Sunday, October 3, 2010

Technology and Peace - Dr. Ravindra Kumar

Introduction
At the outset while initiating discussion about relations between technology and peace, or role of technology towards establishment of peace, or a debate on the effect of both on one-another, it is necessary that the meaning of technology and peace be understood separately, and light thrown on the purpose of both of them.

Technology
In simple words ‘technology’ means practical knowhow. The English word technology is derived from the Greek word ‘Technologia’. Further, ‘Technologia’ comprises of two words, ‘Techne’ referring art, skill and craft while the second, ‘Logia’ depicting study and analysis. It elucidates knowledge of a particular discipline. In short, the word ‘Technologia’ comprised of above-mentioned two Greek words and ‘Technology’ which when transformed in English language came to mean the state of art in a particular period. It introduces to the world the knowhow i.e., skill in practice [at all levels and in all spheres] of the period concerned, along with the tools used in making the skill practical and dynamic. Hence, technology is entirely a subject of practice or behaviour. Simultaneously, it reveals development and is symbolic of dynamism and progressiveness. Categorically, progress at all levels and in all walks of life is the foremost characteristic of technology. Technology has always played a vital role in progress and sometimes in unprecedented development. It doesn’t matter if development relates to revolution in any particular branch of science [including the field of printing or communication], or in the economic sphere.

Peace
Generally, peace is supposed to be a state free from violence, struggles and disputes. Especially in a state of cooperation, goodwill and harmony when social relations prevail then it is known as the state of peace. Particularly, the western concepts relating to it [peace] with the purpose of welfare and security in socio-economic sphere at local, national and international levels declare the atmosphere free from enmity and hate to be the state of peace. Along with this, they also urge for equality and honesty in political relations.
Along with the West, in the middle-east Asia words such as aloha, calm, salaam and shalom, emerged as synonym to peace and also reflected respect, justice, harmony and friendliness. As these words include action and for which practice is essential, peace thus cannot be a situation of status quo, or a motionless state. For, thousands of years ago, it was clarified by the Vedic philosophy that peace was not static. Peace was not inactive; rather, peace was active, dynamic and a powerful state, and it inspired people to step forward towards the assured development without any hindrance.
Moreover, peace creates enthusiasm in men creating dynamism and thus enabling them to meet any situation. Peace encourages a human being to do something more, besides his own development. It supports the achievement of a goal in life. Peace, despite being an end itself, works as the best means in achievement of one’s goal. Peace fills man with courage. It enables to creation of a conducive environment and thus enabling the pathway to development, therefore, fulfilling its meaning and purpose. Those who observe peace in a direction contrary to it and who try to connect it with a state of status quo or perpetuation, inactiveness and compulsion, are incorrect as they do not understand the true meaning of peace and its intent.

Technology and Peace
After becoming familiar with the word-meaning and purpose of technology and peace, we clearly observe certain common characteristics of both. These are as follows:
1. Both are the subject of practice and action;
2. Both have dynamism in their roots; and
3. Both are the subject of refinement and development as per the demand of time and space.

Besides these three extraordinary characteristics we find technology becoming a tool on the one hand and peace for calling for their use in the welfare, progress and prosperity of all on the other. Thus technology appears becoming the basis of the search of a new and useful tool and peace by connecting that search with human values, and preparing a ground for its positive use and thus hoping for the welfare of the entire humanity. Technology and peace are thus supportive and connected to one another. Moreover, I venture to say that the state of peace has always been, and is the basis of adaptability and success of technology and it will remain so in future. We must bear this fact in our mind and should also understand that technology is not for destruction at any level and in any walk of life. The use of technology for any kind of destruction is in fact against the meaning and purpose of it.
Peace is the glory and beauty of technology. Magnificence of technology remains in its peaceful and all welfaristic use. Simultaneously, its glory remains in its association with the high human values and through this in making the life worthy and prosperous. This is the only truth. Hence, technology and peace are supplementary and encouragement to each other.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Ravin you have set out clearly your thoughts on Technology and Peace and I can see you have great devotion in your words.
There are many words written on the subject of Peace but to me the way forward is Action not words.
Gandhi showed the world what path we should follow and for me the Wheel has already been invented by Gandhi on this subject.
Get down from our pedestals and go and live with the people who are suffering and experience their hardships and sorrows.There can never be Peace until the world learns to look after ALL its human brothers and sisters....That is the Path I am walking.
..I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have achieved if they have the same hope and the same faith....M K Gandhi.....

Sincerely

Garvin
Mahatma Gandhi Awareness