From: rizzo@cbnewsf.cb.att.com (anthony.r.rizzo)
Newsgroups: sci.engr
Subject: Re: Can engineering be automated?
Date: 29 Jul 92 12:56:52 GMT
Organization: AT&T

In article <19570003@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM> myers@hpfcso.FC.HP.COM (Bob Myers) writes:
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>> |>                                               Tony Rizzo
>> 
>> "Not no. Yes."
>>
>>  (source of above quote uknown.)
>> 
>
>Not yes. No.
>
>Now, is anyone sufficiently tired of stating two of the possible answers to
>this question so as to give REASONS for their answers?
>
>My personal feeling is that while the calculations that many people consider
>to be "engineering" can be (and have been!) automated, the creativity and
>innovation end of the game - which is where the REAL engineering is, IMHO - 
>can never be.  At least, not at present; you come up with a truly sentient
>and creative computer, and we'll talk further.
>
>
>Bob Myers            | "There is a law of inertia.  And I have found that of
>myers@fc.hp.com      |  all the inert substances, the most inert is the       
>                     |  human brain."         - Edward Teller                 


My sentiments exactly!  Calculations can be automated.  The representation
of geometry can be automated.  The generation of parts lists can be automated.
Information can be cataloged.  And algorithms can be programmed.
But these tasks, by themselves, are not engineering.  
The engineering takes place when the calculations are automated, not after.
The engineering takes place when the parts-list software is created, not after.
The engineering takes place when the information is first obtained, not
		when it is cataloged.
The engineering takes place when the algorithms are invented, not after
		they're programmed.
The engineering is in knowing which of the automated calculations
		are appropriate.
The engineering is in knowing what part of the geometry is sufficient
		to perform the automated calculations.
The engineering is in modifying the already programmed algorithm or
		in using it in a new and creative way to solve a NEW problem.
The engineering takes place every time we use a calculator instead of a cray,
		because the calculator is sufficient.
The engineering takes place every time we use a cray instead of a calculator,
		because the solution REQUIRES a cray.
The engineering takes place every time we look at computer-generated
		numbers and INTERPRET them as either a solution or as garbage.

There you have my reasons for saying "NO!"  I'm sure that there are many
who don't agree.  To them I say this.  May your family fly in a plane
that was designed by competent engineers and not by technicians with
automated tools.

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