Modest Technologies for a Complicated World

Modest Technologies for a Complicated World focuses on intermediate or alternative technologies capable of making our complex society more rational, simpler, and more modest through the attainment of equilibrium in the socio-political situation and also in the demographic, energy, agricultural, soil preservation, exploitation of resources, and recycling processes. This book outlines the conditions that must be satisfied and the precautions that have to be taken in order to implement modest technological innovations in the third world—as well as in the first or the second—on the basis of concrete and pragmatic evaluations. This volume is comprised of 14 chapters and begins with a historical overview of modest technology and how it can address global problems such as food shortage and malnutrition. The role of modest technologies as instruments of international aid and in promoting a possible New International Economic Order is then discussed. The following chapters consider the debate concerning the neutrality of science and technology; lack of innovation as a cause of economic crisis; and arguments about the theory and practice of international activities of technological cooperation and assistance. Strategies for the introduction of modest technologies are also proposed. This book will be of interest to sociologists, economists, and decision makers.