Lecture 2 Flashcards
What is technology
System that solves real world problems, not a collection
Can be a silent system (education, government, economy)
It is a system that leads to the production of things on a large scale + high degree of standardization
In modern times it often only fixes problems created by earlier technology - profit motivated
Technological Determinism
Belief that technology is the primary driver of societal change
Technology shapes society not the other way around
Technology is the rocks in a river determining the path of water
Social Determinism
The belief that society shapes technology, meaning external factors (like religion, norms) influence which technologies succeed or fail.
Robert Merton
Argued that Puritanism shaped the rise of modern science
The Great Man Theory
This theory states that technological innovations are driven by extraordinary individuals (ex. Edison, Ford) who are independent of social influences
Its considered an internal, unidirectional approach to how technology develops
Its controversial because many of these individuals didn’t actually invent what they’re credited for
Internal Approach
Technology develops from within (through innovation or genius) without being influenced by society
Unidirectional Model
Views technology as shaping society in a one-way relationship - technology drives change but society does not influence technological development
Claims that technology always impacts society in a positive way
Interactive View of Technology and Society
The interactive view sees technology and society as influencing each other. Technology shapes society and society shapes technology in a two way relationship
Dr. Ede supports this view
Evolutionary Model/Progressivism
Suggests that technology always progresses from primitive to more complex forms, with each stage being ‘better’ than the last
- human ingenuity and creativity lead to continuous technological developments which create ‘paradise-like’ world (The American Dream)
Lynn White’s View
Believed that technology influences people
Used the example of the horse stirrup
Dr. Ede rejects this as an overly simplistic view preferring the more interactive approach where both society and technology affect each other
Robert Merton’s Thesis
Puritanism was a key external factor in shaping the rise of modern science, demonstrating a social determinist perspective
Failure and Success of Technology
The successes or failures of technology is determined by external social factors like religion, social beliefs, or norms. This perspective rejects the idea of ‘inborn genius’ and sees societal context as crucial to technological outcomes
