Meaning: Barry Commoner, an American biologist, professor, and environmental activist, made this thought-provoking statement, which reflects a critical viewpoint on the prevailing perception of production technology. Commoner's quote essentially challenges the widely held belief that production technology operates independently of human judgment and social interests, likening it to the fixed laws of nature such as thermodynamics, atomic structure, or biological inheritance. In doing so, he questions the assumed inevitability and neutrality of technological progress, highlighting the need for greater human agency and consideration of societal implications in technological development.

Commoner's quote sheds light on the pervasive belief that technology is often presented as a force beyond human control, driven solely by scientific principles and economic imperatives. This notion is deeply rooted in the modern industrial and post-industrial eras, where technological advancements have significantly shaped and transformed human societies. The belief that technology operates independently of human judgment and social interests has become ingrained in the collective consciousness, leading to a sense of inevitability and determinism in the trajectory of technological progress.

In the context of Commoner's quote, production technology refers to the methods and processes used to manufacture goods and provide services. This encompasses a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, and information technology. The prevailing myth Commoner refers to is the widespread assumption that technological advancements follow a predetermined path, guided primarily by scientific and economic factors, and are beyond the realm of human influence or intervention.

By likening production technology to the laws of thermodynamics, atomic structure, or biological inheritance, Commoner draws attention to the perceived inevitability and infallibility often associated with technological development. The laws of nature, such as thermodynamics and atomic structure, are considered immutable and universal, operating independently of human desires or societal considerations. Commoner's comparison suggests that production technology is often perceived through a similar lens, as if its evolution and impact are predetermined and beyond the scope of human agency.

Moreover, by referencing biological inheritance, Commoner alludes to the deterministic view of technological progress, which often overlooks the social and environmental consequences of technological innovation. Biological inheritance implies a hereditary transmission of traits from one generation to the next, suggesting a predetermined and unalterable course of development. In the context of technology, this analogy underscores the prevailing myth that technological progress is predetermined and impervious to human intervention or ethical considerations.

Commoner's critique challenges this deterministic view of technology and emphasizes the importance of human judgment and social interests in shaping technological development. He advocates for a more critical and participatory approach to technology, one that considers the broader implications for society, the environment, and future generations. This perspective aligns with Commoner's broader advocacy for environmental sustainability and social equity, emphasizing the need to integrate ethical, social, and environmental considerations into technological decision-making.

In summary, Barry Commoner's quote sheds light on the prevailing myth surrounding production technology, challenging the notion that it operates independently of human judgment and social interests. His critique encourages a reevaluation of the deterministic view of technological progress and advocates for a more conscientious and participatory approach to technological development. By highlighting the need for greater human agency and ethical consideration in shaping technology, Commoner's quote prompts us to critically examine the societal implications of technological advancements and the role of human judgment in guiding their trajectory.