What Is Technology?
Technology – what an interesting word. But it has been used and used again until the term is nearly worn out. In the 21st century we take technology for granted. But just what does the word “technology” mean?
According to the dictionary this is “the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.” The word has its roots in the 1600s and comes from the Greek technologia, which means “systematic treatment.”
Today we use the word to refer to things and to systems – equipment, networks, electronic gadgets etc. – that are created by human beings. Not only is “technology” the physical stuff of our lives it is the way we use those products. The most common use of this word refers to the complex equipment and systems such as computers, electronic entertainment devices, space-exploration systems, medical equipment and so on.
It may be difficult to see anything else as “technology.” For example, the mechanical inventions used in agricultural and manufacturing in the 19th century and early 20th century were just as ground-breaking as the items we use today. To people of that time factory machinery and equipment used to harvest crops were amazing. In fact, if we take this idea back hundreds of years we would have to say that the first tools made from metal were considered new technology.
The one thing all of these items have in common – they changed human life in significant ways. While many would argue that technology improves our lives, there are some who take a slightly negative view. New inventions might make our lives easier, requiring us to engage in less physical labor. But there is some difference of opinion as to whether this is an improvement.
To get a true understanding of how much technology changes our lives we need to see that the pace of change has been increasing for several centuries. Historians of technology write that most of the technology we use everyday has come into existence only in the past 300 years or so. If you don’t believe that, consider such items as the electric motor, gasoline engine, telescoped, television – the list goes on and on.
Development of new “technology” continues, even though some might think we have created everything that could possibly be invented. It’s easy to think this way since we have so much “stuff” in the 21st century. However, changes and improvements continue. Just consider the amazing size-reduction in computer and entertainment equipment. We have to ask how much smaller we can make our “stuff” and still have it work for us efficiently. Medical technology continues to change, with smaller and more accurate tools and measuring devices in widespread use.
There are many different ways to view the idea of technology. Perhaps it is best to see it as anything and everything we use to survive and thrive.
Category: Technology