Technology and engineering design: shaping a better future or repeating the mistakes of the past?

The paper is concerned with the deterioration in the quality of working life which has accompanied developments in technology. The position adopted is that society cannot afford, and should not tolerate, technology which results in impoverished and dehumanised work for human beings. This does not, however, imply a rejection of any further developments in technology or a return to a less technological form of existence. The author proposes that a better way forward needs to be found, in which technology is developed so as to result in a higher quality of working life. The engineer´s responsibility to society with respect to this challenging task is emphasised, and the difficulties which need to be overcome are discussed. A brief account is also given describing technical developments carried on within the philosophical framework proposed.