This study examines the economic, social, and political consequences of energy in the twenty-first century. A major objective of this study is develop a cohesive and a comprehensive framework within which the relationships between economic, social, and political imperatives may be assessed within the context of the continually growing role of energy in the conduct of human life.
This chapter provides the necessary background for an understanding of this study, as well as an overview of the remainder of the study. The background discussion considers the basic interrelationships between energy, economics, social interaction, and politics that are pursue in this study within a global context. The overview discussion details the framework within which the study findings are presented.
Background on the Issues and Interrelationships
Technological innovation is accorded a central role in prevailing economic theory as a causal factor of economic growth and development. The importance of technological innovation in economic theory is valid; however, it also is incomplete, as the effective exploitation of technological innovation is heavily dependent upon the availability and use of energy. Further, as technology becomes more sophisticated, the availability and application of energy becomes more crucial.
Technology is defined as "society's pool of applied knowledge concerning how goods and services can be produced by managers, workers, engineers, scientists, and craftspeople, using land and capital" (Miller, 1996, p. 39). When technology is considered within the context of physical science, it is typically viewed as the application of physical science and engineering technology to human endeavors. This concept emphasizes device effects and procedures. When technology is conceptualized within the context of the behavioral sciences, it is viewed as the application of language and linguistics, communications, cybernetics, and p...