"Throughout history, a full scientific understanding has been neither necessary nor sufficient for great technological advances"
Although this is true, it is also true that a full understanding(garnered through science) is necessary to fully grasp all of the implications of a new technology.
I cite for example the internal combustion engine. I suspect that although it was known gasoline powered engines produced harmful exhaust fumes, it was never fully understood at the time what effect those fumes would have on the atmosphere & environment when the number of automobiles began to go up in orders of magnitude(until there was a significant enough number of them to produce a measurable effect, which no doubt a scientist found).
With that said, both fields are due and ample amount of respect. The article seems to favor engineering more, and indeed it does result in remarkable things. However, it is equally important to have the full picture that can only be garnered through empirical scientific research.
Although this is true, it is also true that a full understanding(garnered through science) is necessary to fully grasp all of the implications of a new technology. I cite for example the internal combustion engine. I suspect that although it was known gasoline powered engines produced harmful exhaust fumes, it was never fully understood at the time what effect those fumes would have on the atmosphere & environment when the number of automobiles began to go up in orders of magnitude(until there was a significant enough number of them to produce a measurable effect, which no doubt a scientist found).
With that said, both fields are due and ample amount of respect. The article seems to favor engineering more, and indeed it does result in remarkable things. However, it is equally important to have the full picture that can only be garnered through empirical scientific research.