Session-2

The argument of soft technological determinism showed its many weaknesses when juxtaposed with the social constructionist view. First of all, there was no solid evidence that supported the linear model of technological determinism. The windmill’s transformation to a steam mill could have been induced by social factors rather than determined by the scientific advancement of discovering steam engine. The early 1800s was a time of revolution of applicable science. The increasing demand for cotton in a rapidly growing nation fueled this invention. However, the fact that advancement in science brings about certain effect, positive or negative, is indisputable.
The social constructionist view is quite intriguing because it seems to be taking the human’s tendencies rooted in incompleteness such as pursuit of stability, social behaviors, preferences and emotional factors as a crucial drive in the course of science.
To state some examples, the VHS system of video players would be one. Although VHS system was not the best in that time, it conquered the market. A similar situation had kept many Koreans think about this social aspect of scientific evolution. There was a critical point to decide whether America’s HDTV(ATSC) or Europe’s SDTV(DVB) method should be used for the digital TV system. The SD type was portable which opened possibilities for various combinations of use. However, the HD type was chosen due to many political, economical factors. 33% of the HD related technology was patented by Korean companies such as LG which will make much profit with the future investments.
The economical, social, political factors are crucial in playing science and technology. One extreme case of the three factor’s stifling work was on Cenox. Cenox was invented by an energy venture corporation as a fuel additive. When mixed with gasoline, it works best at a ratio of 6:4. However, even with its proven cheaper, environment saving benefits, government regulated the company by categorizing it as an illegal fuel product. The reason behind it was that government could not tax it as the gasoline because Cenox was based on alcohol and petroleum leftovers that made vinyl and plastic. Now the company is under heavy penalty and is pursuing law suits which don’t look so bright.
To mention the pharmaceutical side…Don’t even mention it.
The sad thing is that we are blinded from these factors and even if we did know, we succumb to these decisions so fast because economical well being and stability numbs us.