Title :
The Two Cultures Gaps and Traps: An Imbalanced Socio-Technological Dynamic?
Author :
Zessner, Walter W.
Author_Institution :
George Brown Coll., Toronto, Ont., Canada
Abstract :
The Two Cultures (C.P.Snow, 1959) identifies a split between the humanities and the sciences in "mutual incomprehension." Controversies impede resolving this polarization, possibly contributing to societal declines. Reinterpretations suggest affinities between cultural innovative and evolutionary processes. Preventing an innovative formalism as a tool for choices from turning into a formalistic close ended or choiceless tool and "progress trap" is identified as a pivotal challenge. Projections for a humanist-scientific and socio- technological equilibrium are simplified with dynamic variances among extreme TWO CULTURES divides as polarizing traps without a moderating THIRD CULTURE. Apparent opposites might translate paradoxically into complemental contraries: "Without paradox no progress" (Niels Bohr, 1885-1962).
Keywords :
humanities; socio-economic effects; mutual incomprehension; socio technological dynamic; Cultural differences; Defense industry; Educational institutions; Impedance; Labeling; Polarization; Resilience; Snow; Technological innovation; Turning;
Conference_Titel :
Technology and Society, 2006. ISTAS 2006. IEEE International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Queens, NY
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-0478-0
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-0479-7
DOI :
10.1109/ISTAS.2006.4375900
