TPE-17AUGUST 2020 "Physics, Math and Philosophy"
TPE-17 2020 "Physics, Math and Philosophy"
THE PHILOSOPHER ENGINEER
Technical and Tactical - TAT
"What does it take to be a great engineer?"
I recently had a conversation with my kids about engineering and product development. The question came up about what it takes to be a good engineer.
I thought about it and summed it up by explaining that it is fundamentally about physics, math and philosophy.
Engineering requires an understanding of physics and the ability to use math to design and build things.
What I love about engineering is that it is about action. We "apply" our knowledge to create things.
However, having these areas of scientific knowledge doesn't directly help us to know how to "solve" problems.
It is Philosophy that provides us with the tools about "How to Think"!
Effective problem solving and innovation takes a certain kind of discipline that is not captured within one of the science or technical areas of study.
Some describe this as a "well rounded" education or Liberal Arts. I think this is generally correct, or it could be described as a "Classical Education".
I think our educational system has lost some of this broader knowledge in favor of specialization and "vocational" preparation.
The Philosopher Engineer