This assignment asks you to consider how Americans have chosen to innovate and adopt technologies, both as a society and as individuals. You must engage with the following four related questions in a holistic manner, not as separate issues. Use historical examples drawn from course readings, lectures, and discussions to engage with these questions and to construct an original and thoughtful argument about social and individual choice regarding technology.
You will write a more focused and coherent paper if you limit your analysis to a particular category of technology: for example, transportation, communication, information and computing, energy, medicine and biotechnology, etc.
1. How has the state fostered innovation and regulated the pace and direction of technological change? What role have experts played in this process?
2. How has the market and private enterprise fostered innovation and regulated the pace and direction of technological change? What role has advertising played in this process? What is the relationship between technological innovation and consumer society?
3. How have you yourself chosen to adopt and use technologies, both in your role as a consumer and as a citizen?
4. By way of conclusion, give your considered opinion on the question of how we as a society and as individuals ought to make decisions about technological innovation and adoption. What standards and values would you apply to make these decisions?
