Exam 22: Technology and the Global Environment

Russian economist Nikolai Kondratiev noticed that technologies are invented in clusters. Based on that observation, he argued that flurries of creativity cause major economic growth spurts beginning 10 to 20 years after a cluster of major inventions and have a lasting influence for 15 to35 years. Discuss whether Kondratiev's argument suggests that culture is defined and shaped by technology.

Acid rain is a form of oxygen that blocks ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun.

What term does the textbook use to refer to the period of time when the majority of people believed that scientific and technological advances would produce only benefits?

According to the textbook, which of the following do some claim may pose the biggest technological threat so far to human well-being and survival?

For at least how long must waste from nuclear reactors be kept away from human beings in order to not contaminate them?

There is a disturbing association in Canada between high levels of contamination and pollution and which of the following?

What is the dominant view of technology today?

Explain how the social construction of environmental problems shapes the way we perceive them.

Ulrich Beck, in his risk society thesis, outlines that in the decades following World War II citizens were concerned with issues regarding the distribution of social goods, but in the last few decades citizens have been concerned with issues regarding the distribution of social bads. Explain this change in focus.

What effect did the invention of the steam engine and the internal combustion engine have during the Industrial Revolution?

"Normal accidents" refer to the idea that technology will not fail if human subjectivity can be removed from its implementation and operation.

According to some analysts, what will enable environmental problems to self-correct?

Which of the following was responsible for the manufacture of the first nuclear bomb?

What drove the discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton?

Sabina is investigating the claim that 20 000 plant species, 1350 vertebrate species, and millions of insects all live in the Atlantic forest in Brazil. What is she investigating?

Daniel is aware that in the production of his new patented invention, there is the possibility for things to go awry. He believes that this possibility for harm is outweighed by the potential of his invention to be beneficial. Which of the following terms is used to refer to how Daniel most likely views the less positive possibilities of invention?

Is technology always a means of improving human life or is it sometimes antagonistic to human values? Incorporate information and concepts from the chapter in your answer.

While somewhat upset about the Exxon Valdez oil spill off the coast of Alaska, Miriam realizes that this event is sometimes just the cost of progress. Based on this information, how does Miriam most likely feel about the less positive outcomes that accompany technological advances?

What does the gradual increase in the average surface temperature of Earth reflect?

Danger to society does not only result from technological accidents such as gas leaks and reactor explosions. According to Ulrich Beck, which of the following also poses major dangers?