ABSTRACT
Some of the criticisms concern minor weaknesses or contradictions in the movement and the unrealistic claims of some of its proponents. This chapter provides analysis of the criticisms of Appropriate Technology. The vague, almost dogmatic use of "high technology" rhetoric, tends to obscure the possible contradictions and logical gaps in the criticisms of Appropriate Technology which charge it with intrinsic inefficiency. The criticism ignores the possibility that people may consciously influence the dynamic processes which determine the availability of technologies for the purpose of expanding technology choices. Many criticisms of Appropriate Technology are based upon either ignorance of available empirical evidence, distortion of the claims of leading protagonists, or reliance upon examples from the literature which differ from the consensus of the movement but which suit the biases of the critic. Some of the political criticisms are little more than dogmatic assertions or tirades by commentators predisposed against the movement.
