August 2022– December 2022

Session 3
What is Technology?
9th August 2022
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
02-08-2018
Historical Evolution of the Term and the Meaning

• Introduction of the term “technology” in English Language Dictionary in 17th Century

which denoted more of a field of study than an object of study
• Entry into Encyclopaedia Britannica in 1911
• Popularity in public discourse not until 1930s
• The changes in the relationship between mechanic arts and the rest of the society
Ideological Changes
• Ideological changes in the conception of mechanic art

• Revered status of science and mechanic arts

• Science as the basis of mechanic art and innovation

• Acceptance of mastery over man and nature through pursuance of instrumental

rationality
•
• Faith in Science and mechanic art with a transformative power for human progress

• Inversion of hierarchy mechanic and fine arts

• Establishment of technology as applied science

Material Changes

• First and second industrial revolution

• Moving from machine age to the age of sociotechnical system (e.g. railroads)

• Rise of big public corporation along with “scientific management” of production

processes

• Amalgamation of science and industry

• Congruence of corporate capitalism and technology

• Colonialism and spread of Western science as marker of progress

 Historical Evolution of the Term and the Meaning
Can we define technology?
• Technology as hardware (machine/tools)
• Technology as rules
• Technology as a system
What are the elements of technology?
• Techniques (machines/tools, labour, material, working
process)
• Knowledge
• Organization of production (historically and socially
contingent)
• Product
Who are the human actors?
• Designers, Scientists, Engineers,
• Operators, Investors, Repair people,
• Consumers, Marketers, Advertisers,
• Government/policy makers, Administrators
Important Themes

• Technology as a concept is historically contingent

• Technology as a sociotechnical system

• Technology as a hazardous concept (as an agent of social change)

Readings
1. Li-Hua, R. (2012). “Definitions of technology” in Olsen, J. K. B., Pedersen, S. A., & Hendricks, V. F. A
Companion to the Philosophy of Technology. John Wiley & Sons. (pp. 18- 22).

2. “Can we define ‘Technology’?” in Nye, D. E. (2007). Technology matters: Questions to live with. MIT
Press. (pp. 1-16)

3. Philosophy of Technology in Internet Encyclopaedia of Technology available on

http://www.iep.utm.edu/technolo/
last accessed on 6th August 2018

4. Marx, L. (1997). " Technology": The Emergence of a Hazardous Concept. Social Research, 965-988.