Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel. (New York: W.W. Norton, 1997).
THESIS
Environmental constraints of climate. Population, and resources or biogeographical determinism constrain the varied pace of development that differentiates the historical achievements of Indonesians, Chinese, Africans, East Indians, Pan Americans and Europeans.
ONE THESIS
density of population leads to different responses to genetic, social, migratory -- technical and ecological changes.
291
ÒThese examples illustrate that wars, or threats of war, have played a key role in most, if not all, amalgamations of societies.Ó
ÒWe had already concluded that the formation of complex societies is somehow linked to population pressure so we should now seek a link between population pressure and the outcome of war.Ó
(me) Evidence for teenage cohort size and warfare?
Òthe fate of defeated peoples depends on population density, with three possible outcomes:
Where population densities are low
Where population densities are moderate
Where population densities are high
292
ÒThus food production, and competition and diffusion between
Another THESIS
Environment and cultural conditions affect technology
418-419
ÒNecessity is the mother of inventionÓ
242
While the Manhattan project (the atomic bomb) appears to fit this model, the phonograph, automobile engine, or the electric light bulb all attest to tinkering without a really demand driven need.
Òinvention is the mother of necessityÓ
243
consider transistors, automobiles, microwave ovens, batteries and magneto-electromagnets, dynamos or certain fods (almonds, tomatoes, apples, olives).
70,000 patents in the USA / annually.
244
James Watt and the Savery and Newcomen engines
244-245
ÒMy two main conclusions are that technology develops cumulatively rather than in isolated heroic acts, and that it finds most its uses after it has been invented, rather than being invented to meet a foreseen need.Ó
245-246.
Acceptability of different inventions within the same or different societies
Development of combustible petrol, gunpowder (Chinese- 700 AD), and gasoline (Greeks, 2000 BC)
US rejection of SST or supercollider –super conductor, or High density resolution TV
British slow to embrace electrical lighting
Attempt to make the internet costly.
247
societal receptivity for technology is discussed
245-249
Chimbus and Daribis in New Guinea possess strikingly different attitudes about cuktural advantages due to adopting novel technological practices: Chimbus displaced Daribis.
252
Two key elements in the spread of innovation
Ease of invention and proximity to other societies.
254
Diamond does not mention ease of use (repair, maintenance and facilitation of varied outcomes) or exaptation per se -- however he alludes to adaptability.
He instead develops technological diffusion based on geography and proximity to inventions, such as Asia, Muslims taking paper from China, Indian monks and books.
255-258.
Òtechnology catalyzes itselfÓ
259 & 264
Òadvances depend on previous mastery of simpler problemsÓ
259
Food making and technical diffusion have geographical advantages not human genetic or cultural predispositions to be inventive (superior).
264
