The Double‐Edged Sword of Technological Advancement

The paper discusses the evolution of advanced technology, from before the Industrial Revolution to today, with particular reference to the computer revolution, responsibility, economic development, technological achievement, international competitiveness, and the global importance of advanced technology. When a developed country is compared with a lesser‐developed country, the paramount reason for the advancement and relative advantage of the developed country is its technological capabilities. Technological failures (e.g., Chernobyl), are also discussed, in general, with the intent of saying that advanced technology, per se, was not the cause. It must be understood that advanced technology only provides tools—ignorant tools. How we, as engineers, use these tools is our responsibility, for better or worse. Also discussed are the public services benefits attributable to advanced technology, vis‐à‐vis services provided by the legal, medical, and other professions. In conclusion, confidence and encouragement is expressed for the engineerirng profession, which seems not to laud itself. Simply put, engineers aim to serve the public with the utmost integrity.