Evolution of Technology
Defination:
Technology is everything that makes life easier and faster. (Amish KR ,2023)
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Candles Latterns (Tomaseti,2019)
Reference:
Fishwrap (2020). Victoria Carriage, Horse and Buggy: The Primary Means of Transportation in the 19th Century.Blog
https://blog.newspapers.com/horse-and-buggy-the-primary-means-of-transportation-in-the-19th-century/
Flavien. (2023, November 1). A Couple of Cars on a Wooden Floor. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-couple-of-cars-that-are-on-a-wooden-floor-cMRKBMokC88
Tomaseti, D. (2019, June 22). Close-up of Lighted Candle. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/close-up-of-lighted-candle-AaZlf5FgUws
Plenio, J. (2019, March 17). Close-up Photography of Light Bulb. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/close-up-photography-of-light-bulb-voQ97kezCx0
charlesdeluvio. (2020, April 17). White Calculator on White Table. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/white-calculator-on-white-table-GlavtG-umzE
Jarvis, C. (2019, January 28). Multicolored Abacus. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/multicolored-abacus-cHhbULJbPwM
Agar, M. (2019): "Almost every day we use technology. We talk about technology, in fact, it 'is one of the keywords of our world, yet it is also one of the most confused." (Module 2: What Is Technology)
Thomas P. Hughes (2004): "Technology is messy and complex. It is difficult to define and to understand. In its variety, it is full of contradictions…Yet today most people in the industrialized world reduce technology’s complexity, ignore its contradictions, and see it as little more than gadgets and as a handmaiden of commercial capitalism and the military." (Module 2: What Is Technology)
American National Research Council (NRC) (2012): "The American National Research Council defined technology simply as including ‘all types of human–made systems and processes.’" (Module 2: What Is Technology)
Isman, A. (2012): "When people think of 'technology,' they tend to think of human artifacts such as machines, electronic devices, scientific hardware, or industrial manufacturing systems. However, a formal definition of technology indicates that it has a more general meaning which includes any 'practical application of knowledge' or 'manner of accomplishing a task.'" (Module 2: What Is Technology)
Possessed Photography. (2018, January 17). White and Brown Human Robot Illustration. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-brown-human-robot-illustration-YKW0JjP7rlU
Hélardot, C. (2018, February 3). Black and Silver Laptop Computer on Table. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-silver-laptop-computer-on-table-95YRwf6CNw8
Chakraborty, R. (2017, November 26). White Smartphone Near Laptop. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/white-smartphone-near-laptop-xsGxhtAsfSA
Tuck, C. (2019). "What is technology? The pen is one of the first technologies that made it easier for humans to record and reference previous thoughts and actions
Kelly, K. (2010). "What Technology Wants." Retrieved from
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Horse and Buggy(Fishwrap,2020)
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Abacus (Jarvis, C.,2019)
In the past, things like horse-drawn carriages were considered groundbreaking and the best in transportation innovation. Now, in the present, cars have taken over, making horse and carriages outdated. This significant change highlights how what used to be the latest technology can become outdated as society moves forward
Candles used to be really important for light, a big step forward in lighting. But then, with electricity, the lightbulb, invented by people like Thomas Edison, became a better and longer-lasting option. This change shows how technology keeps evolving, making things that were once a big deal not as important as society moves forward.
New
Light Bulb(Plenio,2019)
New
Car(Flavien,2023)
New
White Calculator (Charlesdeluvio,2020)
Back in the day, the Abacus was a basic tool for doing math manually, using beads. But then, technology brought us calculators, which run on electronics and algorithms, making math tasks much faster and more precise. This move from the abacus to the calculator shows how tools have evolved, with more advanced solutions taking over ancient methods in the world of mathematics.
“For new technology to replace old, it has to have at least ten times the benefit.”
(Peter F. Drucker,1980)
Pre-Module Thoughts:
At first, I thought of technology only in terms of electronic gadgets and computer systems. I linked it exclusively to recent advancements, not considering its historical and wider societal impacts.
Post-Module Reflection:
Now, I see technology as more than just electronic or computer-based. It includes a broad range of human-made systems, processes, and practical applications of knowledge, highlighting both physical and informational aspects..
Perspective
The definition of technology can differ depending on personal views. Some people might not see simple tools like a hammer or a wheel as advanced technologies, while others believe that any tool, whether simple or complex, made for a specific purpose, falls under the broader category of technology. People may see things differently when it comes to what counts as technology, and their views can be shaped by their backgrounds, history, experiences, and cultural
Why do we need new technologies?
FOR FUTURE
Connected World, Connected Lives
- Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices transforming global connectivity
- Reshaping business, culture, and international relations
- Seamless information flow fostering a more interconnected society
Health Tech Revolution
- Wearable devices and telemedicine changing healthcare dynamics
- Personalized solutions for individuals' well-being
- Advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, and digital diagnostics for a healthier society
Tech for a Green Tomorrow
- Innovations in renewable energy and eco-friendly manufacturing.
- Sustainable solutions driving resource-efficient technologies
- Addressing environmental concerns for a resilient future
Holistic Understanding of Technology
Complex Nature of Technology
Almost every day we use technology. We talk about technology, in fact, it 'is one of the keywords of our world, yet it is also one of the most confused.(Agar, M. 2019)
Technology is messy and complex. It is difficult to define and to understand. In its variety, it is full of contradictions…Yet today most people in the industrialized world reduce technology’s complexity, ignore its contradictions, and see it as little more than gadgets and as a handmaiden of commercial capitalism and the military.(Thomas P. Hughes, 2004)
The American National Research Council defined technology simply as including ‘all types of human–made systems and processes.(American National Research Council, 2012)
When people think of 'technology,' they tend to think of human artifacts such as machines, electronic devices, scientific hardware, or industrial manufacturing systems. However, a formal definition of technology indicates that it has a more general meaning which includes any 'practical application of knowledge' or 'manner of accomplishing a task (Isman, A. 2012)
ROBOT
(Possessed Photography,2018)
IMPACT
Potential Harmful Impacts
Positive Aspects of Technology
Job Displacement: Automation and robotics can lead to job displacement as certain tasks become automated, potentially affecting employment in certain industries.
Inequality: The benefits of technology are not distributed equally, leading to a digital divide and increased inequality between those who have access to technology and those who do not.
Privacy Concerns: Advances in technology have raised concerns about the privacy of individuals, with issues related to data collection, surveillance, and cybersecurity.
Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of electronic devices can have a significant environmental impact, contributing to electronic waste and resource depletion.
Social Isolation: Increased reliance on technology for communication may lead to social isolation and a decrease in face-to-face interactions.
Dependence on Technology: Overreliance on technology may lead to a loss of certain skills, increased vulnerability to cyber threats, and potential societal disruption if systems fail.
“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master” (Christian Lous Lange,1916)
Technology is best when it brings people together. (Matt Mullenweg,2011)
Silver Laptop (Clément Hélardot,2018)
Mobile Phone (Chakraborty, R.,2017)
Balancing Act:
The impact of technology depends on how it's developed, implemented, and regulated. Striking a balance between embracing advancements and addressing potential negatives is crucial. Ethical considerations, responsible development, and thoughtful policies can mitigate harm, ensuring technology benefits humanity. Ongoing discussions and adjustments are necessary as technology evolves to manage its impact on society.
Efficiency and Productivity: Automation and technology can increase efficiency and productivity in various industries, leading to economic growth.
Communication and Connectivity: Technology has improved communication and connectivity, allowing people to connect globally and share information more easily.
Medical Advances: Technology has played a crucial role in medical advancements, leading to improved healthcare, diagnostics, and treatments.
Education: Technology has transformed education, making information more accessible and interactive.
The pen is one of the first technologies that made is easier for humans to record and reference to previous thought and action(Chuck Tuck,2019)
Technology is part of a very long history that began billions of years ago and continues through us, and we can be a part of it by aligning the technology we make.(Kevin Kellym,2010)