The role of the professional: an engineer's perspective

Abstract

The growth of the professions is traced from their origins in the growth of scientific knowledge, stemming from the Renaissance. The first professional institution was that of civil engineering, and other professionals have learned from the success of the engineers' methods. This success is based on scientific knowledge and analytical techniques. It is argued that the knowledge and techniques of the engineer produce original art and design, and that there should be more sharing of methods between the professions—and with clients—in order to produce objects of better value to more people.