Question

Technical fixes require _____________ ______________ in cultural beliefs?

1) minimal change
2) no change
3) complete renewal
4) significant change

Answer 1

Technical fixes generally require minimal change in cultural beliefs because they are designed to solve specific problems without altering the broader cultural context significantly. However, when issues are embedded in cultural practices, more significant changes might be needed to address the core of the problem for lasting solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Technical fixes are often seen as solutions to problems that do not fundamentally alter the underlying cultural beliefs or practices. When we examine the issue of technical fixes in the context of cultural reform, we encounter the debate over how much change in cultural beliefs is necessary. In some cases, technical solutions can be implemented with minimal change to cultural beliefs, as they do not require the complete transformation of values or attitudes within a society. Such fixes are more focused on addressing specific issues without challenging or altering the overarching cultural framework.

However, when the problems are deeply rooted in cultural practices, significant change in cultural beliefs might be necessary to achieve lasting solutions. This goes beyond mere technical fixes and requires a broader societal shift, with reforms addressing the underlying causes. These cultural shifts could be driven by new scientific understandings, moral imperatives, or a recognition of unsustainable practices. Examples include drastic changes in dietary habits for health reasons or economic restructuring for environmental sustainability.

Given the information from the reference statements, the correct answer to the student's question is that technical fixes require minimal change in cultural beliefs, as they tend to focus on problem-solving within the existing cultural framework rather than promoting a fundamental shift in cultural paradigms.

Answer 2

Technical fixes in society require significant changes in cultural beliefs, as technical solutions often necessitate adjustments in values, attitudes, and practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

Technical fixes require a significant change in cultural beliefs. Technical solutions often necessitate not only an alteration in the tools and mechanisms of society but also an adjustment of cultural values and attitudes to work. This is because cultural reform entails an intricate process of transformation involving different societal groups and a substantial change in perceived practices and assumptions.

Cultural reform can be corrective, like supplementing vitamin C to address scurvy, or antidotal, where the cause of the disturbance is not altered but its symptoms are alleviated. Rachel Carson's work exemplified cultural reform by highlighting the environmental impact of pesticides, leading to increased awareness and eventually legislation.

The reform process often begins with the recognition of maladaptive activities, sometimes sparked by scientific knowledge, leading to a significant shift in understanding and eventually to broader cultural reform. This can mean the introduction of new laws, financial incentives, and changes in various societal domains such as urban planning, transport, and the economic system.