Engineers find and solve problems that can be addressed by technology. Sometimes those problems are caused by society – so checking how technology is working in society is also an engineer’s responsibility. Societal problems are never engineering problems. They’re just problems and opportunities for better quality of life, for a fuller development of each individual, of humanity. So engineers need to be apt at (1) defining engineering problems out of problems that aren’t very engineering, and (2) at working with non-engineering professionals (anthropologists, medical scientists, economists, artists, business consultants etc) at to make sure that the definition of the engineering problem is well aligned with the societal need.
It’s very important that you evaluate readings with a willingness to change your point of view. The articles and the nuclear engineering gaps that everyone has identified are very interesting. Now you need to make sure that the two are connected. Does the reading you selected really support the need that you identified?
A good point is made that it is the responsibility of engineers to be knowledgeable about technology such that they can ensure safety of those who are not equally knowledgeable. I would further add that in addition to ensuring safety, providing transparency in the risks to which technology users/society is being exposed is also an important responsibility of engineers.
