Technological myopia

Purpose This paper provides an argument to consider in more detail the development and application of technology in the context of sustainability. It argues the need to go beyond economic benefit and that timescale is significant. Design/methodology/approach This argument is based upon Socratic argument and focuses upon the historiography of technology with particular references to agricultural developments. It then proceeds to apply the same arguments to artificial intelligence (AI) and to climate change. Findings The findings are encompassed in the argument and show the need to be more open and careful when considering the development, and especially, the implementation of technology to address problems. Practical implications This argument has significant implications for the adoption of technological developments. Social implications The social implications are equally profound and will impact upon the application of technological solutions to current problems. Originality/value Such a historiographical approach to this problem has not previously been applied to this.