Survival Technology Essays -- Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Survival TechnologyArnold Paceys book, Technology in World Civilization A Thousand YearHistory argues that survival technology, the technology of production of food and other basic necessities, is dependent on the local environment and requireslocal solutions or else than solutions dictated by technologically superior scientists from other aras. Every culture has had a long experience with the environment they live in and have genuine ways to make food and other basic necessities. When outsiders with advanced technology interfere without taking input from the natives they can cause more damage thusly they solve.One of the most basic principles of survival technology is that the most advanced solution is not necessarily the best solution. An example of this principle occurred in the forties in India and China. Both countries took different approaches to solve there malaria problems. India which was more open to western ideas decided to spray the walls of every dwelling in India with DDT to bulge the malaria carrying mosquitoes. On the other hand China, which was not able to afford DDT, decided to inform the populace on how to avoid malaria, redesign the water courses and improve housing all in an attemptto reduce malaria. India had a more drastic drop in malaria cases, but Chinasdrop was more permanent. By the 1970s malaria cases began to fount in India, because of mosquitoes with immunity to DDT.(1) The quick technologically advanced solution was inferior to the steps the Chinese took to reduce the amount of malaria. Forcing advanced technology onto areas without that technology is normally not a good idea without proper thought put into it. A tractor would beless than useful... ...re the techniques that the farmers have already developed. This is unique to survival technology as there is no other technology division where the researchers would totally ignore the contributions and suggestions of those using the technology. These problems are only exac erbated when the scientists come from different areas and culturesthan the farmers there alleged(a) to be helping. In those cases the scientists not only ignore the contributions and suggestions of the farmers they generallyare ignorant of the environment as well. It would probably be best if the scientists would talk to the farmers they are trying to help.Works Cited1.Arnold Pacey, Technology in World Civilization A Thousand Year History, Basil Blackwood, 1990, pg 1892.Ibid, pg 1993.Ibid, pg 1994.Ibid, pg 199-2005.Ibid, pg 1996.Ibid, pg 192-1937.Ibid, pg 193