Chiedza Vol 6 No 2 Technology Gender and Development

Abstract

In this issue of Chiedza we see a number of different views on technology, development and gender. While reflecting on these views, it is advisable to dissociate oneself from the cocoons of ignorance or intellectual obduracy, in order to critically assess one's beliefs, attitudes and practices with the view to illumining one's destination and that of humanity as a whole. Every piece of technology is a potential good, just as it is also a potential evil. Its actuality depends on what humans want it to be-it depends on how humans employ it. Until its employment, every technological piece is to be seen with both optimism and pessimism-yes-with bliss and relief on the one hand, and trepidation and dubiety on the other. Despite the several benefits of technology, one cannot afford to regard the burdens related to it as negligible or insignificant. Reflecting on the rapid growth of technology evident in the world today, some people regard technology as the messiah that will increase the longevity of human lives and alleviate tbe burden of workers, while some others perceive it as a monster that is here to injure and exterminate us. It is deleterious to the well-being of any society for it to concentrate on the economic benefits that come with technology at the expense of the ethical issues associated with it. While one might easily be lost in the euphoria engendered by technology, it is important that we evaluate its weaknesses and strengths thus far. While technologists and scientists pry into the deep recesses of nature to discover what might, in fact, be better left undiscovered, the disease of underdevelopment continues to afflict many so-called Third World countries. The rapidity of modem development has rather widened the appalling chasm between the opulent and the poor. While a minority of the world's popuLation is swimming in affluence, the majority is drowning in penury. The emphasis of peripheral economic indicators (e.g. the GDP) as the deus ex machina to solve all developmental problems is abysmal. The developmental problems, in the first place, do not emerge from the ploys of some arbitrary or ethereal beings, but (largely) from humans themselves, either explicitly or implicitly. Therefore, humans may not claim that they have been used and abused as pawns in the grips of some capricious entities. Humans need to assume responsibility for these anomalies, since they could be directly or indirectly traced to human actions, motivations and/or attitudes. Women's position in the developmental and technological processes of the modern society appears to be deplorable. In many instances, women are not only excluded from the mainstream of events in the society; they are also deprived of their basic rights as human beings. Using the sword of social construction, sharpened with societal stereotypes and patriarchal prejudices, the woman.is reduced to the roles of procreation, housewifery, and sexual gratification.
This issue of Chiedza opens with Wilfred Sumani's thought-provoking article, which seeks to explore the dialectical liaison between technology and the evolution of human consciousness. This is followed by Amedeus L. Shirima's depiction of scientific explanation as a key to progress in knowledge and technical development. David Kaulemu accentuates that scientific and technological development is directed by human beings. Prosper Batinge evaluates the marriage between traditional African science and technology in today's world. Stanislas Bigirimana raises ethical qestions concerning advertisement. Venturing into the field of development, Elaigvro Ami:::h contends that the "common good" is a viable developmental strategy. Reflecting on development vis-a-vis global competition. William Midzi investigates how the dignity of the poor in Africa can be ameliorated. Evaristus Ekwueme explores the primacy of truth within the context of human rights violation. While Jacob Dan-Azumi walks on the tight rope of gender, assessing the intricacies of gender roles, Tsitsi Masvaure, Paul Terry, and Penny Maral jointly emphasize men's role in the propagation of gender equity. Lastly, Patrick Madigan analyses John Milbank's Theology and Social Theory, pointing out Milbank's Romantic Platonism. The articles in this issue do not only offer some answers to some provocative questions, but also breed other ones-giving the reader something substantial to reflect upon. The contributors-in their unique and dexterous ways- cry to avoid the trap of superficiality and triviality by digging deep, thus unveiling the profundity and authenticity of the issues they are handling. They highlight a point where technology, development and/or gender traverse human lives and society. Contrary to several other readings on themes tackled in this edition of Chiedza, the articles in this collection are neither apologetic nor accusative. 1 must remark that you may not assent to the contributors' viewpoints on all counts; however, it is rewarding to pay attention to their poignant observations, critical analyses and systematic argumentations. On behalf of the editorial board of Chiedza, l acknowledge our indebtedness to all those who contributed articles to this issue of the journal. I also thank the members of the editorial board for their laudable efforts and invaluable inputs. I heartily welcome on board to this terrific team Isidore-Splendour Chukwu. In a special way, I congratulate Stephen Buckland on his re-appointment as the Staff Advisor of this journal. Finally, I wholeheartedly thank my immediate predecessor as editor, Theophill Makuni, for his enviable dedication and distinguished efforts during his tenure as the editor. May I wish all our readers a blissful Christmas and a successful New Year! Elaigwu P. Ameh, SJ . Editor-In-Chief