SOC100H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Major Force, Normal Accidents, Risk Society
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SOC100H5 Full Course Notes
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Document Summary
Practical application of scientific principles to improve human life. Modernization, calculability, taming of risk through science. Risks arise from processes of science and technology. Normal accidents: recognizes that the very complexity of modern technologies ensures they will inevitably fail, although in unpredictable ways. Technological determinism: belief that technology is the major force shpaing human society and history. New technology becomes a major force in society and history only they didn"t become engines of economic growth until social conditions allowed them to do so after it is coupled with an urgent social need. Enormous capital investment, detailed attention to the way work is organized, and legions of technical experts. Larger sums have been invested in r&d over the past hundret years. Turning scientific principles into technological innovations was going to require not just genius, but also substantial resources, especially money and organization. Military and profit-making considerations now govern the direction of most.
