Edgerton’s view of science and technology is one that I had not thought about before. When he explains that technology, innovation, and invention are separate entities. I enjoyed his perspective about the actual need for some technologies. Is it really advancing anything in a nation if it does not improve society as a whole across all or most social classes? The underestimation of the old and the obsession of the new focuses attention toward the invention or innovation itself rather than the actual utilization of the technology. The assumption that innovation leads to economic growth is not always true for every nation. In America, however, it seems to be true. The factors that are the crutch for this assumption may rest in the United States’ infatuation with materialism and wealth. I mean, infomercials are the bane of all cable owner’s existence. Literally no one needs a slap-chop or snuggie. But then again, yes. Yes we do.
God bless America.