Chris Bissell

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About

Chris Bissell is a distinguished scholar whose work bridges the history, philosophy, and pedagogy of engineering and technology. His key research areas include the epistemology of modelling and simulation, the cultural dimensions of technology, and the evolution of control engineering. Bissell’s major contribution lies in critically examining how engineers construct and use models—not merely as technical tools, but as narratives that shape understanding and decision-making. His highly cited paper “Telling Tales: Models, Stories and Meanings” (2000, 40 citations) exemplifies this, exploring how abstraction and idealisation in modelling can reveal hidden assumptions and biases. By comparing physical modelling with system identification, he shows that even simple models, like an integrator for a mechanical system, carry implicit stories about what is ignored or prioritised. This work has influenced how engineers and educators think about the philosophical underpinnings of their practice. Bissell’s impact extends beyond citations; he has been a leading voice in integrating humanities perspectives into engineering curricula, making him a pivotal figure for students and researchers interested in the deeper meanings behind technical artefacts.