Technological Advancement and the Allocation of Resources for It

[kldickson]

This is a debate that I've been reading about fairly continuously - what proportion of resources, in a time of economic struggle, should be devoted to scientific and technological advancement.

On the one hand, there is the (rather poorly-thought-out) argument that there are other things which need to be taken care of now - shelter, nutrients, jobs, basic **** - before we can devote resources to technology which wouldn't be feasibly adopted until the far future. (Most humans have been noted to be horrible at thinking long-term.)

The argument which I side with is the fact that scientific and technological development is an important way out of this situation and even if a certain amount of money is diverted away from what can really only be considered short-term but more immediate solutions to the problem, we have to keep moving forward because not to do so would only cause delays in which advances can reach the rest of the world.

Thoughts?

 

[Astronuc]

On the one hand, there is the (rather poorly-thought-out) argument that there are other things which need to be taken care of now - shelter, nutrients, jobs, basic **** - before we can devote resources to technology which wouldn't be feasibly adopted until the far future. (Most humans have been noted to be horrible at thinking long-term.)

Jobs doing what? It seems for the majority of the population, needs of food and shelter are adequately satisfied. Those who took too much debt during the housing bubble, which burst last year, might be having difficulty meeting needs.

The argument which I side with is the fact that scientific and technological development is an important way out of this situation and even if a certain amount of money is diverted away from what can really only be considered short-term but more immediate solutions to the problem, we have to keep moving forward because not to do so would only cause delays in which advances can reach the rest of the world.

The industrialized nations are all making advances in technology. China, a developing nation, is making tremendous advances in technology. The under-developed nations, however, cannot afford to acquire technology, especially those facing civil war, or sectarian or tribal violence/war.

If the 'we' refers to the US, the other industrialized nations do not need what the US produces because they can produce the same, if not better, goods. The developing nations can go to the lowest cost producer, and so the US has competition, but is often not competitive in many markets.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I believe that it is crucial to continue investing resources into scientific and technological advancement, even in times of economic struggle. While it is important to address immediate needs such as shelter, food, and jobs, we must also recognize the long-term benefits of investing in science and technology.

First and foremost, scientific and technological developments have the potential to greatly improve our quality of life. From advancements in medicine and healthcare to more efficient and sustainable energy sources, these innovations have the power to positively impact society as a whole. By investing in these areas, we are ultimately investing in our future well-being.

Additionally, scientific and technological advancements can also lead to economic growth. New technologies and innovations often create new industries and job opportunities, stimulating the economy and creating a better standard of living for individuals. In fact, many of the solutions to our current economic struggles may lie in science and technology, such as finding new ways to address climate change or developing more efficient and cost-effective methods of production.

Furthermore, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial for countries to stay competitive in the global market. This can only be achieved through continued investment in science and technology. Falling behind in these areas can have significant consequences for a country's economy and overall development.

Of course, it is important to prioritize and allocate resources wisely, but completely halting investment in scientific and technological advancement would be short-sighted and ultimately detrimental to our progress as a society. We must continue to think long-term and invest in the future, even during times of economic struggle.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I believe that a certain proportion of resources should always be devoted to scientific and technological advancement, regardless of economic conditions. The benefits and potential solutions that can arise from these investments far outweigh any short-term sacrifices that may need to be made. It is our responsibility to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, for the betterment of both current and future generations.