"There are examples where technological change may be seen as literally outside of society: a primitive people might come into contact with a more advanced people and be affected by their more advanced technology. And there are times when technology may be seen as only metaphorically outside society: although literally they are members of society, scientists and technologists work independent of society, making discoveries and creating new devices which when introduced into that society have profound effects.
Some who would argue that technology is autonomous usually see it as the cause of one problem or another. Yet, different people see technology as causing different problems. Since World War II scientists have seen technology as a moral dilemma where their work can have profound effects on the human race and on the planet. Sociologists see the problem as the increasing complexity and rate of change which technology is bring about in society; technological changes, they argue, outpace the ability of individuals and societies to adapt. To others, technology is seen as a dominating force over society, posing a threat to human freedom."
Source: http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/trinity/determin.htmlI think technological determinism is a valid concept, but only with regards to the use of technology for certain things. After all, humans are the ones creating the technology in the first place, and whilst technological improvements do make our lives a lot easier, the question of it being the leader of change in society is highly debatable.
Take for example, machines used to assist the elderly. Electronic hoists allow them to get in and out of bed or the bath with no trouble at all. This sort of technology offers a very helpful function, but does it really lead change in society? All is seems to do is aid someone in their everyday life. On the other hand, we have items like computers and ipods. Not many households are without a computer these days, and this sort of technology has definitely changed society. The creation of the internet allows us to perform mundane everyday tasks in a much easier way from the comfort of our own home. In this way, the internet has brought society and the world at large much closer together, allowing society to be lead by technology. But overall I do not think it is the technology we use that inspires our society to change and be led by it.
2 comments:
Nathan,
You've used an incredibly long quote here....if this were an essay, presumably you would have cut this down, or paraphrased it in your own words. You have referenced it, which is good, but generally as a rule of thumb, only use quotations when you can't say it easily in your own words, unpack the terms of the quote, and write as much about them in your own words. Your comment about hoists for the elderly interested me, as I've read an article by Robert and Linda Swallow who look at machines taking over care of the elderly....it's really interesting! They worry that machines will take the place of carers...starting with mechanical pets, and then moving on to robots!
All the best
Emma
Hey Emma,
I used the example of the hoists for the elderly because my mum is an occupational therapy assistant and she's always saying how much these people depend on technology to do things we would take for granted, even things like getting out of the bath unassisted, so I thought this would make a rather valid point.
As for the quote, again I though it was relevant but in future Ill use shorter ones!
Nathan
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