Democracy
& Nature, Vol. 4, No. 1
The
Dialectic of Science and Advanced Technology: An Alternative?
Hugh
Lacey
Abstract:
Scientific
research is value laden. In particular, the constraints it normally puts upon
acceptable theories and the criteria it deploys for selection of significant
data both derive from background assumptions whose intelligibility is
dialectically connected with the adoption of certain social values (in
particular that of ‘control’) I explore a conception of development that
expresses an integrated vision of social justice and material development. The
social values of this conception include those of cooperation, widespread
participation, commitment to social/economic/cultural (as well as civil/political)
rights, self—reliance and respect for nature. The implementation of this
conception will require that suitable research be conducted and that alternative
research institutions be developed which institutionalize the interplay between
science and authentic development’. This paper will articulate the background
assumptions and illustrate the forms of research that are made intelligible
through dialectical links with these values.
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