rupp@cod.NOSC.MIL (William L. Rupp) (12/18/87)
In article <8712170231.AA01234@bu-cs.bu.edu> "OAK::BASICSTUD" <basicstud%oak.decnet@pine.circa.ufl.edu> writes: > > Technology itself isn't bad, it's the misuse of it. As long as their are >corporations and businesses to make money off of technology, there will be >problems in how it is used by said entities. ..... Please clarify. Does this mean that it is only privately owned companies that abuse technology? If that is what you mean, please explain why technology is so frequently abused by governments such as the Soviet Union, where enormous amounts of money go into a super-abundance of nuclear arms which siphon off funds desperately needed to improve the living standards of its citizens. (I use the U.S.S.R. only as an example. One could cite many other cases of government abuse of technology. Many times these abuses are not done out of ill-will, but out of good intentions. The point is, private companies have no monopoly in this area.) Bill ====================================================================== I speak for myself, and not on behalf of any other person or organization .........................How's that, Gary? ======================================================================
allard@bnl.ARPA (Rick Allard) (12/23/87)
In article <8712170231.AA01234@bu-cs.bu.edu> "OAK::BASICSTUD" <basicstud%oak.decnet@pine.circa.ufl.edu> writes: > > Technology itself isn't bad, it's the misuse of it. As long as their are >corporations and businesses to make money... >(Jeff Mercer) There is a criticism of technology that is closer to the core of the problem. "Misuse" is almost by definition bad. Technology is complicated and made by humankind. Not knowing the full implications, either as they tie to other technologies or as they have far (in the future) reaching effects, as we race ahead driven by business motives, is a more important problem. Technological decisions can have much more weight. Agriculture and movable type where technological events that changed the world around a bit. This reminds me that some House committee on this 200th anniversary is putting out some words on technology and the Constitution. Now I'll look into that again, especially if someone prompts me. Rick -- ooooooooooooootter#spoon in bowl !!!!!!!!!!!!& RooM & !!!!!!!!!!!!R oooo M