Technology
Why Are Humans Inefficient in Progressing Scientifically and Technologically?
Why Are Humans Inefficient in Progressing Scientifically and Technologically?
The question of why humans are inefficient in progressing scientifically and technologically can be dissected into several intriguing aspects. This inefficiency is often attributed to the human biological design, societal structures, and economic mechanisms. While the primary focus of human survival instincts is to ensure physical well-being, the development and advancement of technologies often lie outside this essential framework.
Biological and Evolutionary Constraints
Unneeded Survival Technology: A significant portion of technology is not inherently required for survival. Humans, with their sophisticated brains and complex sensory systems, are not naturally adapted to handle or value advanced technologies. This mismatch between human evolution and the modern technological landscape means that the development of such technology does not come naturally or efficiently.
Brain and Sensory Adaptation: Our brains and sensory systems are designed more for immediate survival needs than for comprehending, developing, or utilizing advanced technologies. This natural alignment towards survival ensures our survival but hinders our progression in areas that are not directly tied to basic biological needs.
Economic and Social Factors
The inefficiency in scientific and technological advancement can also be attributed to economic structures and social policies. In particular, the prevailing forms of capitalism play a crucial role in slowing down the rate of progress.
Capitalism and Corporations
The current form of capitalism places a significant emphasis on concentrating property in a small number of corporations. This concentration of resources means that corporations often prioritize maximizing profits over further innovation. As a result, they tend to protect their existing market share and intellectual property rather than investing in new research and development (RD).
Intellectual Property and Patents: When corporations own intellectual property, it is in their best interest to maintain exclusivity and profitability. Instead of reinvesting profits into research, they focus on protecting their patented technologies and securing market advantage. This behavior stifles the kind of open innovation that could lead to breakthroughs.
Public vs. Private Funding
The reliance on public funding for research and development raises further questions about the efficiency of scientific and technological progress. Many key technological advancements are the result of public investment through government-funded research institutions, universities, and other public entities.
Case Study: Apple and the iPhone: The Apple iPhone is a prime example of how public funding contributes to technological innovation. The key technologies enabling the iPhone, such as integrated circuits, LCD displays, and programming languages, were largely developed with public money. Apple then commercialized these technologies, reaping the rewards while investing modestly in further RD.
Corporate Spending on RD
Despite the importance of RD, many corporations, including Apple, allocate only a small fraction of their revenue to this area. For instance, in recent years, Apple spent only 7.9% of its revenue on RD, which was considered a significant investment by some. This focus on short-term profits over long-term innovation can hinder scientific and technological progress.
Taxation and Innovation: The reluctance of corporations to pay their fair share of taxes, often facilitated through aggressive tax avoidance strategies, further exacerbates the problem. Public funding for research and development leads to tax revenue, which in turn supports further advancements. When corporations avoid paying taxes, public funding dwindles, ultimately stifling innovation.
Conclusion
While the human body and brain are not naturally inclined to drive technological progress, economic factors such as the current form of capitalism and corporate behavior significantly contribute to the inefficiency in scientific and technological advancements. To truly accelerate progress, there must be a shift in corporate focus from short-term profit maximization to long-term innovation, and a more equitable distribution of the benefits of public-funded research and development.
By addressing these challenges, we can foster a more conducive environment for scientific and technological breakthroughs, ultimately benefiting human society as a whole.