Outline 1.3 Flashcards
Why do definitions matter?
How we define a problem shapes the kind of solution we will find
How we think of technology will determine how we think of it coming into being
This is a broad set of historical practices involving the material interactions of humans with nature
Dates back to earliest human ancestors (1.6 mya)
Synonyms: tools, crafts, “useful arts”, “mechanical arts”, machines, inventions
Technologies (pl)
This is a fairly recent word, a singular category and abstract known. It is only in widespread popular usage in the US since WWII
It is associated with science, progress, innovation, and masculinity
Technology
Technical artifacts contain two distinct, but closely related elements
Intentionality
Materiality
This is purpose oriented behavior
- any method, process, or device
- “a means to fulfill a purpose”
Intentionality
This indicates that technical artifacts usually have a physical structure and always have a physical effect in nature
- harnessing or exploiting an effect in nature for a use
- physical effect must only be reliable and repeatable
Materiality
This entails transferring intention into organization of matter
-a functional description of the object of design is… translated into a structural description
Design
Which element of technology?
Humans and their ancestors have never existed apart from technologies.
Human societies have always been technological. We cannot separate humans from their tools, technologies are cultural
Sociability
This is the intentional design and fabrication of tools, including selection and preparation of materials
Pre-imagination
Two ways human development of technology differs from other animal species
Preimagination
Convolution of technology and human society
A physical item that can be used to achieve a goal
Synonyms: instrument, utensil, device, apparatus
Simplest and oldest form of technology that dates back to our first hominid ancestors
Tools
Profession that requires particular skills and knowledge of skilled work
Small scale, skilled production of goods; high degree of labor specialization
Product of division of labor in early human societies following invention of agriculture (ceramics and textiles)
Synonym: techne
The most widespread form of technology worldwide until the industrial revolution
Crafts
Techne in Ancient Greece
”Useful arts”
An apparatus made up of interrelated parts with separate functions, used in the performance of some kind of work
Self-contained devices with mechanical, interconnected moving parts that share energy, motion, power, etc.
Synonym: apparatus, contrivance, later engines
Most complex technology in the premodern world
These took advantage of new source of energy (fossil fuels) and became the prime mover of the IR
Machines
These enlarge and expand machine technologies, often by combining micro and macro innovations, and cover larger geographic areas
LTS
Systems
