Civil Engineers and the Universe of Desire

Abstract

It is sometimes useful to look at ourselves from the point of view of a completely different discipline. In particular, philosophy and sociology have a great deal to offer. In the present paper the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre is used to define the place of engineers in the world and their relationship to basic human desires and needs. Sartre sees the relationship of human beings to the physical world as having two extreme aspects. One corresponds to the instrumental action of the engineer and the other to the passive desire that motivates much of engineering production. It is concluded that engineers have too readily accepted a role in the service of the universal desire for possessions. What is now required is a redefinition of purpose in order to strive toward the satisfaction of