Passionate problem solvers: An archaeology of Engineers Without Borders at the intersection of engineering and development.

摘要

This thesis resides at the intersection of the discourses of engineering and development. Inspired by Foucault's archaeological approach to history, this thesis elaborates the relationship between these discourses, and explores this relationship within the context of the Canadian NGO Engineers Without Borders (EWB). This thesis argues, first, that the interaction of the discourses of engineering and development gives rise to a particular role for engineers in development, one based primarily on the identity of engineers as problem solvers. Second, it argues that despite its innovations, EWB largely remains embedded within mainstream conceptions of development and engineering, and that it may be unintentionally reinforcing various aspects of these discourses, even as it tries to challenge them. Finally, it argues that within engineering education, EWB represents a powerful alternative identity to the mainstream culture of engineering, an identity which transcends the traditional limits of what it means to be an engineer. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that although EWB may be having an impact upon the borders which define what an engineer can be and do, finding a role for engineers in development that engages with, yet break away from these discourses remains an enormous, unresolved challenge.