Difference between Applied Science and Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the distinctions between applied science and engineering, exploring the nuances of their definitions and relationships. Participants consider the roles of research, application, and the nature of each field within the broader context of science.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that engineering is applied science, while another argues that engineering is a part of applied science, which seeks to apply pure science.
  • Some participants propose that applied science involves research with a practical application, whereas 'regular' science focuses on discovery without immediate application.
  • There is a viewpoint that engineering is primarily about utilizing existing ideas and models to create new constructs, rather than conducting research.
  • One participant expresses difficulty in differentiating between applied science and engineering in practice, indicating a potential overlap between the fields.
  • A later reply emphasizes that applied science represents a specific type of research that is oriented towards application, while acknowledging the complexities involved in defining these fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions and relationships between applied science and engineering, with multiple competing views remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of terms like "applied science" and "engineering," as well as the subjective nature of participants' experiences and backgrounds influencing their perspectives.

Shackleford
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I always thought engineering is applied science, but a guy at work says no - engineering is a part of applied science. Applied science seeks to apply pure science or discover where it can be applied. So, I'm just wondering what all the nuances are. He said I seem like an Applied Science guy.
 
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Maybe this was a stupid question. lol.
 
Maybe a difference could be that applied science does research, but research with an application (engineering, medicine, etc). 'Regular' science does research with no application in mind, its just to discover phenomenon and model observations. Engineering is not about research, its about using ideas and models that are already known to construct something.

In practice, it can be pretty hard to differentiate between those fields.
 
Academic said:
Maybe a difference could be that applied science does research, but research with an application (engineering, medicine, etc). 'Regular' science does research with no application in mind, its just to discover phenomenon and model observations. Engineering is not about research, its about using ideas and models that are already known to construct something.

In practice, it can be pretty hard to differentiate between those fields.

Yeah. Okay. Applied science is a different flavor of research - application-oriented research. I certainly understand what engineering is. You create something specific that has never been made before. I think the guy at work is right. His background is physics, ret. Lt. Col. USMC, NASA, etc. I always enjoy talking with him about a number of topics (science, politics, history, etc.) since our interests are similar. After I finish my Physics BS in a couple of years, I'll hopefully start graduate school and a career in something that has yet to be determined.
 

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