TECHNOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ON TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIMISM

Technological optimists tend to reason that the problems of pollution, resource depletion, and overpopulation can be met through the proper applications of advanced technology. It is reasoned in this article that such optimistic views must more closely consider that technology and science are human enterprises and, as such, have social limitations. Time is required for good technological and scientific work and some tasks are more difficult than others. It is further reasoned that such considerations provide strong arguments against the notion of continued exponential growth even if optimistic assumptions are made. © 1979.