Technology, Humans, and Society: Toward a Sustainable World

by Richard C. Dorf

A number of factors, from soaring fuel prices to genetically modified agricultural products, have greatly refocused worldwide attention on the interrelationship between technology and society and the necessity for sustainable engineering and business practices. Technology, Humans, and Society focuses on building a model for business and engineering that will lead to a sustainable world. The challenge for engineering is to develop new technologies...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0122210905
• ISBN13: 9780122210907
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Length: 520 Pages
• Weight: 2.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

Review of the text

The following review is required for an educational technology course I am taking in grad school at CSULB. On a strictly objective level, the author accomplished his set purpose. He presents formulas for sustainability, the dangers in overconsumption, the imperative need for social change, detailed descriptions of sustainable systems and technologies, and a vision of the future potential of sustainability. However, I often sensed an emphasis on the need to do something, rather than on how to do it. Although Dorf included already successful solutions where appropriate, he did not provide many new ideas. Also, many of his suggestions had to do with government regulations or taxes, a solution which requires action from law-makers rather than something any Joe Moe can do. After reviewing this book, I don't feel any closer to knowing how to reduce my own carbon footprint, aside from switching to an electric car, recycling more, and buying local grown food. All things I knew before reading this text. However, for his intended audience, I can see its usefulness. To a scientist, business person, engineer, environmentalist and lawmaker, it is potentially relevant and helpful. Though, I would assume it does not provide any new information to scientists, engineers or environmentalists. I do not wish to diminish the importance of the text. I think it provides a well researched framework for reaching a sustainable world. Its faults are mainly personal. I underestimated how much our world has changed in 9 years (not to mention the detrimental world effects of the economy crash just in the last few months). The text was written in a time before we had a tangible concern about e-waste. Amazingly, I did not come across even one discussion about e-waste and its serious implications and negative effects on the environment and societies. In the book, computer technologies (including cell phones, PCs, MACs, PDAs, and all other digital gadgets) are seen as the future path to sustainability, however today, they are seen as the most detrimental to developing nations.

finally: transitor-mounted gel sequencing coverage

A decent introductory section on why we, as humans would want to discover the unabiding sense of yearning and frustration in the vast technological wasteland. However I was hoping more light would be shed on the recent developments in transistor-mounted gel sequencing (but was happy to see it covered) and the philiosphical battle brewing within the seismological community regarding "drill-to-fill" technology. However, I did find the discussion of human tissue coalesence quite informative and enjoyed the many charts and diagrams. Good work.

Balancing Big Business, Economics and the Environment

How can we have a strong economy and thriving big businesses at the same time that we protect the environment and human health? This books explains how we can have the best of both these worlds through the use of new technologies that will allow us to enjoy an environmentally sustainable and yet economically viable future. If you generally interested in the field of sustainable business/development, this book can help you to better understand the many interesting aspects and opportunities of this field. Or, if you are already fairly knowledge on matters of the environment, technology or business, this book can provide you with some interesting, in-depth information as well. Of particular interest in this book is the chapter about the promising new technology of fuel cell vehicles entitled Fuel Cell Vehicles: Big Business, Fast Cars and Clean Air. This chapter presents a gripping, informative, and even entertainment account of how the field of sustainable business practices can offer something to everyone. Business people, investors, and environmentalist alike will find this book to be a valuable insight into the opportunites that sustainable development can provide.