Discussion of the Method
Conducting the Engineer's Approach to Problem Solving
ISBN13: 9780195155990ISBN10: 0195155998
Paperback, 276 pages
Mar 2003,
In Stock
Retail Price to Students:
$59.95 (04)
276 pages;
51 illus.;
6-1/8 x 9-1/4;
ISBN13: 978-0-19-515599-0ISBN10: 0-19-515599-8
Discussion of the Method outlines the heuristic-based reasoning used by engineers and generalizes it to a universal method for problem-solving. Delving into the connection between engineering and philosophy, this ground-breaking text illustrates how the theoretical and the practical can merge to form real-world solutions. Furthermore, the methodology covered in this innovative book is extremely user-friendly, and easily synthesized with individual approaches to problem-solving.
Table of Contents
Figures and Tables
Preface
Introduction
1. Some Thoughts on Engineering
1.1.
The Engineer
1.2.
Characteristics of an Engineering Problem
1.2.1.
Change
1.2.2.
Resources
1.2.3.
Best
1.2.4.
Uncertainty
1.3.
Example Engineering Problems
2. The Principal Rule of the Engineering Method
2.1.
Definition of Engineering Design
2.2.
The Heuristic
2.2.1.
Definition
2.2.2.
Signatures of the Heuristic
2.2.3.
Synonyms of the Heuristic
2.2.4.
Examples of Engineering Heuristics
2.3.
State of the Art
2.3.1.
Definition
2.3.2.
Evolution
2.3.3.
Transmission
2.3.4.
An Acronym for State of the Art
2.3.5.
Example Uses of the SOTA
2.3.6.1.
Comparison of Engineers
2.3.6.2.
Rule of Judgement
2.3.6.3.
Engineer and Society
2.4.
Principal Rule of the Engineering Method
3. Some Heuristics Used by the Engineering Method
3.1.
Definition of Engineering Design
3.2.
The Heuristic Method
3.3.
Nature of Our Argument
3.3.1.
Induction as a Heuristic
3.4.
Representative Engineering Heuristics
3.4.1.
Rules of Thumb and Orders of Magnitude
3.4.2.
Factors of Safety
3.4.3.
Attitude Determining Heuristics
3.4.3.
Risk-Controlling Heuristics
3.4.4.
Miscellaneous Heuristics
3.5.
Alternate Definitions of Engineering
3.5.1.
Engineering and Morphology
3.5.2.
Engineering and Applied Science
3.5.3.
Engineering and Trial and Error
3.5.4.
Engineering and Problem Solution
3.6.
Nature as a Designer
3.7.
Preferred Definition of the Engineering Method
3.7.1.
Time as a Heuristic
3.7.2.
Derivation to a Curve
3.7.3.
Reduction to a Preferred Form
3.7.4.
Justification of the Heuristic Definition of the Engineering Method
3.8.
Engineering Worldview
3.8.1.
Coordinate Systems
3.8.2.
Turtle Graphics
3.8.3.
Consistent Engineering Worldview
4. The Universale Organum
4.1.
Difficulties in Explaining the Koan
4.1.1.
General Difficulties
4.1.2.
Language as a Heuristic
4.2.
Compelling Belief in KOAN
4.2.1.
Basic Approach to Compel Belief
4.2.2.
My Program
4.2.3.
Weaving a Tapestry
4.2.3.1.
Arithmetic as Arithmetic
4.2.3.2.
Mathematics as Mathematics
4.2.3.3.
Deduction as Deduction
4.2.3.4.
Certain as Certain
4.2.3.5.
Position as Position
4.2.3.6.
Logic as Logic
4.2.3.7.
Truth as Truth
4.2.3.8.
Progress as Progress
4.2.3.9.
Causality as Causality
4.2.3.10.
Consciousness as Consciousness
4.2.3.11.
Physical Reality as Physical Reality
4.2.3.12.
Science as Science
4.2.3.13.
Perception as Perception
4.2.4.
Experto Credite
4.2.4.1.
Argument as Argument
4.2.5.
All Is Heuristic
4.2.6.
Reduction of Koan to a Preferred Form
4.2.6.1.
All
4.2.6.2.
Is
4.2.6.3.
Heuristic
4.3.
Comparison of Heuristic and Skeptical Positions
4.3.1.
History of Skepticism
4.3.2.
Differences between Skeptic and Engineer
4.3.2.1.
Génie Malin
4.3.2.2.
Coherence
4.3.2.3.
Home Field Advantage
4.3.2.4.
Skeptic's Pride
4.3.2.5.
Reification of Doubt
4.3.3.
An Impregnable Defense
4.4.
Overall SOTA
4.4.1.
Synonyms
4.4.2.
Partitioning Overall SOTA
4.4.2.1.
Concepts as Subsets
4.4.2.2.
Fuzzy Subsets
4.4.3.
Personal SOTAs
4.4.3.1.
Compelling Nature of Personal SOTA
4.4.3.2.
Incoherence of Personal Sota
4.4.3.3.
Rules of Judgement and Implementation
4.4.3.4.
Engineer's Ataraxia
4.5.
A Discourse on Method
4.5.1.
Method of Descartes
4.5.2.
Problems with Descartes' Method
4.5.2.1.
Universal
4.5.2.2.
Comprehensive
4.5.2.3.
Prior Philosophical Commitment
4.5.2.4.
Self Sufficient
4.5.3.
Universal Organum
4.6.
Engineering, Philosophy, and the Universal Method
5. Summary of the Method
6. Application of the Method
6.1.
Traditional Utopia
6.2.
Utopia as a Program for Change
6.3.
Eutopia
6.4.
Mundus Institute of Technology
6.4.1.
Origins
6.4.2.
Architecture
6.4.3.
Personnel
6.4.3.1.
Abstractors
6.4.3.2.
Professors
6.4.3.3.
Students
6.4.4.
Research in Progress
6.4.4.1.
Research in the Vestibule
6.4.4.2.
Research in the Corridors
An Anachronistic Preface
Heuristics
Index
