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1.1. Basic definitions

Engineering, in its fundamental definition, is the reasoned application of knowledge from the basic sciences for the use and transformation of resources and forces of nature for the benefit of society.

According to the Statute of the College of Engineers of Peru (Art. 1.01), it is:

The definition of Engineering establishes three essential pillars that characterize traditional engineering: a solid scientific base in continuous mathematics and natural sciences, the ability to transform nature through productive processes, and the realization of ideas into tangible and measurable realities.

An important conceptual distinction arises when contrasting the use of the term ingeniero in the Spanish language versus the English language.

In the Latin American context, ingeniero is a professional title conferred exclusively upon those who have completed regulated and accredited university education in engineering, under the supervision of professional bodies.

In contrast, in the Anglo-Saxon sphere, the word engineer frequently functions as a verb (to engineer) synonymous with to make, to design, to create, to manufacture, to elaborate, and as a noun denotes the job position held by a person, regardless of their specific academic degree.

This semantic difference generates confusion when importing job titles from English into the national professional context. Terms like Process Engineer, QA Engineer, Cybersecurity Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Engineer describe specific functions and activities within organizations, but they do not necessarily correspond to professionals qualified as engineers under traditional regulation.

In our country, the professional practice of engineering is linked to compliance with specific academic and legal requirements, and to active professional licensure, ensuring that those who call themselves engineers possess the required scientific-technological training to responsibly transform nature.

Therefore, it is essential to maintain clarity in the naming of engineering degree programs, ensuring they respond to the formal definition of Engineering just cited.

We must train professionals capable of applying higher mathematics and natural sciences in the transformation of nature, regardless of labor trends or Anglo-Saxon denominations that may generate ambiguity in professional identity.