Double-edged sword called technology

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1980 · Bull. At. Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.1980.11458714· OSTI ID:6973916

Weisskopf, V F

The growing awareness that technological achievements have shortcomings may be an indication of a maturing society developing higher values. Technology developed in response to specific questions about nature; science from the systematic study of the details of nature. The two became linked as scientific knowlege was applied to technological problems, and this altered the structure of society. The positive benefits of this symbiosis have been a longer and better life for much of the world. The negative sides are material and spiritual pollution. Material pollution can be solved only if nuclear war is avoided. By bringing purpose and meaning to individual lives, a popular control of technology could evolve to humanize the social-industrial structure and eliminate spiritual pollution. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
• OSTI ID: 6973916
• Journal Information: Bull. At. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 36:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
QUALITY OF LIFE
SOCIAL IMPACT
STANDARD OF LIVING
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
290500* - Energy Planning & Policy- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
530100 - Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies- Social & Economic Studies- (-1989)