Technology is basically the total sum of any techniques, methods, or processes employed in the achievement of specific goals, including scientific discovery, and in the creation of products or services. There are many forms of technology, which includes information technology, energy technology, physical technology, information technology, and the like. Some forms of technology are usually separated into two major categories: systems and information technology. A very important branch of technology is information technology. This type of technology can be used to develop new products, data, and technology solutions.
In a detailed analysis, it is very important to identify and describe the boundaries between different forms of technology, which can be categorized into five: systems, information technology, process technology, human-machine interaction technologies, and cognitive technology. Systematic treatment identifies and describes the entire process of the development of a technology product, starting from the idea, concept, design, construction, and realizing the intended use. This includes stepwise implementation of the product. The development of information technology, on the other hand, takes different forms, which include information products, knowledge products, application software, user interfaces, workflows, and documentation systems. The systematic treatment will also include the definition of technologies used in wide-ranging technological systems.
One useful way to understand the broad perspective of the technology sector is by considering it in terms of large and small business enterprises. For instance, Apple’s iPhone was considered a mini computer at the time of its conception. At the time of its release, it had revolutionized the cellular telephony industry. Thus, when you say ‘technology sector’ and’small business enterprise’ in relation to an iPhone, it makes sense to use the term ‘apple’ to refer to the large tech firms and their ventures, and’small business enterprise’ to refer to smaller companies who make technology products.
In a broader context, technology in this broader sense refers to technological innovations, creations, and innovations that are capable of extending human benefits. These technological innovations may involve products, processes, and systems that are found in different domains of human endeavor. Thus, when referring to technology in this broad analytical category, the word ‘arts’ is used to refer to a wider range of activities than were once found under the heading of’Technology’. A final example would be ‘arts & crafts technology’.
When discussing this discussion with others, it is important to keep in mind that the twentieth century marks a historical moment in which the arts and the sciences began to experience a transition in application. Human creativity and invention came to the forefront through technological innovation. It is in this context that Schatzberg’s notion of a grand unified field is important. In fact, he characterizes this as a “superfield” that can be studied in its entirety. It is this view that we will discuss in this article.
In Schatzberg’s definition of a grand unified field, he conceives of it as a framework in which many different disciplines can be compared and discussed. This way, disciplines such as aesthetics, politics, sociology, technology, and others can be analyzed and understood as part of a unified whole. This way of viewing the world makes sense of much of the recent literature on technology and the twentieth century. Additionally, as already noted, it provides a useful philosophical starting point for understanding different technological applications. As with the other areas discussed throughout this book, it is recommended that further research be conducted in order to further understand the philosophical underpinnings of Schatzberg’s theory of grand unified technology.