人文学科在过去的一百年左右止步不前。技术在不断进步而人文学科的整体条件却没有改善。战争、暴力和贫困仍然困扰着我们。技术无法改变人文学科的处境。

Although I agree that technology cannot ultimately prevent us from harming one another, the statement fails to account for the significant positive impact that the modern industrial and computer revolutions have had on the quality life—at least in the developed world.

1. I agree with the statement insofar as there is no technological solution to the enduring problems of war, poverty, and violence, for the reason that they stem from certain aspects of human nature—such as aggression and greed.

2. For every technological innovation helping to reduce human suffering is another that has served primarily to add it.

3. Notwithstanding technology’s limitations in preventing war, poverty, and violence, 20th Century technological innovation has enhanced the overall standard of living and comfort level of developed nations.

4. Of course, such progress has not come without costs.

技术进步之人文学科

通过逻辑和精确仔细的衡量，我们得以明白自己的进步。如果没有这些手段，我们就没有参考来了解我们进步了多少或者退步了多少。

In certain endeavors, quantitative measurements and logical analysis of data are essential for us to determine whether and to what extent we are progressing or regressing. However, in other realms, objective data provides little guidance for determining progress.

1. As for monitoring individual progress, the extent to which careful measurement and logical analysis of data are required depends on the specific endeavor. In the area of personal finance, objective measurements are critical.

2. In the area of one’s physical well-being, however, quantitative measurement might be useful yet insufficient.

3. On a societal level, as on a personal level, the extent to which careful measurement and logic are needed to determine progress also depends on the endeavor. In macroeconomics, as in personal finance, objective measurements are critical.

4. In contrast, socio-political progress is less susceptible to objective measurement.

技术进步之人类进步