Abstract:

The essence of science is to identify an important problem, come up with alternative reasonable hypotheses, then use experiments to identify the most cost-effective solutions. Engineers are “natural scientists.” Other than young children, I am hard pressed to think of other groups of people who are natural scientists. Why do young children act as scientists? Because they have to in order to survive. Why do engineers act as scientists? Because it is their role. When something is broken, the problem is easy to spot, and the engineer must up with possible hypotheses, then do experiments to test them.  More important, engineers should also be skeptics who believe that anything can be improved. I provide examples from my research on the barriers that those who use scientific methods face. “Are there any cases where U. S. government regulations have improved the general welfare?” and “Is dangerous manmade warming likely?”

Bio: 

Professor Armstrong received his PhD in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1968. He also has an MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, and BS and BA degrees in Industrial Engineering and Applied Science from Lehigh University. He has been the recipient of numerous awards from 1989 until today including being named one of the “25 Most Famous College Professors Teaching Today” in 2010.

Location: The Cynwyd Club, 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004  Map   Directions

Reservation: Use this page to register online to attend the event, or e-mail CCNReservations@aol.com or call the CCN phone number at (877) 326-2959 and leave a message. Fee, including food and beverages (wine, beer & sodas), is $30 by reservation/cancellation deadline: Saturday, April 8th.