Technology and the Human Condition

Technology is often used to refer to the total set of knowledge, skills, and techniques used in the creation of new products or services, or in the achievement of specific goals, for instance scientific research. Some sectors of society often discuss technology in terms of how it affects them, but in everyday life, there are many examples of technology in daily life. The most common example of technology in everyday life is telecommunication. Throughout the world, telecommunications engineers and technicians regularly attend college courses on technology. In fact, technology plays an important role in the education of modern university students.

technology

Technological change occurs gradually, from the development of specific technologies to the more general application of technologies. A good example of a very broad and diffuse set of technological concepts is engineering, which encompasses many different but intimately connected fields (including mechanics, material science, computer science, electrical engineering, and thermodynamics). Not only do these fields have theoretical theories that address specific technological problems, but they also attempt to solve problems in specific domains. This allows engineers to apply their knowledge of these domains to real-world technological problems.

One way to study technology fields and to study them in a useful way is to analyze the broad patterns of technology and its implications. Analysis is especially important because disciplines like engineering can be broad or very narrow in scope. Therefore, broad patterns and relationships among technology domains are important for making progress in specific domains. Broad patterns and relationships among technology domains form the basis for many of the theories of technological change. Therefore, the analysis provides a useful means of tracking changes across broad and potentially influential technology fields.

Another useful way of studying technology is to track the evolution of technological concepts over time. Analysis of technological concepts helps researchers determine how conceptualization, innovation, and institutional setting have shaped technological change over time. Analyzing historical models helps to provide insight into the conceptualization and technological development of new technological systems. Moreover, analyzing models helps to determine how institutions have changed over time and which conceptualization and innovations have shaped them. Finally, analyzing historical models helps researchers to establish how technology has been developed to address key organizational, economical, and social challenges.

Technology education requires both the analysis of existing technological systems as well as new technological systems to develop understanding across domains. Analysis across domains develops theories that can inform technological systems and create the framework from which new technologies can be developed. Furthermore, the analysis supports the teaching and research practices associated with technological systems. In short, effective analysis feeds into the teaching and research practices of the discipline and generates new knowledge and innovative concepts.

Technology and humans can both improve the quality of human life. The history of the technological system is intimately intertwined with the history of human civilization. Human societies and civilizations have developed technologically over time. Therefore, it is important to examine the historical roots of technology and learn from past mistakes. By doing so, we can improve our ability to utilize technological systems and enhance the quality of life for all of our species.