A knowledge basis for engineering design

This paper presents the application of knowledge-based epistemology of engineering to the understandings of the engineering design process. This work aims to extend discussion on Philosophy of Engineering into its impact on our understanding of engineering design. The question this paper aims to address is how a knowledge-based philosophy of engineering supports the distinctive challenges in distinguishing engineering design from scientific exploration and artistic design. Centrally, this paper argues for the centrality of argument, at the center of engineering design. The paper then aims at discussing implications that such an understanding of design would have on the learning of engineering design.