In the realm of manufacturing, one key aspect of engineering theory lies in the comprehensive approach of design. Even though nature consists of atoms and molecules―and we may understand their ontology and the laws that govern their behavior―that does not necessarily mean we can easily produce the artificial objects we desire.

On the TV show “Night of the MAKAIZO Society,” participants spend a month and a half on research, development, design, and fabrication, yet there is never a single definitive solution. Scientific knowledge can be learned from textbooks and is generally standardized to the point where it can be searched online; similarly, data regarding science and manufacturing is, to a certain extent, shared.

And yet, despite all that, we see on television contests that there are clear differences in the final products, which reveals something important. We need to examine further, particularly from the perspective of integrating academic disciplines.

Numerous scientific theories are known, and a wealth of scientific data has been accumulated. Based on that body of knowledge, what does it mean to “apply” science? Is science truly capable of solving everything? These questions are addressed in Chapter 1.

Chapter 2 introduces a perspective on ethics as mediated through artifacts. It offers a framework for reflecting on ethical issues―such as intention and value―by illustrating the relationship between design and its constraints.

Chapter 3 explores the practical philosophy of manufacturing : JITSU-GAKU in Japanese. A key point here is the interplay between the intentions of the client and those of the engineer during the design process. The chapter provides an overview of several relevant issues in detail.

This paper analyzes responsibility in human-artifacts networks from the perspective of “extended mediation theory,” examining new forms of accountability. The traditional concept of autonomy assumes that the consequences of actions can be predicted and controlled. However, human-artifacts networks extend beyond human control in this regard, creating a “responsibility gap.” Therefore, this problem cannot be adequately addressed by the traditional “autonomous individual subject.” Through an analysis of “distributed responsibility” and “relational autonomy,” this paper proposes alternatives such as “responsibility unevenly distributed across the network” and “role-based distribution of responsibility.” It also discusses the need for a normative debate that incorporates a dialogical and critical perspective on this issue.

This paper proposes a reconstruction of engineering ethics by integrating philosophical perspectives on technology. Traditional approaches often emphasize individual responsibility and normative decision-making, overlooking the structural and societal dimensions of technology. Drawing on postphenomenology and political philosophy of technology, this study reframes engineering ethics as a form of theorizing technologyーaddressing ethical concerns at the design stage and recognizing the mediating role of technology in shaping human action and experience. It advocates engineering ethics as civic education, fostering critical reflection and ethical imagination among engineers and the public, and calls for institutional frameworks to support ethical engagement in technological practice.

Engineering ethics has traditionally focused on preventive ethicsーavoiding accidents before they occur. Recently, intentional ethics, which emphasizes proactive ethical thinking, has gained attention, though preventive ethics remains essential. Case studies are widely used in ethics education to foster ethical imagination. However, summaries in textbooks are often too brief, limiting their effectiveness, especially in showing the human impact of accidents. This lack of victim perspectives can hinder ethical development. This article proposes incorporating victims' experiences, such as those from the Fukuchiyama derailment and JAL Flight 123 crash, to deepen understanding in preventive ethics education.