SOC100H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Northern Hemisphere
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SOC100H5 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
The period before hiroshima was the era of na ve optimism: technology was defined as the application of scientific principles to the improvement of human life. Seemed to be driving humanity down progress. Detailed workings rested on scientific principles that were mysterious to all but those with advanced science degrees. Technological determinism: the belief that technology is the main factor shaping human history. Scientific discoveries, once adopted on a wide scale, often transform societies; but they are only considered useful when the social need demands it. In 19th century, gaining technological advantage was still inexpensive; it took only modest capital investment, a little knowledge about the best way to organize work, and a handful of highly trained workers to build a shop. In the 2nd half of the 21st century, only governments and giant multinational corporations could afford to sustain research efforts: therefore, military and profit-making considerations now govern the direction of most research and development.
