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TCGT- 1530

An Introduction to the Concepts, Definitions, and Philosophies of Technology

The Nature of Science & Technology Definitions

nature intrinsic character, inherent character/basic constitution of a person or thing (or in our case a concept)

Science a stream of human events involving a mathematical or systematic study of nature that results in a body of knowledge that is practical as well as theoretical

The Nature of Science & Technology Definitions

Technology the cumulative sum of human means developed in response to societys needs or desires to systematically solve problems Environment 1the natural, physical, & social circumstances and conditions by which a person is surrounded in including climatic (climate), edaphic (soil), and biotic (living organism) factors; 2ecosystem, living community & its environment

What is technology?

In 1615 it was defined as: a discourse (school of thought) on an art; the scientific study of the practical or industrial arts (it was considered the useful
arts as opposed to those arts that were not absolutely necessary for survival) technes- branch of knowledge humans use to develop new techniques (for doing things)

By 1823 it had become a description of arts, especially those which are mechanical (George Wilson, Professor of Technology at
the University of Edinburgh)

What is technology?

In 1968: Spier wrote, technology embraces the means by which man controls or modifies his natural environment by 1974 the definition had evolved to: the information, techniques, and tools with which people utilize the material resources of their environment to satisfy their needs & desires (Lenski) .that great growling engine of change technology (Alvin Toffler in Future Shock)

What is technology?

In 1985 it was defined as: a study of the technical means undertaken in all cultures that involves the systematic application of organized knowledge and tangibles for the extension of the human faculties (abilities) the cumulative sum of human means developed in response to societys needs or desires to systematically solve problems

Why??? Who Cares what technology is. or is not?

1stTechnology has always been and continues to be a primary factor that influences social change, and development of the culture in which we live Secondly-we possess the technologies that make us who we are and the question arises: Who will control the application of technology for our future benefit?
(especially with regard to the challenges of the future such as: overpopulation, exhaustion of finite resources, biological (life) issues, environmental issues, etc.)

Why??? Who Cares what technology is. or is not?

Are you technologically literate consumers of technology?? (prisoners of the plumber?) Maleys Progress & Paradox (1976) Technologists those who specialize in developing techniques to purposefully change or manipulate our available environment [biotic, abiotic, social, and psychic (Nelson, GSU, 1979)]. Is technology positive or negative? technology is neutral (Melvin Kranzberg)

Character of Technology

It is evident in all cultures regardless of their stage of development It is knowledge based and involves the application of knowledge to solve problems. (Applied Science) It is accumulative It is fundamental to humanity It is fundamental to survival It alters culture and society It is future oriented It is observable

Technology & Science

Technology is often defined as Applied Science or more often.. the know how Your text defines science as: a stream of human events involving a mathematical or systematic study of nature that results in a body of knowledge that is practical as well as theoretical Technology typically precedes science (e.g.,
the steam engine was developed before the laws of thermodynamics)

Science is the know why

Technology, Science, & symbiotic relationships

A symbiosis exists between Technology & Science symbiosis an intimate living together of two dissimilar organisms in a mutually beneficial relationship A symbiosis exists between tools & people man made tools, but tools made man Technological change causes people (and societies) to change As society changes strain is experienced

Future Shock

The strain people (societies) experience is called future shock [Toffler (1970)] There are basically two levels of strain 1st between old and new ways of doing things. resistance to change 2nd between groups with different ideals Marshall McLuhan (philosopher) wrote that recent technological innovations have forced humans to adopt a new way of life with distinctly new values

A Thought to Ponder

Randall Tobias, former Vice Chairman of AT&T, offers this comparison to explain the astounding rate of advancement of computerization..

If we had similar progress in automotive technology, today you could buy a Lexus for about $2.00. It would travel at the speed of sound, and go about 600 miles on a thimble of gas

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