Spectral lines: In praise of objectivity

More and more frequently, the profession of engineering is finding itself called upon to address issues that are value-laden instead of factual. One supposes that all callings are subject to this demand to a greater or lesser extent. Yet it is disconcerting to observe the inability of the profession, in some cases, to deal with these new issues with equanimity and finesse. Of course, the very fact that these issues are value-laden suggests that subjectivity, not objectivity, will predominate.