by STS is a broad study of science, technology, and society, embodying the interactions that these three disciplines share throughout the course of history. One of the main reasons I chose this course was due to my fascination with the way science and technology have both accelerated in a changing society at a rapid rate in just the last few hundred years. What I also find very interesting, which is often overlooked in my opinion, is that I believe science and technology are developing at the fastest rate they ever have. I hope through this course I will be able to answer the question, Is the further advancement of technology going to have a positive or negative impact on society? I think many may be split by this question, however, It is evident that if you asked Alan M. Eddison, I think he would answer with a pessimistic view of technological advancement. In understanding just the changes and activism for climate change precautions in the last few years, I believe our global society is starting to take steps to make our modern technology more eco-friendly. As my belief is supported by the innovation and commitments of global firms and governments to minimize their carbon footprint, Eddison’s view expresses a disagreeable opinion that technology is still not doing enough to protect the environment. He says:
“Modern technology
Owes ecology
An apology”
~ Alan M. Eddison
https://www.quotegarden.com/technology.html
Eddison’s view is correct in saying that yes, not all of the technology we have, especially technology which causes environmental pollution, is extremely harmful to the environment here on our planet. And, it is also true that in the past we’ve seen extreme damage done to our ecosystems as a result of advancements made in Science and Technology. However, I think the fine line that I disagree with Eddison’s quote is the word Modern. If you define Modern as cutting-edge, most-innovative, and most recent advancements made in Science and Technology, I believe the global economy has taken steps to ensure that these advancements are eco-friendly. These new advancements could quite possibly even reverse the effects of the damaging practices once caused as unintended consequences of previous technological advancements. I also believe that since Alan Eddison made that statement, the younger generations of society have shifted their view on climate change, and more pressure exists today on both firms and governments to be innovative in their eco-friendly practices with modern technology.
In taking a look at where technology stands in everyday society today, I believe we’re at a point where most new and innovative technologies are very eco-friendly and embody sustainability as the main focus of the innovation. In looking at places such as Finland and Switzerland, two countries leading the charge in eco-friendly innovations, modern technology can be utilized by everyone in the world to reverse the environmental effects on our ecosystems. An example of this would be simply the dramatic increase of electric cars and motorbikes across the country. If, in practice, not all modern technology results in a positive impact on the environment and ecology of the earth, it’s still a step in the right direction for society to be focused on these issues. If our global society can continue to change their views on climate change and support eco-friendly innovation practices, I believe the sentiments expressed in Alan Eddison’s quote will diminish as our modern technology becomes more and more eco-friendly.
Thank you for reading!