As the reader well knows, the solution to any engineering problem begins with its
clear definition. Accordingly, let us define, in the broadest terms, the problem to
be addressed when undertaking mechanical engineering design. The opening sentence
in this chapter suggests a definition: The basic objective of any engineering
design is to provide a machine or device that will benefit humanity. In order to
apply this definition, it is necessary to think in more specific terms. Just how does
an individual benefit humanity? What “yardstick” (meterstick?) can be used to
1.4 ■ Societal Considerations 11
measure such benefits? The formulation of precise definitions of problem objectives,
and the devising of means for measuring results, fall within the special
province of the engineer.
The writer has suggested [2] that the basic objective of engineering design as
well as other human pursuits is to improve the quality of life within our society, and
that this might be measured in terms of a life quality index (LQI). This index is in
some ways similar to the familiar “gross national product,” but very much broader.
Judgments about the proper composition of the LQI would, of course, vary somewhat
in the many segments of society and also with time.
To illustrate the LQI concept, Table 1.1 lists some of the important factors most
people would agree should be included. Perhaps we might arbitrarily assign a value
of 100 to the factor deemed most important, with other factors being weighed
accordingly. Each factor might then be multiplied by the same fraction so that the
total would add up to 100.
The list in the table is admittedly a very rough and oversimplified indication
of the direction of thought that would be involved in arriving at an LQI for a given
segment of society at a given time. But this kind of thinking must be done in order
to provide a sound basis for judgment with respect to the fulfillment of the engineering
mission of service to humanity.