Beyond an Applied Natural Science: Leveraging Social Science and Design Science to Improve Engineering for Humanity

Abstract

As our world experiences increasingly complex sustainability challenges, it is clear that the next generation will inherit even greater amplified issues. To effectively address these challenges, it is imperative that engineering undergo cultural shifts and integrate a broader range of scientific disciplines into its practice. Traditionally, engineering has relied predominantly on advancements from the natural sciences, such as mathematics and physics. However, there is an urgent need to incorporate insights from additional sciences to better address the problems engineers are tasked with solving. In this paper, I specifically argue that integrating social science and design science into engineering practice will significantly enhance our ability to tackle complex problems and create more equitable and socially beneficial outcomes. Embracing epistemologies from these fields and improving engineering methodologies to integrate advancements from all scientific disciplines will foster more holistic and sustainable approaches, equipping the next generation of engineers to tackle the formidable challenges ahead with greater efficacy and insight.

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