Special issue introduction - Globalizing technological education

A practice, according to philosopher, Alisdair MacIntyre, “is never just a set of technical skills, even when directed towards some unified purpose and even if the exercise of those skills can on occasion be valued or enjoyed for their own sake” [1]. In June, 2004, the implications of this observation were made manifest when the International Symposium on Technology & Society (ISTAS ’04), themed “Globalizing Technological Education” was convened at The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA. The meeting, made possible by the dedicated work of WPI Professors Lance Schacterle as Conference Chair, and Rick Vaz as Program Chair, brought together participants from a variety of nations and from disciplines that included engineering, science, policy, law, and philosophy. What emerged was a critical examination of the current and future dimensions of technology practice within a global context. This special issue, edited by T&S Editor Joe Herkert, reflects the vast range of concerns and challenges that animated the event.