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Sustainable development and automation: are they compatible?

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Summary

The ecological crisis is a result of modern industrial development and its negative impacts which are not conducive to the co-existence of essential diversities in the ecosystem. One of the major trends in present day industry is to move towards computer-based automation. This article discusses the compatibility of this trend towards automation with sustainable development which is regarded as the only viable choice to overcome the ecological crisis. After discussing the present day concepts of sustainable development, automation and the economic impact of automation on society, this paper argues that computer-based automation in industry is not conducive to sustainable development. It is also argued that the spread of automation will decrease the capability of mankind as a whole to implement environmentally sustainable programmes. Finally, the man-nature relationship which is the philosophical basis of the industrial paradigm is discussed. As pointed out by some comparative philosophers, the basic concept of human superiority and separation from nature has to change in order to have a harmonious integrity of life forms as complementary realities in this phenomenal existence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2324, Main Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Satyabrata Pradhan

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  1. Satyabrata Pradhan
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Satyabrata Pradhan is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British

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Pradhan, S. Sustainable development and automation: are they compatible?. Environmentalist 16, 157–162 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01325105

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