"It´s time for a new type of engineer," says professor Haakon With Andersen

By Anne Berit Bjørken

"We need a new type of engineer; an engineer who assumes responsibility for the technology he or she creates, and for the environmental and societal consequences that ensue. The time of the "happy warrior" has passed," says Haakon With Andersen, professor of history at the University of Trondheim.

Together with research director Knut Sørensen at the Center for Technology and Society, he has written the book Frankenstein´s dilemma. The book focuses on technology, environment and values, and uses the famous novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelly (1818) as a basis for its metaphorical rendition:

"It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally at the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull, yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, a convulsive motion agitated its limbs."

Such is the way the fictitious character Victor Frankenstein describes the conclusion of his prolonged struggle to create human life. His attempt to create life has dramatic consequences. Both Frankenstein and his fiance are killed by the monster before it takes its own life.

"What is interesting and significant about "Frankenstein" is that the catastrophe is not a requisite result. "The monster" suggests that the course of the story could have been entirely different if Frankenstein had been more caring and loving towards his creation, instead of rejecting and mistreating him," Andersen tells. He believes that the novel can be interpreted as an appeal to scientists to show more solicitude towards what they create.

The relationship between technology, natural science, society and nature is a familiar theme. Nevertheless, the problems once again gradually ensue as environmental problems mount up. Frankenstein´s dilemma is about understanding and responsibility in the engineering profession and in the development, management and use of technology.

"The idea behind the book was to generate another perception of technology besides the traditional one, which only sees technology as applied natural science. Technology isn´t only about changing nature, it´s about the interaction between nature and civilization. Engineers can no longer only transform nature. They must also understand that technology is first and foremost a product of civilization, and view technology as a vehicle for conveying values and attitudes, towards both the society and the environment," Andersen says.

"Some technologists are dubious about the need to discuss values and ethics in connection with the engineering disciplines. However, engineers must realize that they are the builders of society and nature´s revolutionaries. The responsibility comes accordingly. It is an enormous obligation," says Andersen.

The proliferation of environmental hazards shows that technology has its limitations. Andersen believes that the time has come for a new type of engineer. Until now, engineers have learned the laws of nature. Today, they must also learn to deal with society and civilization in a different way. Technology is a means of negotiating between nature and civilization.

"In this regard engineers are in a unique position. They are the only occupational group that can "commute" between the two spheres. The engineers´ role is exceptionally vital for the future. In addition to being able to manipulate nature in the illustrious manner to which they have always ascribed, engineers will be called upon to assume responsibility for their product, for their offspring, for their creation."

Andersen believes that the role of the engineer has changed since the 1800´s. At that time an engineer was a valuable member of society; A creator that stood within the core of the industrial revolution.

A transformation began in the 1890s. It was the beginning of a violent period of change when engineers turned to science and discovered the most incredible things without considering the consequences. When the Norwegian EngineersΔ Union was established, the purpose was for engineers to achieve a position of authority, gentility and trust in society. The strategy was based on using legitimacy and standing of natural science.

At that time, the engineer could be compared to a "happy warrior". He hopped around and invented a slew of things without thinking of the consequences. The warrior bears small children, but when that is done he continues on to create new children. The period of the happy warriors climaxed in the 1950-60´s.

Gradually the back side of the hero´s medal can be seen in the light. The environmental threat and uneasiness surrounding atomic rearmament escalates. In 1962, the book "The Silent Spring" was published. The time up until 1980-90´s portends the upcoming change: Technology has its limitations, and it must be controlled. It both provides solutions and creates problems.

"I believe that the engineering profession has no choice. If the engineers do not manage to see that they have a responsibility for technology´s effect on the environment and society, then they are in danger of losing the position of authority, gentility and trust in society that they have established over the last hundred years," says Håkon With Andersen.