ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role of science and technology in the development and the interaction between cultures. It shows that a balanced disclosure of meaning is only possible when good communication between cultures is brought about so that a process of differentiation, integration and individualisation of social practices can result. It also sees that science and technology disturbs the balance of power between cultures by the dominance of Western knowledge and skills in education or by enforcing a consumer market according to the logic of lifestyle pluralism. The introduction of Western science and technology brings with it a whole system of Western values. In contrast to the social constructivism of postcolonial science and technology studies neoconservative philosophers once more point out the importance of moral formation. Finally, it is to consider whether the dominance of Western values in the process of globalisation is caused by their inherent superiority or by political power.
