The Technological Fix

The Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society invites paper proposals for a conference, "The Technological Fix," Oct. 4 and 5, 2002, which will consider technologies and technological strategies intended to address a wide variety of needs and problems in 20th century America. The conference will take place at the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware. Provocative technological fixes have targeted such issues as dishonesty, crime, pollution, waste, danger, disease, resource depletion, time pressures, crowding, and agricultural productivity. Others have addressed social problems like the weakening of family and community bonds. Papers may discuss "fixes" that have worked, failed or were never implemented, or efforts to solve problems that earlier technologies created. We welcome analysis of the engineering, political, and marketing dimensions of the problem-solving process, as well as of their intersections.

Proposals are due by February 15, 2002 and should include an abstract of no more than 500 words and a brief c.v. Funds may be available to support travel to the conference by speakers. Please direct proposals and queries to: