Transcript The Nature of Technology Volti Chapter 1

The Nature of Technology
Volti Chapter 1
Technology
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Technology
It can be exhilarating and terrifying
 In general, the public supports technology —
in spite of disasters (nuclear reactors, the
Challenger)
 In general, most of us are poorly informed
about how technology actually works
 All technologies have some basic features in
common
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Why study this stuff?
Defining Technology
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"technology" is a fairly new word — coined by Jacob
Bigelow (Harvard, 1820's)
technology — techne (Greek) art, craft, or skill
teks (Indo-euro) weave or fabricate
Technologies are developed to help us do something we
otherwise couldn’t do
Our ability to create technology sets us apart from other
animals
Beavers build dams, and chimps use sticks but no animal comes close to
humans in our ability to extend our natural environment through technology
Defining Technology
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Reliance on technology is as old as the human race
Technology is a Cultural Element.
"To quarrel with technology is to quarrel with the nature of man— just as if we were to quarrel with
his upright gait, his symbolic imagination, his faculty for speech, or his unusual sexual posture and
appetite."
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Tools and techniques have indisputably assisted the physical survival of the
human race
But technology has not spontaneously appeared. Certain elements have
made technology possible:
Organization— development of technology requires a group effort
One individual may be able to learn all the parts of a technology but one can
not do every task required to make a technology work
It's a System— technology has to be supported by other components
This is true of the technologies of handwriting as well as the modern
airplane
Definition of Technology
A system based on the application of knowledge, manifested in physical objects and
organization forms, for the attainment of specific goals
Above definition has its limitations:
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The last part of the def. assumes that technology comes about in
order to meet existing needs -- this is not always the case.
History of technology full of examples of inventions looking for
problems to solve.
New technology often creates its own needs.
Goals achieved through technology don’t always have to be
"practical" ones.
New technologies often developed as a symbol of prestige:
Automobile — do we drive Yugos or Porches?
Technological Advance and the
Image of Progress
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"The development of technology is an inherently dynamic and cumulative
process"
Leaving aside social concerns, technological change is usually one of
continuous improvement of existing technologies.
We can always make things better and faster.
This dynamic, progressive element of technology makes it a unique human
endeavor.
Other endeavors do not have this characteristic: We still love Shakespeare,
Beethoven and the bible, BUT, yesterday's computer is a real drag.
Technology represents human kind’s dream of continual progress
Some countries may be advanced technologically, but not in other human
endeavors such as equal distribution of goods and services and social
justice.
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Nazi Germany — developed the Mercedes but murdered millions of Jews and others
Primitive societies — advanced artistry and social relationships, but little technology as we
think of it
Thus, the notion of "progress" is complex and can only be understood in the
context of a given set of cultural beliefs and values.
Technology as a Metaphor
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Technology — metaphor of our human notion of
continual progress
Technology has also shaped the way we think
about ourselves and our world
Feedback — principle in technology
"A method of controlling a system by reinserting
in it the results of its past performance."
It is a regulation device, that when used will help
an unbalanced system gain its equilibrium.
This principle was incorporated into other areas
of social life — the stock market
Technology and Rationality
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Technology has given us the belief that progress
is a natural part of life.
Underlying this belief is a rational approach.
A Technologically progressive society is one in
which problems are observed in a systematic
way and, more importantly, that solutions to
problems are possible.
We don’t view inclement weather as punishment
from an angry God, we develop methods to
understand weather patterns and how to better
deal with changes.
Technology and Rationality
"A rational approach to problem-solving is continuously
concerned with the identification and development of
appropriate means for the achievement of particular
ends."
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Rational modes of thought does not confer
moral superiority.
In fact, extreme rational thought can result in
great moral transgressions — Nazi Germany
Rational thought processes also carry a
reluctance to admit there is anything capable of
withstanding logical and empirical scrutiny.
Technology and Rationality
"With the progress of science and
technology, man has stopped believing in
magic powers, in spirits and demons; he
has lost his sense of prophecy and, above
all his sense of the sacred. Reality has
become dreary, flat and utilitarian, leaving
a great void in the souls of men which they
seek to fill by furious activity and through
various devices and substitutes."
Technology and Rationality
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Rationality requires objectivity — coolness and
detachment.
This can make for Technology that is not compatible with
social beliefs and values.
Modern technology is accessible in some form to the
entire population.
Yet, by its very nature, few us actually understand it.
Our lack of understanding can render us powerless over
it.
Who control and understands Technology is of key
importance --This influences what Technology is or is not
made available to us
Questions
What recent technology has produced the greatest
benefit? Which has produced the greatest harm?
Are there harmful elements to beneficial
technologies? Beneficial elements to harmful
technologies?
2. Do all technologies require tools of some sort? Is
bureaucracy a form of technology?
3. Can you think of technologies that were developed
simply because of the technical challenge involved?
Can these technologies be justified?
4. How do you respond when a technological device you
depend on malfunctions? What attitudes
towards technology do your responses reveal?
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