iFoundry co-director David E. Goldberg’s ASCE Philosophy and Civil Engineering presentation is available below in the viewer

or at www.slideshare.net/deg511.  More information about philosophy & engineering is available at philengtech.org or @philengtech twitter.

iFoundry co-director, David E. Goldberg, is attending the American Society for Civil Engineering (ASCE) National Convention in Kansas City today to participate on a panel on Philosophy & Civil Engineering.

If civil engineers are to become “the master integrators of the future,” some self-reflection is in order to investigate the intellectual foundations on which the profession is built. Besides helping engineers to do their jobs better, such an exercise may lead to the discovery that engineers have more to contribute to society than previously realized. This session will explore the idea that civil engineering is more of an art than a science by suggesting how the various branches of philosophy-metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics, and aesthetics-apply to it, and highlighting how philosophical considerations are relevant to current issues in the profession.

Each panelist will give a brief presentation to introduce the subject matter. Jon Schmidt will provide a general overview, including definitions of philosophy and engineering and suggestions for how the two fields are, and should be, related to each other. Erik Nelson will address the nature of engineering knowledge, including the distinction that is commonly made between theory and practice, and some implications for education. David Goldberg will contrast today’s typical engineering curriculum with the largely qualitative skills that separate great engineers from the merely technically competent, and note how philosophy can help restore needed balance. A question-and-answer format will follow, including ample time for audience members to participate.

MODERATOR: Jon A. Schmidt, P.E., SECB, M.ASCE, Associate Structural Engineer, Burns & McDonnell

PRESENTERS: David E. Goldberg, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Jerry S. Dobrovolny Distinguished Professor, University of Illinois; Erik A. Nelson, P.E., M.ASCE, Partner, Structures Workshop

Professor Goldberg’s opening remarks The Missing Basics: Philosophical Reflections on a Complete Engineering Education picks up on a theme that has graced these pages more than once (here, for example).  More information on the ASCE convention program is available here.  More information is available on philosophy and engineering at www.philengtech.org.

iFoundry co-director, Dave Goldberg, explores engineering as a liberal education in the 21st century, the role of emotion and passion in being a great engineer. He also discloses a personal secret to lifelong learning as an important aside in the middle of the presentation.  See the presentation here or in the viewer below:

Related presentations are available on the iFoundry slideshare page (here) or in Professor Goldberg’s page (here).

iFoundry students, and grassroots volunteers are invited to help shape our message to prospective students and families for 2010.  Students can assist with outreach activities in their home high schools, on UIUC campus visit days, and in crafting the communications to high school students around the country and world that will help build and sustain this transformative initiative.  Please contact Karen Hyman, Associate Director, iFoundry, kkhyman@illinois.edu if you are interested in joining this team.

On March 1, 2010, Dr. Muhummus Yunus, 2006 Nobel Laureate honored for his work in microfinancing will visit campus for a series of engagements and presentations.  iFoundry has been asked to recommend top students who will be part of direct presentations and poster sessions with Dr. Yunus on global health related projects.  iFoundry students, freshmen through graduate level, who have done significant work on a global health project and would be interested in this opportunity, should contact Karen Hyman, Associate Director, iFoundry, kkhyman@illinois.edu as soon as possible.

iFoundry’s midterm checkpoint (iCheckpoint) was held 14 October 2009. iTeams shared their ideas and progress to an audience of students, faculty and staff as they presented their group projects for the first time. To watch video of the ESS (Engineering in Service to Society) iTeam presentation on the world of work and service, go here.

To watch more presentations from iCheckpoint, visit here.

iFoundry’s midterm checkpoint (iCheckpoint) was held 14 October 2009. iTeams shared their ideas and progress to an audience of students, faculty and staff as they presented their group projects for the first time. To watch video of the ESS (Engineering in Service to Society) iTeam presentation on Identity and Academics, go here or in the viewer below:

To view other presentations from iCheckpoint visit the iFoundry Vimeo page here.

iFoundry’s midterm checkpoint (iCheckpoint) was held 14 October 2009. iTeams shared their ideas and progress to an audience of students, faculty and staff as they presented their group projects for the first time. To watch video of the TIPS (Technical Innovative Planning Services) iTeam presentation on Identity and Academics, go here.

To see more presentations from iCheckpoint, visit here.

iFoundry’s midterm checkpoint (iCheckpoint) was held 14 October 2009. iTeams shared their ideas and progress to an audience of students, faculty and staff as they presented their group projects for the first time. To watch video of the TIPS (Technical Innovative Planning Services) iTeam presentation on the World of Work and Service, go to the viewer here.

Or watch other presentations from iCheckpoint here.

iFoundry’s midterm checkpoint (iCheckpoint) was held 14 October 2009. iTeams shared their ideas and progress to an audience of students, faculty and staff as they presented their group projects for the first time. To watch video of the EI (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) iTeam presentation on Identity and Academics go here.

To see other presentations from the iFoundry midterm checkpoint go here.