How to Evaluate Microelectronics Technology with Regard to Productive Force?

Abstract

The development of microelectronics technology (ME) and electronic info-communicatin (EI) activities is very remarkable in such advanced capitalistic nations as Japan. But the evaluations of its effect on economy, society, labor etc. do not agree even by positive studies. Moreover, on the theoretical studies there is actually a great deal of difference in views on the significance of ME and EI from various viewpoints and methods. Now there are different views as to the significance of ME itself and of its modern innovation with regard to productive force. These views will be classified, depending on their angle of evaluations, as follows. (1) the view which evaluates the significance of modern technology emphasizing its effect on the change of the means of labor in the productive process, especially the development of the automation. (2) the view which stresses the development of means of labor with their particular characteristics, such as computer or computer network system rather than automation. (3) the view which evaluates not so much means of labor as science and scientific labor and estimates the fact that sience has come to be the basis of productive forces. (4) the view which regards the significance of ME and EI as a shift from the industrial society to the post-industrial or higher information society. We will criticize these first three views critically to evaluate the significance of ME and EI and then represent our own theoretical view.