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vts[w83,jmc]		VTS course description and notes

Technological Possibilities for enhancing man

	This course surveys the technological possibilities for increasing
human capability and real wealth.  It is oriented toward what people will
want rather than around what we might think is good for them.  Some of the
improvements discussed are in the direction of (1) making housework
trivial (2) making government responsive (3) increasing the ability of one
person two build an object like a car, airplane or house to suit him
without organizing others (4) allowing groups to live as they prefer less
hindered by general social laws and customs.  We will emphasize computer
and information technology and ask what will be genuinely useful and not
just flashy.  To what extent are futurists and science fiction writers
helpful?  Can we envisage advances as important as electricity, the
telephone, running water, inside toilets?

	The second topic concerns the social factors that determine the
rate of scientific and technological progress.  Why was scientific
advance a rare event until Galileo?  Why didn't non-Western cultures
break through into the era of organized scientific and technological
progress and why did it take Western culture so long?  Why isn't the
rate of progress faster today?  As examples, we shall inquire into
the obstacles that are making cellular telephone systems and electronic
funds transfer take so long.
one and a half cultures
Who are the opponents of progress?  What is the basis of their opposition
and which of their tactics are effective?