To varying degrees, all the major technological issues of the twentieth century—nuclear power, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and fossil fuels—succumbed to tribalism. On each issue, there are two sides, pro and anti. The dynamics and outcomes of each have been different, but the symptoms of tribalism are similar: mutual distrust and denigration, irrational arguments, and a refusal to concede any (reasonable) point that might favor the other tribe. On the pro-technology side, one sees denial and concealment of risks combined with accusations of Luddism; on the anti side, one sees a
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