Re-orientation in Systems Thinking?—Some remarks on the methodological and ideological traits of technological reproduction [l

Abstract

Abstract In the past, a positivistic orientation has dominated as much in technical as in scientific problem-solving. This kind of positivistic hegemony has been manifested both methodologically and ideologically and ontologically. Systems thinking in technological reproduction has followed and supported this utilitarian economic ideology. Nevertheless, many social and ethical problems of technological development imply that the ontological basis of this traditional paradigm is inadequate. Hence, re-orientation of the paradigm is required where the scope of systems thinking is enlarged. However, in spite of many attempts to integrate non-technical studies into engineering education, little has yet been achieved. The positivistic engagement is an important restriction of the whole system of knowledge but there are also social mechanisms causing structural inertia. In this article based on the Finnish experience, the political and professional interest defence of engineers is presented as an example of such mechanisms. In Finland the pressure to increase the non-technical elements in engineering curricula has come mainly from authorities, but a reform of the basic examinations in the universities in the 1970s and a secondary school reform in the 1980s have changed only slightly the contents of engineering education.