The engineer as judge: engineering analysis and political economy in eighteenth century France

Item

Title
The engineer as judge: engineering analysis and political economy in eighteenth century France
Description
The eighteenth century represents a major turning point in French engineers' conception and practice of calculation. This turning point can be described as a transition between the traditional use of arithmetical and geometric tools and the introduction of a new set of mathematical instruments based on calculus. This transition takes place within the epistemological frame provided by the Enlightenment analytical approach to science and technology. It is above all inseparable from a shift in the conception of technological efficiency that presents a strong connection to emerging political and economical values. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, engineering and political economy connect. This connection enables French engineers to present themselves as impartial judges of public interest.
Accepted Manuscript
Creator
Picon, Antoine
Subject
engineering history
engineering science
calculation
efficiency
political economy
Publisher
Date
2018-06-08T18:41:28Z
2009
2017-03-02T18:05:14Z
2009
2018-06-08T18:41:28Z
Type
Journal Article
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
Quick submit: 2017-03-02T13:05:21-0500
Picon, Antoine. 2009. “The Engineer as Judge: Engineering Analysis and Political Economy in Eighteenth Century France.” Engineering Studies 1 (1) (March): 19–34. doi:10.1080/19378620902725174.
1937-8629
http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37093466
10.1080/19378620902725174
Language
en_US
Relation
10.1080/19378620902725174
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19378620902725174
Engineering Studies