Degeneracy - Revision history

Marcin: /* Combined Effect */

2026-03-09T22:23:34Z

Combined Effect

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:23, 9 March 2026
Line 137:		Line 137:

	* '''System degeneracy''': one function can be performed by many systems.		* '''System degeneracy''': one function can be performed by many systems.
	* '''Part degeneracy''': many specialized parts are reduced to a small set of generalized components.		* '''Part and Module degeneracy''': many specialized parts are reduced to a small set of generalized components.

	Together they enable a technological ecosystem characterized by:		Together they enable a technological ecosystem characterized by:

Marcin: /* Part Degeneracy */

2026-03-09T22:22:25Z

Part Degeneracy

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:22, 9 March 2026
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	Part degeneracy often requires designing components to be slightly more generalized so they can perform multiple roles.		Part degeneracy often requires designing components to be slightly more generalized so they can perform multiple roles.

	~~{\| class~~=~~"wikitable"~~		=Levels of Degeneracy=
	~~! Conventional Situation~~
	~~! Degenerate Solution~~
	~~! Benefit~~
	\|-
	~~\| Hundreds~~ of ~~screw types and brands~~
	~~\| Small standardized fastener set (for example 3–5 screw types)~~
	~~\| Simplified supply chain and tooling~~
	\|-
	~~\| Hundreds of doorknob and latch designs~~
	~~\| 2–3 standardized door mechanisms~~
	~~\| Interchangeable hardware across buildings~~
	\|-
	~~\| Thousands of unique automotive components across many models~~
	~~\| Modular vehicle platform using shared components~~
	~~\| Reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repair~~
	\|-
	~~\| Machine-specific brackets~~
	~~\| Universal mounting bracket system~~
	~~\| Same bracket usable across multiple machines~~
	\|-
	~~\| Many specialized structural connectors~~
	~~\| Standardized bolt-together connection system~~
	~~\| Faster fabrication and easier field assembly~~
	\|}

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	! Level ~~of Degeneracy~~		! Level
	! Conventional Situation		! Conventional Situation
	! ~~Degenerate~~ Solution		! Consolidated or Generalized Solution
	! Benefit		! Benefit
	\|-		\|-
	\| System ~~Degeneracy~~		\| System
	\| Electrical energy generated primarily from a single dominant technology		\| Electrical energy generated primarily from a single dominant technology
	\| Photovoltaic array, wind turbine, micro-hydro, biogas generator all capable of producing electricity		\| Photovoltaic array, wind turbine, micro-hydro, biogas generator all capable of producing electricity
	\| Functional resilience and adaptation to local resources		\| Functional resilience and adaptation to local resources
	\|-		\|-
	\| System ~~Degeneracy~~		\| System
	\| Agricultural cultivation dependent on a single mechanization pathway		\| Agricultural cultivation dependent on a single mechanization pathway
	\| Tractor, animal traction, walk-behind tractor, electric micro-tractor		\| Tractor, animal traction, walk-behind tractor, electric micro-tractor
	\| Multiple viable technological pathways for the same agricultural function		\| Multiple viable technological pathways for the same agricultural function
	\|-		\|-
	\| System ~~Degeneracy~~		\| System
	\| Heat generation tied to a single fuel or technology		\| Heat generation tied to a single fuel or technology
	\| Solar thermal, biomass furnace, electric resistance heater, heat pump		\| Solar thermal, biomass furnace, electric resistance heater, heat pump
	\| Flexibility of energy sources and infrastructure		\| Flexibility of energy sources and infrastructure
	\|-		\|-
	\| Part ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Part
	\| Thousands of unique automotive components across many models		\| Thousands of unique automotive components across many models
	\| Modular vehicle platform using shared components		\| Modular vehicle platform using shared components
	\| Reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repair		\| Reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repair
	\|-		\|-
	\| Part ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Part
	\| Hundreds of screw types, drive types, and proprietary fasteners		\| Hundreds of screw types, drive types, and proprietary fasteners
	\| Small standardized fastener set (for example 3–5 screw types)		\| Small standardized fastener set (for example 3–5 screw types)
	\| Reduced part inventory and simplified tooling		\| Reduced part inventory and simplified tooling
	\|-		\|-
	\| Part ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Part
	\| Hundreds of door knob and latch mechanisms		\| Hundreds of door knob and latch mechanisms
	\| 2–3 standardized door mechanisms usable across many buildings		\| 2–3 standardized door mechanisms usable across many buildings
	\| Interchangeability and simplified maintenance		\| Interchangeability and simplified maintenance
	\|-		\|-
	\| Part ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Part
	\| Machine-specific brackets designed separately for each product		\| Machine-specific brackets designed separately for each product
	\| Universal mounting bracket usable across multiple machines		\| Universal mounting bracket usable across multiple machines
	\| Reduced design complexity and increased interoperability		\| Reduced design complexity and increased interoperability
	\|-		\|-
	\| Module ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Module
	\| Each machine designed with a unique drivetrain axle system		\| Each machine designed with a unique drivetrain axle system
	\| [[Universal Axis]] used across multiple machines (tractors, vehicles, industrial equipment)		\| [[Universal Axis]] used across multiple machines (tractors, vehicles, industrial equipment)
	\| Multipurpose module reduces unique machine subsystems		\| Multipurpose module reduces unique machine subsystems
	\|-		\|-
	\| Module ~~Degeneracy~~		\| Module
	\| Each vehicle platform requires a unique wheel and hub assembly		\| Each vehicle platform requires a unique wheel and hub assembly
	\| [[Universal Wheel Unit]] used across multiple machines and vehicle types		\| [[Universal Wheel Unit]] used across multiple machines and vehicle types

Marcin: /* Part Degeneracy */

2026-03-09T22:20:37Z

Part Degeneracy

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 9 March 2026
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	\| Solar thermal, biomass furnace, electric resistance heater, heat pump		\| Solar thermal, biomass furnace, electric resistance heater, heat pump
	\| Flexibility of energy sources and infrastructure		\| Flexibility of energy sources and infrastructure
			\|-
			\| Part Degeneracy
			\| Thousands of unique automotive components across many models
			\| Modular vehicle platform using shared components
			\| Reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repair
	\|-		\|-
	\| Part Degeneracy		\| Part Degeneracy

Marcin: /* Part Degeneracy */

2026-03-09T22:18:32Z

Part Degeneracy

@@ Line 102: / Line 102: @@
 | Standardized bolt-together connection system
 | Faster fabrication and easier field assembly
 |}

Marcin at 22:14, 9 March 2026

2026-03-09T22:14:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:14, 9 March 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
			=2026 Chat=
			= Degeneracy (Design Principle) =

			In the design framework of Open Source Ecology (OSE), '''degeneracy''' refers to the deliberate structuring of technological systems so that functionality is not tied to a single implementation or a large set of proprietary parts. Instead, systems are designed such that:

			* multiple distinct systems can perform the same function, and/or
			* many specialized parts can be collapsed into a smaller number of generalized components.

			Degeneracy increases:

			* resilience
			* adaptability to local resources
			* replicability of technology
			* reduction of part count
			* supply chain independence

			Degeneracy occurs at two complementary levels: '''system degeneracy''' and '''part degeneracy'''.

			== System Degeneracy ==

			'''Definition'''

			System degeneracy is the condition in which multiple distinct technological systems can perform the same functional role within a larger infrastructure.

			The implementations may differ in:

			* materials
			* energy source
			* fabrication methods
			* technological complexity
			* cost structure

			Yet they produce the same functional outcome.

			This enables technological systems to adapt to local conditions and available resources while maintaining functional compatibility within the broader infrastructure.

			{\| class="wikitable"
			! Function
			! Degenerate System Implementations
			! Notes
			\|-
			\| Electrical energy generation
			\| Photovoltaic array, wind turbine, micro-hydro, biogas generator
			\| Multiple renewable or combustion pathways provide the same output: electricity
			\|-
			\| Heat generation
			\| Solar thermal, biomass furnace, electric resistance heater, heat pump
			\| Different energy pathways providing thermal energy
			\|-
			\| Agricultural cultivation
			\| Tractor, animal traction, walk-behind tractor, electric micro-tractor
			\| Same agricultural function with different technological levels
			\|-
			\| Material cutting
			\| Laser cutter, plasma cutter, waterjet cutter, mechanical saw
			\| Different physical processes performing the same manufacturing task
			\|-
			\| Structural beam
			\| Steel beam, laminated wood beam, reinforced concrete beam, plastic lumber beam
			\| Same structural role using different materials
			\|}

			== Part Degeneracy ==

			'''Definition'''

			Part degeneracy is the process of collapsing many specialized components into a smaller set of generalized parts that can serve multiple functions across many products.

			Instead of each machine requiring unique proprietary parts, a shared component ecosystem emerges.

			This approach:

			* minimizes total part count
			* simplifies maintenance and logistics
			* increases interoperability between machines
			* enables easier local manufacturing

			Part degeneracy often requires designing components to be slightly more generalized so they can perform multiple roles.

			{\| class="wikitable"
			! Conventional Situation
			! Degenerate Solution
			! Benefit
			\|-
			\| Hundreds of screw types and brands
			\| Small standardized fastener set (for example 3–5 screw types)
			\| Simplified supply chain and tooling
			\|-
			\| Hundreds of doorknob and latch designs
			\| 2–3 standardized door mechanisms
			\| Interchangeable hardware across buildings
			\|-
			\| Thousands of unique automotive components across many models
			\| Modular vehicle platform using shared components
			\| Reduced manufacturing complexity and easier repair
			\|-
			\| Machine-specific brackets
			\| Universal mounting bracket system
			\| Same bracket usable across multiple machines
			\|-
			\| Many specialized structural connectors
			\| Standardized bolt-together connection system
			\| Faster fabrication and easier field assembly
			\|}

			== Combined Effect ==

			System degeneracy and part degeneracy operate in opposite structural directions:

			* '''System degeneracy''': one function can be performed by many systems.
			* '''Part degeneracy''': many specialized parts are reduced to a small set of generalized components.

			Together they enable a technological ecosystem characterized by:

			* diversity of systems
			* simplicity of components
			* modular interoperability
			* global replicability of infrastructure

			This principle supports the development of open, modular industrial systems capable of adapting to widely varying fabrication capacities and resource conditions.

	=OSE Context=		=OSE Context=

Marcin at 20:38, 17 December 2023

2023-12-17T20:38:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 17 December 2023
Line 16:		Line 16:
	With the introduction of the [[Edge of Knowledge]] concept, and its accompanying [[1000 Hour Curriculum]] to teach a person genius within 4 years - the concept of Radical Degeneracy is introduced.		With the introduction of the [[Edge of Knowledge]] concept, and its accompanying [[1000 Hour Curriculum]] to teach a person genius within 4 years - the concept of Radical Degeneracy is introduced.

	==Seed Eco-Home Context==		=Seed Eco-Home Context=
	Modular design of the Seed Eco-Home allows for specific and reusable design-build patterns to be used, like in [[Pattern Language]]. These are reduced in complexity by [[Integrated Design]]		Modular design of the Seed Eco-Home allows for specific and reusable design-build patterns to be used, like in [[Pattern Language]]. These are reduced in complexity by [[Integrated Design]]

Marcin: /* Seed Eco-Home Context */

2023-12-17T20:37:52Z

Seed Eco-Home Context

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 17 December 2023
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	*[[Product Ecologies]] as a generalization of modularity to product eco-systems		*[[Product Ecologies]] as a generalization of modularity to product eco-systems
	Degeneracy refers to a narrowly-constrained - yet generative - design that results from the design process. The degeneracy refers to the notion that when all the above constraints are applied, then the resulting design solution will be quite similar - regardless of who designs it. This is one of the enabling features of large-scale, [[Collaborative Design]]. This implies that many teams working on a design problem have the maximum flexibility to collaborate - by working independently while reconciling results - with minimum [[Collaborative Waste]] of coordination. Ie, the dedign process can be a distributed process - because of shared values and tactics. This is similar to [[Mission Command]] in the miliary: each participant is maximally informed and can make decisions with minimum input from leadership.		Degeneracy refers to a narrowly-constrained - yet generative - design that results from the design process. The degeneracy refers to the notion that when all the above constraints are applied, then the resulting design solution will be quite similar - regardless of who designs it. This is one of the enabling features of large-scale, [[Collaborative Design]]. This implies that many teams working on a design problem have the maximum flexibility to collaborate - by working independently while reconciling results - with minimum [[Collaborative Waste]] of coordination. Ie, the dedign process can be a distributed process - because of shared values and tactics. This is similar to [[Mission Command]] in the miliary: each participant is maximally informed and can make decisions with minimum input from leadership.

			=2023 Update=

			With the introduction of the [[Edge of Knowledge]] concept, and its accompanying [[1000 Hour Curriculum]] to teach a person genius within 4 years - the concept of Radical Degeneracy is introduced.

	==Seed Eco-Home Context==		==Seed Eco-Home Context==
	Modular design of the Seed Eco-Home allows for specific and reusable design-build patterns to be used, like in [[Pattern Language]]. These are reduced in complexity by [[Integrated Design]]		Modular design of the Seed Eco-Home allows for specific and reusable design-build patterns to be used, like in [[Pattern Language]]. These are reduced in complexity by [[Integrated Design]]

Marcin: /* Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society */

2023-09-15T18:21:51Z

Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 15 September 2023
Line 51:		Line 51:
	If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. Understanding both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society - is a prerequisite for a democratic society.		If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. Understanding both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society - is a prerequisite for a democratic society.

	OSE is teaching students how to learn to become responsible humans (4 years) and how to design and build anything (4 years) - for an 8 year prerequisite to becoming a global steward. See [[		OSE is teaching students how to learn - on their way to become responsible humans (4 years) - and how to design and build anything (4 years) - for an 8 year prerequisite to becoming a global steward. See [[OSE Abundance Curriculum]].

	=Examples=		=Examples=

Marcin: /* Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society */

2023-09-15T18:21:15Z

Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:21, 15 September 2023
Line 50:		Line 50:

	If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. Understanding both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society - is a prerequisite for a democratic society.		If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. Understanding both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society - is a prerequisite for a democratic society.

			OSE is teaching students how to learn to become responsible humans (4 years) and how to design and build anything (4 years) - for an 8 year prerequisite to becoming a global steward. See [[

	=Examples=		=Examples=

Marcin: /* Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society */

2023-09-15T18:18:27Z

Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 15 September 2023
Line 49:		Line 49:
	=Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society=		=Degeneracy and Modularity for Rapid Builds and Democratic Society=

	If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. ~~For this reason, we believe that the technocratic class must learn integrated technology - ie,~~ both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society.		If we use a [[LoD]] (Level of Degeneracy) 500 requirement - then the [[Module-Based Design]], [[Construction Set Approach]] allows us to reduce complexity of technology to a level which every competent collaborator can learn how to design and build anything, from tractors to microchips, in a period of 4 years. This is extreme [[Rapid Learning]], and is a prerequisite for a technocracy to co-exist as a democracy. This means that the LoD 500 specification must be, first, refined - and then iteratively implemented. In order for technology to become responsible, an augmentation or substitution of the current 5% (USA) [https://www.google.com/search?q=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&sca_esv=565711247&ei=kJ4EZeqUA865qtsPo9GUQA&ved=0ahUKEwjqnObjm62BAxXOnGoFHaMoBQgQ4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=what+percentage+of+society+are+engineers&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiKHdoYXQgcGVyY2VudGFnZSBvZiBzb2NpZXR5IGFyZSBlbmdpbmVlcnMyBhAAGBYYHjIIEAAYigUYhgMyCBAAGIoFGIYDSLAQUJoCWLAPcAJ4AZABAJgBdqABjAeqAQM1LjS4AQPIAQD4AQHCAgoQABhHGNYEGLAD4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp] who are scientists and engineers must occur. That is, any engineer and scientist must not only understand technology, but also society - so that omnipotent technological development also contains responsibility and ethics. Understanding both how one technology relates to another - and how it reletes to society - is a prerequisite for a democratic society.

	=Examples=		=Examples=