Technological fixes can be defined as short-term fixes for long-term issues. We as a population will not stop growing, thus meaning that our technology will forever change and improve, but can and will also lead to more problems than ever before. Jeff Douthwaite gives three examples of technological fixes; economic justice, driving whilst intoxicated, and war. He also reasons that, “…the technological fix can only be trusted in the short term for there are obvious ways each may be voided or frustration.” (Douthwaite, 32) However, two authors disagree. Johnston offers to the public that technology serves as a “Band-Aid” solution to the world’s social problems, and therefore does not solve them. (Johnston, 53) It’s clear that the three authors do not agree with each other when we fall to Huesemann and Huesemann’s article whom talk about environmental issues. In short, each author comes to terms with the impact technology seems to have on nature.
Technological fixes to social and environmental systems have negative repercussions because, as humans, we do not completely understand the consequences to every action until the impacts have been clearly presented to us, although I wish to state that the negative impacts our technological fixes have around us should give us reason to halt our work. There is no greater teacher than trial and error, however that is just my opinion. Mankind’s greatest fear is the unknown, after all.
I totally agree that science is all about trial and error. Of course, as you pointed out, this makes it hard to fully understand the impacts that our actions will have outside of a laboratory environment. I would disagree with the sentiment that “the negative impacts our technological fixes have around us should give us reason to halt our work.” I think that we should do what we can to lessen any obvious impacts, to the best of our abilities, but that the only way to overcome our fear of the unknown is to understand it. The mistakes we make help us to reach that understanding.
I really find it to be quite fascinating how well you put this to words. After reading your post, I can truly say my perspective on the readings and on my own post have expanded. Your take on science being an experiment and I particularly enjoy how you mention not knowing the consequences. When scientist do an experiment they may try and predict the outcome; however, their hypothesis may be biased due to their own goals they are trying to achieve. Really enjoyed reading your piece, great work!
I like how you take a long-term perspective on things. There will of course always be new problems to solve. Technology can help fend off the epidemics that comes our way. If we need to find a social solution to a problem then I’m sure we (human beings as a whole) will try. It does not matter what the solution is as long as we can survive in the manner we are accustomed. It reminds me of the ending to the movie “The Martian” the problems will keep on coming and you will find an answer or you will die.