UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN

Extension Program in Pampanga

Clark Special Economic Zone, Pampanga
AY 2015 - 2016

Reading 4.1:
The International Political
Economy of Science and
Technology
Submitted by:
GROUP A
Nikko Dave C. Cayanan
Frenz Daniel N. David
Samantha Allaine E. de Vera
Danica Lussele C. Herrera
Rafael R. Manalang
Justin Jerell E. Marimla
Date:
November 27, 2015
Submitted to:
Dr. Nenita M. Dayrit

1. Write the highlights of the article

2. Pick a concept in the article that is anathema to you. Why?
A concept that is against my belief would be the classical Marxist perspective on
economic development. Under this view, Karl Marx viewed capitalism as a world-wide
dynamic and expansive economic process. He believed that it would eventually
incorporate the entire world through imperialist expansion and would bring all societies
under its mode of commodity production. He also asserted that the historical mission of
capitalism was to develop the forces of production throughout the world. In my opinion,
the classical Marxism is nowhere near in making the economy develop and prosper. It is
the other way around, and this is because of the capitalism. Yes, capitalism makes the
economy rich but in not all aspects. Considering that the topic is under development
economics, it should be concerned about the welfare of other people and not just of the
upper class. Capitalism, as we all know, makes the rich richer and the poor poorer. The
biggest issues under capitalism is the exploitation of workers. In economic sense,
exploitation is often related to the expropriation of labor for profit. This is also known as
wage slavery. This is clearly seen here in the Philippines, where people are paid below
minimum wage. These people cannot even complain because they cannot afford to be
poor, and so they will take the job even if the wages are extremely low. Always remember
that the bottom line of every business is to make a profit, and in capitalism, it will do
whatever it takes just for the business to sustain, grow, and develop. Corporations will
even cut the cost of labor, buy the lands of the poor, etc. Where is the economic
development in the classical Marxism if it uses capitalism where the rich becomes richer
and the poor becomes poorer? There are other several criticisms under the classical
Marxism. One of those is the subjective interpretations of individuals. They were underemphasized when looking at the way in which people see and act in the social world.
Another is that the Marxism has tended to ignore the role and position of women in
society. Women tend to be marginalized to the periphery of much Marxist theorizing,
possibly because of the focus upon work relationships.
Then take a concept that agrees with you. Explain.

The group agrees with the concept there are three important trends on knowledge
and technology that have become apparent over the last two decades. First, knowledge
and technology have become important determinants of wealth and power. As it can be
observed, the developed countries have more access to advanced technology and
equipment and have better education system compared to the LDCs. Take for an example
the internet connection in different countries. The Philippines has the slowest internet
connection paid at a high cost, while the USA, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other
developed countries have faster internet connection at lower cost. Second, the pace of
technological change has quickened. More and more technology, mobile applications,
and new inventions that make everyday life way easier are being discovered and
introduced every now and then. The sad thing about this is that people tend to depend too
much on these technology; they're becoming lazier every day since a new technology or
equipment is going to do their job for them. Moreover, they tend to not see the effect of
these technologies on the environment. Lastly, knowledge and technology are
increasingly dispersed. With the thing called "internet" today, it is now easier and faster
to communicate and disseminate information from different parts of the world.
3. Relate the article to the Philippine situation. Are the practices and policies
applicable to the country?
4. Sought out terms/words in your article that require clarifications. Prepare a

glossary-like presentation.