Science and Technology in a Developing World

This book explores two complementary aspects of post-colonial science/technology practice. The cognitive and technical trajectories experienced by many third world nations since decolonization are assessed in terms of a changing dynamic between north and south where the south is increasingly a decisive actor. The thrust and substance of this dynamic has changed continually over the last half century, and with the passage of time the south has become increasingly dominant, albeit in often highly subtle ways. On a second level, it is argued that south/north interactions can only be fully understood in the light of an epistemological perspective. The science-related representations, policies, and practices of the north regarding the south become transparent when seen in terms of northern epistemological traditions and progress. Concurrently, the authors of this book submit that, by grasping the epistemologies held or fostered in the south toward science and technology (as well as toward alternative forms of practice and learning), the actions of southern actors and their dealings with the north acquire important incremental intelligibility.