TWO COURSES OF ACTION

The problem of the environment crisis has recently assumed global proportions. Both scientists and politicians agree that unless some radical steps are taken before long, life on our planet may be irrevocably damaged if not destroyed altogether. It seems therefore worth while to consider the fundamental conflict which underlies the surface manifestations of the present crisis. For there undoubtedly exists a conflict, an incompatibility between the tenets of an industrial society and those of ecology.

Industry is bound to expand continuously, all ecological systems tend toward stability equilibrium.

There seems to be at least two general courses of action which might be adopted in order that the environmental doom may be averted.

One would be to curb the dynamics of industrial development; the other - to turn technology to the construction of physiologically and socially healthy environment, the former possibility being highly unrealistic, the latter one seems to be the only path to follow.

1. Why has the environmental crisis assumed global proportions?

2. What problem worries scientists and politicians alike?

3. How can we possibly avert the destruction of the environment?

4. Can you suggest any other courses of action to protect the environment?

COMPUTERS: THE SOFTWARE AND THE HARDWARE

The number of electronic computers used in any given field of human activity is sometimes believed to indicate the degree of its modernity. For example, the more computers a scientific institute uses the more modern it is believed to be. It is not always home in mind, however, that computers alone represent only what is called hardware, i. e. the machinery together with its subtle technical and logical design. In order that the hardware may be used effectively, another essential factor is needed: the so-called software or applied thought The preparation of computer programmes, the working out of the logical aspects of material to be manipulated in a computer, takes up as much, if not more, time as the actual production of the hardware and is by no means easier. The software, as most intangible products, is not always capable of being readily evaluated. This, however, doesn't change the fact that it is at least as decisive as the hardware in obtaining solutions to concrete scientific and ecological problems. There are two basic types of electronic computers: digital and analogue. Each type has its uses in various fields. However, they have one thing in common: for their effective operation they require ingeniously thought-out software. And it can be supplied by brilliant people. As history shows, people can manage without computers, but reverse is not possible. At any rate not yet. Which is probably just as well.

1. How do you understand the difference between the software and hardware (in a computer)?

2. What is necessary for the effective operating of any type of a computer?

3. Can people manage without computers?