Notes
from Chapter 18: Society
and Technological Change: The Role of Experts
The
ideas and examples referenced below are notes compiled by Robert Keel from his reading of Volti, Rudi. 2014. Society and Technological Change. 7th edition. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. They are intended for classroom
use
The Role
of Experts and Expertise
- "Knowledge
is Power" Francis
Bacon.
- Since technology is based
on knowledge, it stands to reason that possession of technology is power.
- But is it this simple?
- In Bacons time
it was possible for "the average man" to know basic scientific principles.
If he did not know, it was within the realm of possibility for him to know.
- Today it is very different.
- Scientific knowledge
has undergone so much growth and specialization that it is nearly impossible to
know all there is to know.
- There are more that 900
specializations within science alone.
- Few people know how TV
works, but 98% of the population tunes in.
- The
general populations ignorance of technological processes makes it
difficult for citizens to control the direction of technological change.
- Technology
cannot be judged purely by its technical merit.
- Social consequences
must be considered.
- Also, the
fact that scientists have an interest in shrouding their work in secrecy
needs to be considered.
"
Experts
are in a position to influence the course of technological change, but at the
same time, they face many difficulties in converting their knowledge into power.
Having the correct technical answers isnt enough; wielding power requires
the mobilization of a constituency and the ability to create a broad base of
support." (page 358)
Engineers
and The Control of Technology
- New technology typically
the work of engineers.
- Since much of our world
is shaped by technology, it could be argued that engineers have a powerful
influence on society.
- Thorstein
Veblen (Sociologist- 20th Century)(see also)
- Engineers are the "indispensable
factor in the everyday work of carrying on the countrys productive
industry."
- Yet, engineers have
"nothing to say in the direction and planning of this industry, except
as employees in the pay of financiers." (Veblen, quoted in Volti, page 359)
- This dialectic, Veblen
argued, was the greatest obstacle to continued economic progress.
- Power, then, needed
to be in the hands of engineersmen of sciencewho would ensure
technological progress.
- Daniel Bell and Post-Industrial Society.
- This notion has been
supported by John Kenneth Galbraith, in his book, The
New Industrial State.
- Management now in the
hands of the "technostructure": managers and engineers with the
specialized knowledge and talent essential to planning and decision making.
The
Work Environment of Engineers
- If Veblen and Galbraith
are correct, then engineers should be in control of their work
right?
- Engineers do enjoy a
certain freedom in their work, but not to the extent expected under Veblens
and Galbraiths analysis.
- Engineers are rarely
self-employed. Thus, they must conform to organization expectations like other
professions.
- Engineers who advance
in their profession, rarely remain solely as engineers. Many go on to become
managers.
- A managers concerns
are often quite different from those of an engineer.
- Managers have to worry
about profit and efficiency. Engineers are concerned with the facts.
- Whistle-blowing: Group think and communication flow.
- Conformity --going along with one's peers (Asch)
The Challenger Disaster:
- Engineers knew the
O-rings might erode because of cold weather.
- Managers insisted the
mission continue.
- An engineers
battle for "truth" within her organization will often be a lonely
one.
Questions? (page 364)
- Some experts claim nuclear power is safe and economical,
others claim the opposite. How can we decide? What criteria are
relevant to understanding such claims.
- What should the role of engineers be in making decisions
concerning the goals of their organizations?
URL:
http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/280/soctechchange/experts.html.
Owner: Robert O. Keel: rok@umsl.edu
Last Updated:
Wednesday, February 26, 2014 11:47