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ERIC Number: ED157810
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1978-Apr
Pages: 38
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Exploring the Relationship between Technology and Social Values.
Marker, Gerald W.
Modern society should consider the social consequences of science and technology. Examples of problems which have recently arisen from the increased interdependence of technology and society include depletion of the ozone layer of the atmosphere by aerosol sprays, prolongation of life by artificial means, and rapidly increasing population due partially to improved medical care. A growing sense of discomfort with technology is exemplified by many social indicators, including: (1) lack of interest, despite widespread public demand, in recycling or reprocessing waste material unless it can be profitably done; (2) corrosion of folk knowledge regarding social values in response to scientific and social scientific pronouncements; and (3) a general feeling of individual helplessness in the face of phenomena such as overpopulation, hunger, resource depletion, nuclear warfare, and human cloning. The conclusion is that social policies should be developed which reflect a proper government role in areas such as economic centralization and resource allocation. These policies should aid individuals in making reasonable choices regarding housing, energy consumption, and family planning. (Author/DB)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at NSF Workshops on New Developments in Science and Social Science (Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 1978)