Questions of technology and change are explored in approximately 70 essays written by university and research scholars, consumer advocates, political philosophers, engineers, and bureaucrats. The book is part of a multimedia series developed to present college level course material to the general public through cooperation of newspapers, public television, and 300 participating colleges and universities. Specific objectives of this book are to broaden perspectives on the current environmental/technological situation, and to review past relationships between technology and society. The document is presented in two major sections. Section I, the bulk of the document, presents essays organized under five headings: "Technology on Trial,""Technology's Effects,""Conditions of Technological Development,""Sources of Technological Change," and "Retrospect and Prospect." Authors include Barry Commoner, Lewis Mumford, Jacques Ellul, J. Bronowski, Marshall McLuhan, Rene Dubos, and Ralph Nader. Topics discussed include technological development, computers, social control, pollution, economic growth, developing nations, objectives, and the industrial way of life. Section II, the Study Guide, offers notes to students on newspaper articles and essays to read in conjunction with each topic, objectives, an overview of related readings, key concepts, definitions, and additional readings. (DB)