Comparing Approaches to the Philosophy of Engineering: Including the Linguistic Philosophical Approach

Abstract

This chapter compares six different possible approaches to the philosophy of engineering. One of these, somewhat less well developed than others, is the linguistic approach to the philosophy of engineering. The possibility of a linguistic philosophy of engineering is considered in some detail in order to advance a case for this approach. The conclusion, however, argues for a pluralistic pursuit of the philosophy of engineering, although one that includes linguistic philosophy.

What follows is philosophically incomplete. One feature of this incompleteness is that the coauthors do not fully agree about what should be included – or even what is included. This chapter is thus a provisional presentation of what has emerged from an extended discussion that often has the character of a disagreement. In addition, the chapter is methodologically naive, accepting as given certain meta-philosophical distinctions that are in fact controversial – and failing to include all that might be considered. In the current context of the relative underdevelopment of the philosophy of engineering we nevertheless hope that our effort may encourage others to consider a greater range of possibilities than might initially be imagined. To anticipate our conclusion, we want to argue for the pursuit of pluralism in the philosophy of engineering – as a way to transform engineering itself. The goal is not just to understand engineering but to change it. But in order to advance such a thesis it will be necessary to indicate more about the kind of pluralism we have in mind.