One of the Greatest Things to Ever Exist

         If you look around wherever you are right now, you’re probably going to see an object or some objects, whether it be a computer, books, a desk, a building, planes, that annoying fountain next to Palmer Hall that always leaks everywhere. Each of these objects were built to fulfill a purpose or solve a problem, and each of them were engineered. This field of science has given us basically every man-made thing ever to exist. And don’t tell me that engineering isn’t a field of science.

There is more to science than just studying the natural world and stating certain theories. It also involves experimentation, applying previous knowledge, and considering real-world applications of various theories. I agree with Dean Kenneth R. Lutchen from Boston University on the fact that engineering itself is not interchangeable with science, because engineering is a form of applied science, not pure science. He further separates the meaning of science and engineering by making this statement: “We hear a lot about American students falling behind in math and science, but we rarely hear that we are lagging in engineering and in creating the innovative spirit.” However I think this argument is rather poor  because it is also possible for a student to struggle in anatomy but excel in biology, each can be classified as a science but they may produce different outcomes among children. Therefore, I believe that engineering can be classified as a form of applied science. Applied science, meaning the application of scientific knowledge and theory that are used to solve real world problems. Engineering applies previous scientific knowledge and theory in order to solve various problems we see today.

The fact that we can build things that allow breakthrough and progress to be achieved in any industry is an extremely fascinating and exciting prospect for me to think about. Engineering makes me excited about the future of the world as a whole, not just industry. The more people think up solutions to problems, the more creative and open-minded we will become with each other as well. The possibilities are endless really. Flying cars, underwater cities, space travel (by light years), dream recorders, etc.

 I’m a mechanical engineering major, so I may be biased a little bit, but it is really the greatest thing to ever exist. It’s like a superpower that utilizes the most natural, historical, and literal aspects of the world. For example, cars. Well, maybe I should be a little more original. Can you tell I’m a Mech-E? Lol! For example, planes. There was a time when getting hundreds of tons of metal into the air, let alone yourself, was unthinkable. And now tens of thousands of commercial airplanes land and take off each day without a second thought. And it could only take place when scientific principles like the fundamental aerodynamic forces combine with the technical skills, innovation, and problem-solving ability needed for engineering. 

Overall, I think engineering can be considered a field of science, not a pure science, but an applied science. It excites me because it has a lot of potential to do good and solve the problems present in our world today. No other field of science (applied or pure science) has the capability to provide the benefits that engineering does. It truly is one of the greatest things to ever exist.

 

Citation: 

Lutchen, Kenneth R. “Engineering Is Not Science.” Engineering Is Not Science | College of Engineering, www.bu.edu/eng/about-eng/meet-the-dean/engineering-is-not-science/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026. 

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