The Intersection of Engineering, Society, History and Ethics (feat. Prof. Bruce Kloot)

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Bruce Kloot about the complex relationships between engineering, society, history, and ethics. Drawing on his background in engineering, anthropology, and critical sociology, Bruce explores how power, identity, and historical context shape both engineers and the worlds they create. From extended degree programmes to engineers’ roles under apartheid, this conversation reveals why engineering is never purely technical — it is always social, and often deeply political.Links:Engineering under oppressive regimes... (C. B. Shaw & B. Kloot): https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2419399A critical review of the educational philosophies underpinning Science and Engineering foundation programmes: https://iecurricula.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kloot-Case-Marshall_2007.pdfA historical analysis of academic development using the theoretical lens of Pierre Bourdieu: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2013.868785The Relationship Between Engineers and Society: is it currently fulfilling its potential?: https://iecurricula.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Aslaksen_2015.pdfReconstructing engineering from practice: https://doi.org/10.1080/19378629.2010.520135