disciplines are mechanical engineering, civil engineering and electrical engineering. In addition, there are a large number of smaller engineering disciplines that are interrelated in many ways.
For a long time, engineering was considered an applied science, especially an applied natural science. However, the division into applied and basic sciences has been abandoned. Engineering sciences are considered to be strongly interdisciplinary and integrate findings from the natural sciences as well as economic, humanities and social sciences. The latter relate, for example, to the management of construction sites or the economic production of series parts. In addition, the economic and social framework conditions determine to a greater extent the research work of the engineering sciences. As environmental protection became increasingly important to society in the second half of the 20th century, engineers began to research how technology could be made more resource-efficient. Engineering sciences are particularly concerned with knowledge that is suitable for guiding actions, such as those of engineers. They are therefore also classified as action sciences, together with medicine, economics and the social sciences.
The steam engine, an important driving force behind the Industrial Revolution, highlights the importance of technology in history. This model is located in the main building of the ETSII of the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
Definition
The German Academy of Science and Engineering (Acatech) gives the following definition:
Technical sciences create cognitive prerequisites for innovation in technology and the application of technical knowledge and lay the foundations for reflection on their implications and consequences.
Whereby technology is defined as artificial, purposeful objects and processes possessing material as well as immaterial elements.
Disciplines
See also: List of engineering disciplines and Category:Engineering science
The engineering sciences form a group of numerous individual sciences. As with other scientific groups, there are many cross-references to other sciences. This concerns the numerous connections within the engineering sciences as well as transitions to other scientific groups.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is engineering?
A: Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to design or make things.
Q: Who are engineers?
A: Engineers are people who apply their skills and knowledge to design or build things, or to solve technical problems.
Q: Where do engineers learn engineering?
A: Engineers learn engineering at a college or university.
Q: What do engineers usually design or build?
A: Engineers usually design or build things, ranging from computers and buildings to watches and websites.
Q: Are there different types of engineers?
A: Yes, there are different types of engineers that specialize in designing a variety of products and solutions.
Q: How long have people been creating engineering things?
A: People have been creating engineering things for thousands of years.
Q: Can engineers also use their skills to solve technical problems?
A: Yes, some engineers also use their skills to solve technical problems.
