Edfwe

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Are ICTs prerequisites for the eradication of poverty?

Hennie Lötter

This chapter provides a philosophical analysis of the claim that information and

communication technologies (ICTs) are necessary preconditions for the eradication of poverty.

What are the links between ICTs and poverty? First, technology is defined and then a brief

depiction of ICTs is given. Thereafter, poverty is defined and a brief explanation of its context

and causes is given. Then follows a discussion of the relationship between poverty and ICTs in

three paradigm cases: (a) the role of ICTs in poor societies; (b) the effect of poor ICT knowledge

and skill of individuals in highly developed technological societies; and (c) the impact of

impoverished ICT knowledge and skills on the rich, powerful and intelligent in society. A

procedure is proposed for decision making about the appropriation of ICTs by individuals and

societies. The chapter closes by assessing the claim that both access to ICTs and their effective

use are preconditions for the eradication of poverty.

Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 278

What is technology? And ICTs? ........................................................................................................ 279

What is poverty? .............................................................................................................................. 281

What are possible links between poverty and ICTs? ........................................................................ 284

Decision making on the role of ICTs in poverty eradication ............................................................. 286

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 287

Author’s details

Prof. H.P.P. (Hennie)...