Technology is the combination of man-made systems, techniques, practices, and methods applied in the achievement of specific objectives, including scientific research or the manufacturing of physical products or services. There are many types of technology. One of the most common examples is computer technology. The other examples include communications technology, health care technology, electricity technology, information technology, military technology, and aerospace technology.
Technology can be used to refer to a specific thing like a computer, a technology, or a product. It can also be used to refer to the process by which these technological objects are produced or developed. Examples of the technical objects or processes included in technology include the following: – Manufacturing and assembling integrated circuits, which includes programming the circuit to carry out certain functions, testing its operation, and then making it perform following the designing specifications. – Designing the physical structure of the product or component, which may include the creation of the image for the exterior, the location of the material parts, their arrangement, their attachment to one another, how the parts are interconnected, how the product or component functions when placed in a particular environment, and how it discharges its energy.
In twentieth-century philosophy, the term ” technological man” is used. According to this school of thought, human beings are guided by certain natural drives, and these drives shape both their technological achievement and their moral responsibility. The drive for power was the driving force behind the discovery of fire. Later, the drive for achievement motivated the scientist who transformed knowledge into reality. In the twentieth century, the technocratic distinction between knowledge and power was blurred by the invention of machines that could produce knowledge and power. The machine became the new person, the technomancer.
In the late twentieth century and the early 21st century, the definition of technology had been heavily influenced by the history of science and technology. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the term technotechnical meant a variety of things, depending on the period in question. In Europe, it meant that technical devices were used for things such as navigation, war, cutting, and sewing. In the Latin language, technotechnical meant mechanic, while in the English language, it came to mean “mechanism”.
From an analytical category perspective, one might suggest that technological change has been driven by technological progress. From a cultural perspective, however, change can also be driven by cultural norms. For instance, a society that values cleanliness and hygiene and shuns technological innovations is not likely to be influenced by technological innovations. If we take Schatzberg’s definition of culture as the perspective of a micro-cultural community, however, the idea of a micro-culture can be expanded to cover cultures and subcultures as well.
Technological change is often viewed from a distance, as something that happens within an organization or as a process within companies. By considering the definition of technology from a social-executive perspective, it becomes clear that this view is wrong. Technological change occurs as a result of changes in people’s expectations about technology, which in turn affect people’s ability to interact with and utilize technology. Thus, Schatzberg’s definition of technology to applied science and engineering becomes a very useful way of thinking about technology and its impact upon society. It is worth exploring and further exploring, I believe.
