SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Technological society and the need for a humanistic technology, Characteristics of a technological society, The malaise of contemporary technology, Features of an alternative humanistic technology.

Introduction

The term post industrial society was coined by Daniel Bell in 1978 in the American Review Called An Intellectual Technology to describe the future state of society. He said, "It was a speculative construct against which the Sociological reality could be measured decades hence."

He used this term post industrial society for two reasons.

1. To emphasize transitory nature of these changes.
2. To underline the central role of an intellectual technology.

Industrial revolution relied on machine power, whereas knowledge would be main feature of the post industrial society.

Characteristics of the Post industrial Society

1. Explosion of knowledge (information revolution and knowledge explosion): Information revolution consists of tremendous technological advances in human capabilities to decode, record, reproduce and disseminate information. Use of audio-visual and computerized information and processing networks for storage, reorganization and distribution of computers using qualified information in form of bits. Information becoming a commodity and new basic resources over other natural resources of energy and materials.
2. Growth of Science based industries: Science has become the theoretical basis for technology as there has been growth in science based industries like the computer industry. No more is science based on trial and error method but perfection, thus indicating advancement in intellectual premises for technology of the future.
3. Rise of the Knowledge Class: In industries society blue collar and semi skilled labour predominate. However according to Bell a new breed of technical and professional class will be the single largest group in the post industrial society, replacing the agricultural majority in India.
4. Changing form of science: Unlike its Greek beginnings, science no longer is only an end in itself nor an activity carried. Instead it has become a means to achieve goals like getting a degree, job and improving one's status. Science today operated at governmental level and has become a dominant factor in shaping the social ethos.
5. Resurgence of the family unit: Industrial revolution separated workplace from home and led to the fragmentation in the family unit. Whereas the post industrial society would witness revival in the family structure, without authoritarianism but having more of consultative nature. Decrease in working  hours and increase in the leisure hours have helped employees in building their personal lives, thus having a direct and positive impact on family relationships.
6. Movement towards higher forms of consciousness: There has been growing awareness in many fields of thought. The French geologist and theologian, Teilhard de Chardino applied the theory of evolution of human species to the evolution of the human mind, speaking of the 'Omega Point' being the culmination of the evolutionary process of humanity.Sir Aurobindo spoke of the 'Divine Reality' passing through matter and consciousness- example 'super mind'. Thus the rise of this 'Consciousness age' is manifested in the resurgence of interest in Eastern mysticism and in Yoga.
7. Service Economy: In post industrial society, agriculture and manufacturing don't absorb a majority of the work force. Instead majority of the population is engaged in services related to health, education, research and government. However other business services like banking, transport communication and utilities will exist.
8. Technological Planning: In  modern society use of technology is often harmful, eg DDT has affected crops, birds and wildlife. Nuclear plants create nuclear waste and accident risk. But the post industrial societies have technology assessment by government and people to prevent harmful side effects of technological advances.

Therefore the post industrial society is a combination of various dimensions or features. Daniel Bell has described the new social structure evolving in the industrially advanced societies particularly in the USA in the second half of the 20th century.

Malaise of Contemporary Technology

Introduction

The industrial revolution of the 17th century was one of the most significant events in the history of human civilisation having its impact an economy, trade and education and also affecting the socio-cultural ethos of the people. The same revolution led to the development of technology and the careless use of which has caused a lost of problems to the human society as well as nature. The malaise of contemporary technology seeks to find how technology has proved detrimental to the people in the society.

Harmful effects on the environment

1. Environment degradation: Technology has been misused by human beings with a callous in differences to the environment. The irretrievable natural resources are depleted to an alarming extent posing a threat of energy crisis in the future.
2. Effects of Nuclear Energy: Uranium used in nuclear reactions is short in supply and inadequate to meet the world's power requirements. The reactors are useful for producing plutonium, the vital ingredient in producing atom bombs. The most frightening is the danger of even minute doses of nuclear radiations which has adverse effects on biological system even in the next generation.
3.