Technology Defined Technology is humans using objects (tools, machines, systems, and materials) to change the natural and human built environment. People + ideas + Knowledge + capital + energy + tools and machines + materials + time = solution to a problem
Four Features of Technology Human Knowledge Tools, materials, and systems Results in artifacts and residuals Modifies or controls environment
Roots and Genesis Developed from business (for profit) Government is involved (money faucet) Capitalism is the fuel for the engine Technology is the prime mover Free enterprise or what passes for it drives new tech Government protects and nurtures tech with policy Quest for money drives the creation Tech sets us apart from the rest of the world
Progress Means Change Change can be uncomfortable Change is inevitable Technology is change There is no turning back People resist change as a natural course Past technological changes made progress in productivity and life styles All change is not necessarily good but it is change If your are not moving forward your are moving backward
IS Technology Neutral? Increases human capabilities Life is more enjoyable Causes unemployment Technology is feared
Technology Types Not applied science Science is Knowledge of natural world Knowledge turned in to artifacts = Tech. Technology is the result of Development Science is discovering the truth as we know it Truth is a result of research Truth is knowledge that can be developed and applied to solve a problem
Knowledge Three types of knowledge Natural world (Science) Human made world (Technology) Human interactions with the world (Humanities) All three types interact with each other
Evolution of Technology Stone age Bronze age Iron age Middle age Renaissance Industrial Revolution 2 .5 million years ago cave men and stone axes About 3000 B.C. Copper and its alloys Zinc makes brass tin makes bronze 1200 B.C. Iron for tools and weapons more plentiful and cheaper 400 A.D. Germanic tribes conquered Roman Empire Gutenberg and printing press, magnetic compass, waterwheel, paper money England 1750’s James Watt improved steam engine, started the move to cities from agrarian society Competition for customers
Information Age? What is next? What is needed What is desired? It is all change Steve Jobs Ipod cell phone Fiber optic cable Wireless digital data- military uses Information management Dynamic process—construction methods and materials—machining parts—medicine—energy production—ag—transportation
Where Will it End? Not in your lifetime!