Moral norms and values vs directives and methods of social engineering

Abstract

As a specific type of operational behaviour intended to furnish solutions of social problems social engineering functions in virtue of certain moral norms and evaluations. The directives and methods of social engineering are conceived and applied in accordance with a moral point of view held by the social engineer. This moral point of view, with its characteristic values, goals, norms and evaluations, influences the selection of the ways and means that he makes to realize his project. The social engineer is both a specialist who designs and applies certain norms, and a moralist who identifies, explains and justifies the motives and objectives underlying them. The directives of the adherent to a moral system and those of the engineer with a certain professional specialization constitute independent variables in his mind.