Emergent Values of Morden Science and Technology in an African Context: Problems and Prospects

EMERGENT VALUES OF MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN AN AFRICAN CONTEXT: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

BY

THEOPHILUS OTSELU OGBHEMHE

DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS MORAL

AND PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES

KIRKWALL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

KIRKWALL, ORKNEY. SCOTLAND

EMAIL: [e-mail]

PHONE: [phone].

ABSTRACT

My paper is a brief exploration of the values of modern science and technology in an African context.

To start with, the overall importance of modern science and technology is everywhere no longer in question today. Rather, the general concern now is with the issue of how best to integrate science within diverse cultures without sacrificing or compromising natural human rights, dignity and values. Consequently, it seems imperative at this time when the African continent is beset by a multitude of problems (socio-political, cultural and economical), that we ascertain what possible values modern science and technology have for Africa as a culturally unique environment. What, in other words, is or ought to be the African interest in modern science and technology? This question forms the broad framework for other questions relating to this paper.

INTRODUCTION

A graduate schoolteacher of mine once wrote on the margin of one of my papers; “sometimes all that glitter is gold”. By this, he meant that upon detailed analysis, there exist a brighter side to most of the ideas I set out to rubbish in the paper. I cannot help getting this feeling whenever I read works aimed at exposing the so-called “enormous dangers and woes” science and technology has bequeathed on Africa. Part of my purpose in writing this paper is to expose and share with you some of what I take as misdirected criticisms against modern