ABSTRACT
Summary
In this chapter we will discuss the role of science and technology in the development of and the interaction between cultures and show 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. In practice it is found that the imperialism of Western society and the dominance of modern science and technology often lead to a disturbance of the relationships between different cultures. The result is one uniform and standardised monoculture. However, the process of globalisation also confronts us with new forms of plurality and diversity and adds a new dynamics to the interaction and interchange between cultures. Not only processes of power may lead to an unbalanced growth in cultural development. A warped or restricted view of life can also impede further development and unfolding of human existence.
In Chapter 10 the influence of technology on society was the central focus. Has modern technology developed into an autonomous factor determining the life and society of human beings? Or should we rather say that social processes influence technological development? In this chapter we will investigate an issue closely connected to this problem: how the development of modern technology changes the structure of society and how we have to interpret these processes of change. Some authors emphasise the integrating role of technology in society and warn against a worldwide monoculture of standardisation, increase in scale and love of gain. Others point out in particular the differentiating and pluralising effects of technology. By means of the new information and communication technology we come into contact with a diversity of cultures and lifestyles. We no longer need to subject ourselves to collective criteria and can choose our own particular 240individualistic lifestyle. The iPod is a good illustration of both homogenisation and pluralisation. On the one hand with this small apparatus we form part of a worldwide American culture of consumption; on the other hand we can draw up our own unique playlist and listen, for example, to local bands.
