Abstract :
The utilitarian relationship between mathematics and engineering is explored. The difficulties of mathematical model-building are discussed, and mathematical models are compared with physical models and analogues. The role of the computer (both analogue and digital) is examined. It is suggested that the usual utilitarian view of mathematics, as a tool for use by the engineer, is dangerously misleading, because it can distort the teaching of the subject to engineering students. It is shown that those aspects of mathematics (its tendency to abstraction, generalization and unification) which make the subject difficult to study are in fact of great practical importance to the engineer, particularly in connection with the creative processes of design. Mathematics, as a system of logical thought, has a greater affinity with engineering than is commonly admitted. As a vehicle of education it offers much as part of a preparation for a career in engineering.
