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Low technology Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Understanding Low Technology and Related Concepts

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Understanding Low Technology and Related Concepts Study Guide

Defining Low Technology

The definition of low technology is exclusively predicated on its age, implying it must be ancient in origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The assertion that low technology is exclusively defined by its antiquity is inaccurate. While many low-tech examples are ancient, the definition primarily relates to simplicity of design and application, not solely age.

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Pre-Industrial Revolution mechanical devices, such as windmills, are classified as high-technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The assertion that pre-Industrial Revolution machines like windmills are classified as high-technology is incorrect. These technologies are generally classified as low-technology due to their relative simplicity compared to modern industrial machinery.

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According to the Cambridge International Dictionary of English, low-tech is defined as techniques that are very recent and utilize advanced materials.

Answer: False

Explanation: This definition is inaccurate. The Cambridge International Dictionary of English defines low-tech as techniques that are not recent or that employ old materials, contrasting it with advanced or modern technologies.

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The term 'low-tech' has been integrated into scientific discourse primarily since the 2000s, often involving analyses of 1970s scholarly works.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. Scientific literature since the 2000s has increasingly utilized the term 'low-tech,' frequently examining foundational works from the 1970s and referencing authors like Hirsch-Kreinsen and Gordon in discussions about technological classification.

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The definition of low-tech sometimes exclusively focuses on technologies designed to fulfill complex entertainment requirements.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While some definitions might be narrow, the common understanding and broader approaches to low-tech often focus on technologies meeting basic needs, rather than exclusively complex entertainment needs.

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The term 'lower tech' is preferred because it suggests that technology exists on a fixed, absolute scale.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The preference for 'lower tech' arises from the view that technology exists on a relative spectrum rather than in discrete, absolute categories, acknowledging the nuances of technological advancement.

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The binary definition of low-tech, as commonly found in dictionaries, incorporates future-oriented ecological methodologies.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The binary or dictionary definition of low-tech typically focuses on simplicity and the use of old materials or non-recent techniques, rather than encompassing future-oriented ecological methods.

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A narrower definition of low-tech restricts its scope exclusively to technologies that address fundamental human needs, such as shelter and sustenance.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. Some restrictive definitions of low-tech focus solely on technologies essential for basic survival needs like shelter, food, and heating. However, this is not the universally accepted definition.

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The terminology 'lower tech' implies that technology exists within distinct, separate categorical frameworks.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The preference for 'lower tech' arises from the perspective that technology exists on a relative spectrum rather than in rigidly defined, separate categories, acknowledging the nuances of technological development.

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What is the fundamental characteristic defining low technology?

Answer: It encompasses technologies that are basic in design and application.

Explanation: The fundamental characteristic defining low technology is its basic design and application, distinguishing it from complex, high-technology systems. While often associated with older inventions, its core attribute is simplicity.

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According to the Cambridge International Dictionary of English, how is low-tech defined?

Answer: As techniques that are not recent or that use old materials.

Explanation: The Cambridge International Dictionary of English provides a concise definition of low-tech as techniques that are not recent or that utilize old materials, emphasizing its contrast with modern technological advancements.

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Historical Context and Movements

E. F. Schumacher's characterization of low technologies as 'liberating' was prominent during the 1970s low-tech movement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The statement that E. F. Schumacher described low technologies as 'liberating' during the 1970s low-tech movement is incorrect. While Schumacher was a key figure, the provided source indicates he described them as 'intermediaries,' and M. Bookchin used the term 'liberating'.

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The emergence of the 1970s low-tech movement was primarily driven by rapid technological advancements and economic expansion.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is contrary to the historical context. The 1970s low-tech movement arose from doubts about progress and growth, influenced by reports like 'The Limits to Growth,' rather than being driven by rapid advancements and economic expansion.

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The concept of 'intermediate technology,' as introduced by E. F. Schumacher, is considered unrelated to the discourse on low technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. E. F. Schumacher's concept of 'intermediate technology,' introduced in his book 'Small is beautiful,' is closely aligned with and often considered synonymous with low technology, focusing on appropriate and accessible solutions.

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Langdon Winner's scholarly work in the 1970s included investigations into the domain of low technology.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. Langdon Winner was among the scholars who conducted studies on low technology during the 1970s, contributing to the discourse on technological alternatives.

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E. F. Schumacher's seminal work, 'Small is beautiful,' advocated for 'intermediate technology,' a concept distinct from low technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. E. F. Schumacher's 'Small is beautiful' championed 'intermediate technology,' which is closely related to and often considered synonymous with the concept of low technology, focusing on appropriate scale and accessibility.

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The 1970s low-tech movement drew influence from the 1972 report titled 'The Limits to Growth'.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. The 'low-tech movement' that gained prominence in the 1970s was significantly influenced by critical analyses of progress and growth, including the seminal 1972 report 'The Limits to Growth'.

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In the 1970s, Langdon Winner advocated for the widespread adoption of complex, high-technology solutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Langdon Winner was a proponent of studying and understanding low technology during the 1970s, contributing to a discourse that questioned the uncritical embrace of high-tech solutions.

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Which historical period witnessed the emergence of a 'low-tech movement,' significantly influenced by critiques of progress and reports such as 'The Limits to Growth'?

Answer: The 1970s

Explanation: The 'low-tech movement' gained traction during the 1970s. This period was marked by growing skepticism towards unchecked technological progress and was influenced by critical analyses of growth, exemplified by 'The Limits to Growth'.

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Who characterized low technologies as 'intermediaries' during the 1970s low-tech movement?

Answer: E. F. Schumacher

Explanation: E. F. Schumacher, in his influential work 'Small is beautiful,' described 'intermediate technology'—a concept closely aligned with low technology—as 'intermediaries.' M. Bookchin, another figure of the era, used the term 'liberating' for such technologies.

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The concept of 'intermediate technology,' closely related to low technology, was introduced by whom?

Answer: E. F. Schumacher

Explanation: E. F. Schumacher is credited with introducing the concept of 'intermediate technology,' which is highly congruent with the principles of low technology, emphasizing appropriate scale and accessibility for development.

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The 'low-tech movement' of the 1970s emerged, in part, as a response to which prevailing conditions?

Answer: Growing concerns about environmental degradation and resource limits.

Explanation: The 1970s low-tech movement was partly a reaction against the prevailing technological optimism and economic expansion, fueled by growing concerns regarding environmental degradation and the finite nature of resources, as highlighted by reports like 'The Limits to Growth'.

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What is the relationship between 'intermediate technology' and 'low tech'?

Answer: They are closely related concepts, with intermediate technology often corresponding to low tech.

Explanation: The concept of 'intermediate technology,' popularized by E. F. Schumacher, is closely aligned with low technology. It refers to technologies that are appropriate in scale and complexity, bridging the gap between basic tools and advanced industrial systems.

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Perspectives and Critiques

The 'wider and more balanced approach' to low-tech innovation views such developments negatively, perceiving them as a regression.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The 'wider and more balanced approach' views low-tech innovation positively, often contrasting it with planned obsolescence and consumerist principles, and seeing potential in future-oriented ecological methods.

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Recent trends in resource scarcity have precipitated an increase in criticism directed towards low-tech solutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Resource scarcity, particularly concerning minerals, has recently intensified criticism primarily directed towards *high-tech* solutions, prompting a re-evaluation of technological dependencies.

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Philippe Bihouix argued in 2014 that France should embrace a 'start-up' nation model, prioritizing advanced high-tech for sustainability.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. Philippe Bihouix's 2014 argument, presented in 'L'Âge des low tech,' proposed that a nation like France, facing resource limitations, should instead transition towards becoming a 'low-tech' nation aligned with sustainable development goals, rather than solely focusing on high-tech innovation.

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The 'wider and more balanced approach' defines low-tech solely based on its simplicity and a lack of recent innovation.

Answer: False

Explanation: This definition is incomplete and inaccurate. The 'wider and more balanced approach' expands the definition beyond mere simplicity and age, incorporating future-oriented, ecological, and community-building aspects, and critically examining consumerist principles.

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The 'See also' section lists 'Degrowth' and 'Simple living' as concepts intrinsically linked to low technology.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. The 'See also' section includes concepts such as 'Degrowth' and 'Simple living,' which are philosophically and practically associated with the principles and societal implications of low technology.

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Philippe Bihouix's advocacy for France to adopt a 'low-tech' national strategy was primarily predicated on the nation's abundant mineral resources.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. Bihouix's argument for a 'low-tech' approach was based on the premise of *limited* mineral and energy resources in nations like France, suggesting it as a more sustainable path compared to high-tech dependency.

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The 'wider and more balanced approach' posits that low-tech can contribute to the reduction of economic inequalities due to its inherent accessibility.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. This broader perspective suggests that the accessibility of low-tech, enabling widespread creation and knowledge sharing, can serve as a mechanism to mitigate economic disparities.

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The 'wider and more balanced approach' to low-tech critiques principles of planned obsolescence and consumerism.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate. This broader perspective on low-tech challenges the prevailing consumerist and materialist ethos by questioning practices like planned obsolescence and promoting more durable, repairable, and sustainable technological solutions.

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What contemporary perspective has intensified criticism directed towards high-tech and technology in general?

Answer: The perspective of resource scarcity, particularly minerals

Explanation: The growing recognition of resource scarcity, particularly concerning critical minerals, has significantly amplified criticism of high-tech systems and their sustainability, prompting a critical re-evaluation of current technological development models.

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In his 2014 book, what alternative path did Philippe Bihouix propose for a nation like France, considering its resource limitations?

Answer: To become a 'low-tech' nation aligned with sustainable development goals.

Explanation: Philippe Bihouix, in 'L'Âge des low tech,' argued that nations facing resource limitations, such as France, should adopt a 'low-tech' national strategy aligned with sustainable development goals, rather than solely pursuing a 'start-up' nation model focused on high-tech innovation.

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The 'wider and more balanced approach' expands the definition of low-tech to encompass which of the following?

Answer: New, future-oriented methods that are ecological and rebuild social connections.

Explanation: This broader perspective includes not only traditional low-tech but also new, future-oriented methodologies that are ecological in nature and aim to foster social connections, moving beyond a purely historical or simplistic definition.

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How does the 'wider and more balanced approach' suggest low-tech can contribute to reducing economic inequalities?

Answer: Through its accessibility, allowing anyone to create and share know-how.

Explanation: The 'wider and more balanced approach' posits that low-tech's inherent accessibility empowers individuals to create and disseminate knowledge ('know-how'), thereby democratizing technology and potentially reducing economic disparities by making creation and knowledge widely available.

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Which of the following is listed as a related concept to low technology in the 'See also' section?

Answer: Planned Obsolescence

Explanation: The 'See also' section includes 'Planned Obsolescence' as a related concept. This term critiques a common practice in high-tech manufacturing, aligning with the broader critical discourse surrounding technology that low-tech perspectives often engage with.

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Which characterization best describes the 'wider and more balanced approach' to defining low-tech?

Answer: It views low-tech as potentially future-oriented, ecological, and community-building.

Explanation: This approach broadens the definition of low-tech beyond historical limitations, recognizing its potential for future application, ecological sustainability, and the rebuilding of social connections, thereby challenging purely historical or simplistic interpretations.

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Philippe Bihouix's book 'L'Âge des low tech' suggests that a 'low-tech' approach is particularly advantageous for nations facing what specific challenge?

Answer: Limited mineral and energy resources.

Explanation: Bihouix argues that nations confronting limitations in mineral and energy resources can benefit significantly from adopting a 'low-tech' strategy, as it aligns better with sustainable development and resource conservation compared to high-tech dependencies.

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The justification for the 'wider and more balanced approach' to low-tech includes questioning which specific aspect of modern production?

Answer: Durability and repairability

Explanation: This broader approach to low-tech challenges modern production paradigms by questioning the emphasis on planned obsolescence and advocating for greater durability and repairability, contrasting with the focus on constant innovation and speed.

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The criticism of high-tech stemming from resource scarcity is fundamentally linked to which broader concern?

Answer: The sustainability of current technological development models.

Explanation: Criticism of high-tech due to resource scarcity is intrinsically linked to concerns about the long-term sustainability of current technological development models, highlighting the finite nature of resources required for advanced technologies.

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Examples and Applications

Primitive technologies such as bushcraft and tools fashioned from basic materials like stone are considered examples of high technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: This classification is incorrect. Bushcraft and tools made from fundamental materials like stone are archetypal examples of low technology, representing early human ingenuity and basic tool-making principles.

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The depiction of a farmer utilizing a horse and plough represents a contemporary, mechanized agricultural practice.

Answer: False

Explanation: This representation is inaccurate. The image of a farmer using a horse and plough exemplifies traditional, low-technology agricultural practices, predating modern mechanized farming techniques.

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A controlled open fire utilized for cooking is an example of a recent technological innovation.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. A controlled open fire, a fundamental technology developed millions of years ago and still used for cooking, represents an ancient and enduring example of low technology, not a recent innovation.

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The infographic 'Low-techs: Sustainably securing the essentials for all' primarily emphasizes complex, high-tech solutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. The infographic 'Low-techs: Sustainably securing the essentials for all' visually presents the criteria and principles associated with low-tech innovation, focusing on sustainability and the provision of essential needs, not complex high-tech solutions.

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Skateboarding in Mexico City is presented as an instance of complex, high-tech transportation.

Answer: False

Explanation: This classification is inaccurate. Skateboarding in Mexico City is cited as an example of low-tech mobility, characterized by its simplicity and human-powered nature.

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Handmade brooms originating from the Philippines exemplify advanced, automated manufacturing processes.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Handmade brooms from regions like the Philippines are presented as examples of low-tech craftsmanship, utilizing traditional methods and local materials rather than advanced, automated manufacturing.

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The horse and cart, still in use in 2004, represents a mode of transportation that has been entirely supplanted globally by high-tech alternatives.

Answer: False

Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. The continued use of the horse and cart in 2004 illustrates the persistence of low-technology transportation in various parts of the world, demonstrating that it has not been entirely replaced globally by high-tech alternatives.

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'Low-Tech Magazine' and 'Low-tech lab' promote technologies characterized by their complexity and reliance on significant industrial infrastructure.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is incorrect. 'Low-Tech Magazine' and 'Low-tech lab' focus on exploring and advocating for technologies that are simple, sustainable, and often overlooked, challenging the notion that technological advancement necessitates complexity and industrial scale.

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The image of a rotary clothesline represents a complex and energy-intensive method for drying laundry.

Answer: False

Explanation: This representation is inaccurate. A rotary clothesline is an example of a simple, efficient, and low-technology solution for drying laundry, utilizing basic mechanical principles without significant energy input.

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According to the source material, which of the following is an example of a primitive technology considered low-tech?

Answer: Bushcraft

Explanation: Bushcraft, along with tools fashioned from basic materials like wood and stone, represents primitive technologies that are fundamentally classified as low-tech due to their simplicity and foundational nature.

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Which of the following is presented as an example of low-tech mobility?

Answer: Skateboarding in Mexico City

Explanation: Skateboarding in Mexico City is cited as an illustration of low-tech mobility, representing a simple, human-powered mode of transportation that relies on basic mechanical principles.

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What does the image of a farmer working the land with horses and a plough illustrate?

Answer: Traditional, low-technology agricultural practices.

Explanation: The depiction of a farmer utilizing horses and a plough illustrates traditional agricultural practices that are characteristic of low-technology systems, predating the widespread adoption of mechanized farming.

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What is the primary objective of 'Low-Tech Magazine' and 'Low-tech lab'?

Answer: To explore and promote simple, sustainable, and often overlooked technologies.

Explanation: The primary goal of 'Low-Tech Magazine' and 'Low-tech lab' is to investigate and champion technologies that are simple, sustainable, and often disregarded, thereby challenging conventional notions of technological progress.

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