Technology Means The Study Of Something Sociology Essay Example
Technology Means The Study Of Something Sociology Essay Example

Technology Means The Study Of Something Sociology Essay Example

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  • Pages: 16 (4250 words)
  • Published: August 14, 2017
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The term engineering is used to describe the study or field of knowledge in a particular subject, which originates from a Greek word.

Technology encompasses knowledge about tools, systems, and more. It alters the way of life in the world, transforming us into a proficient society. Technology is currently in high demand and continuously advancing, yet people still crave new innovations. As the great saints have said, everything has its positive and negative aspects, and technology is no exception.

Technology has given people a broader perspective and the ability to achieve things that were previously unimaginable. It has also contributed to a decrease in mortality rates and made surgeries that were once deemed impossible, possible. The latest advancement in technology is the announcement of 3D telecastings. This breakthrough allows us to stay connected and engaged, regardless of whether we are asleep or a

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wake. Technology has made life faster and work more efficient, allowing tasks to be completed in minutes that once took hours. Additionally, advancements in transportation have brought the world closer together, reducing travel time significantly.

Engineering has greatly advanced education, societal life, and all electrical devices. Despite its numerous benefits such as comfort and convenience, engineering also has drawbacks. It can lead to a mechanized and lazy lifestyle, causing people to disconnect from nature and lose regard for it. Our focus has shifted towards self-centeredness, resulting in a decline in love for humanity. In conclusion, engineering makes our lives easier and more efficient, but it can also lead us down a path of destruction. While it offers numerous benefits such as comfort and convenience, it is important to set limits. Limited resources always create admiration.

Jaspree

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Singh

Technology is a general term referring to the methods used by humans to create tools and machines that enhance their control and understanding of the physical world.

Many historians of science argue that technology is not only necessary for advanced, industrial civilization, but also that the rate of technological change has its own momentum in recent centuries. Inventions now seem to appear at an increasing rate, without being limited by geography or political systems. The Roman Empire, which followed and absorbed that of the Greeks, had some similarities in this regard. However, the Romans were also skilled engineers in terms of organization and construction. They created an urban civilization that experienced the first extended period of peace in human history. The major technological change during the Roman period involved a shift from building graves, temples, and fortifications to constructing massive public works systems.

Using water-repellent cement and the principle of the arch, Roman engineering also included the implementation of the water factory. Additionally, they designed underhung and overshot water wheels for tasks such as grinding grain, woodcutting, and marble cutting. In the military realm, the Romans improved weaponry through their advancements in technology. With increasing agricultural productivity and advancements in medical science, Western society began to highly value technological innovation, despite its less favorable aspects. Achievements such as the laying of the first Atlantic telegraph cable, the construction of the Suez and Panama canals, and the building of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Brooklyn Bridge fueled feelings of pride and immense admiration.

The telegraph and railways connected major cities in the late nineteenth century. Thomas Edison's light bulb replaced candles and lamps, and within 30 years,

every industrialized country was generating electric power for various systems. However, World War I and the Great Depression highlighted the negative effects of rapid technological advancements. The creation of submarines, machine guns, battleships, and chemical warfare revealed the destructive consequences of technological change.

In addition, there were observations of global mass unemployment and the challenges faced by capitalist establishments. Furthermore, the emergence of the atomic bomb as a universal threat to life on Earth took place during World War II. The development of computing machines, transistors, and the subsequent miniaturization trend also occurred in this period. Moreover, advancements in transportation during the Middle Ages revolutionized the spread of technologies and ideas across extensive regions.

Md. Atiqur Rahman

In today's world, engineering has the power to revolutionize established cultural systems and bring about unforeseen societal consequences. This makes engineering both an innovative and a destructive process that shapes and impacts people's lifestyles. It is evident in our daily lives on the streets, where almost everyone relies on engineering.

Engineering is crucial in multiple facets of our everyday existence. We rely on its advancements, like televisions, computers, and vehicles, to such an extent that it's difficult to imagine a day without these essential technologies. The development of new technologies has simplified and improved tasks that were once challenging. Technology significantly enriches human welfare so much that many individuals would struggle with reverting back to traditional and simpler methods due to their dependence on the conveniences it provides.

Technology has had a significant impact on society, affecting various aspects such as the household and warfare. If we envision a scenario where a city experiences a power outage, everything would come to a standstill

due to our complete reliance on machines and computers, both of which are crucial components of technology. In our everyday lives, we have become so accustomed to technology that without heating or air conditioning systems, we would endure extreme temperatures. Moreover, our dependence on technology is so profound that without it, students would forever remain illiterate since our educational institutions function similarly to humans devoid of any bodily parts in the absence of computers, fax machines, or printers. Undoubtedly, technology has substantially transformed the lifestyle and purpose of countless individuals.

Technology has both positive and negative effects. It offers various benefits but can also promote laziness and alter our views on shared goals. Throughout history, humans have relied on their abilities to accomplish objectives and ensure survival.

In the past, people used to rely on hunting and gathering in forests or woods for survival. However, in modern society, this practice is no longer necessary as we now depend on earning money to purchase everything we need from stores or supermarkets. Despite the undeniable convenience of this shift, it also leads to a sense of unease.

The opposition to technology movement highlights that while we are building virtual communities, our actual cities are deteriorating due to the erosion of our shared purpose. At present, only a small percentage of American households have internet access. Nonetheless, critics question what will happen when half the country is connected. Will we retreat to online communities where like-minded individuals interact and avoid the complexities of the outside world? Will cleaning streets or our neighbors' homes no longer be a concern? If the distractions outside become overwhelming, will purchasing blackout curtains be our solution?

It seems that humans are becoming lazier.

Despite the overall advancements in technology, which have greatly enhanced and diversified our lives by providing greater comfort, there are negative effects that cannot be ignored. Pollution levels are on the rise, crime rates have increased, and people's primary focus has shifted towards money. Additionally, there is a decline in physical exertion at work resulting in an increase in diseases. Excessive computer use is spoiling teenagers, highlighting one of the main issues caused by technology. Therefore, it becomes evident that technology has negative effects on our health, teenagers' well-being, environment sustainability, and overall generation.

The importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of engineering, as well as imagining a life without complete dependence on technology, cannot be understated. We can define the concepts of Determinism versus Humanism and Efficiency and Humanitarianism in our own terms, and explore their contradiction in one paragraph. Efficiency is about measuring a machine's power output against its power input and skillfully minimizing wasteful time and effort. Conversely, humanitarianism focuses on recognizing an individual's dignity and worth.

The concept of humanitarianism gained popularity in 14th and 15th century western Europe, rooted in the belief that individuals possess truth and goodness. This concept also became popular in the literary and cultural realm during this period.
Technique
Referring to the skills and methods employed to achieve a particular task, technique essentially signifies the capacity to efficiently accomplish tasks using different approaches. Technique is closely linked with engineering as it propels technological advancements. Throughout history, people have utilized technique to solve diverse problems and tasks, resulting in progress across various domains.

In the present, remarkable progress in technology has been witnessed.

In our modern society, people rely on technology to enhance their capabilities and talents, as without it, improving skills would be impossible. Therefore, it is clear that technology plays a crucial role in simplifying life and fostering new advancements.

Pre-industrial Society

During the pre-industrial period, lifestyles and work methods underwent a gradual shift while traditional values and beliefs persisted. This era also saw the development and use of various technologies to meet emerging needs.

The introduction of industry, transportation, and authorities sparked a revolution in traditional symbols, prompting various societal groups to seek new design techniques. This ultimately fueled the growth of capitalism and the need for innovation. However, a significant portion of this transformation was merely an unhindered continuation, with one aspect leading to another without fully replacing established society. The reorganization of pre-industrial Britain was shaped by multiple factors including rapid industrial and technological expansion, advancements in transportation, population growth, and the influence of agriculture. These factors served as catalysts for these changes.

The Industrial Society refers to a modern society built on advanced infrastructure, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. One significant advantage is the considerable improvement it brings to people's lives through technology and innovation. This leads to increased employment opportunities, higher wages, and a greater demand for education. As a result, the overall quality of life for the majority is elevated.

The utilization of machines has increased comfort and convenience in various areas of life, greatly simplifying tasks that were previously performed by hand. This advancement not only saves time but also streamlines business operations. Technology allows for all work and transactions to be done from one place using tools such as the internet, phones,

and laptops. However, industrialization also has drawbacks as it disproportionately impacts impoverished individuals and those living below the poverty line.

Advancements in technology, job opportunities, and new products allowed many individuals to benefit and meet their survival needs. This included both the fortunate who reaped rewards and the less fortunate who were given opportunities to join the workforce. Industrialization played a crucial role in reducing poverty and alleviating governments' burden. However, it also brought forth pressing issues of impoverished living conditions. Moreover, the widespread use of machinery and fossil fuels had detrimental effects on the environment like pollution and global warming.

In conclusion, industrialization had its positive and negative effects on society. Technological society encountered various issues such as pollution and depletion of natural resources which harmed the Earth and its environment. The introduction of new technologies also raised ethical questions and challenged traditional norms. For instance, the concept of efficiency was initially associated with machines but later applied to human productivity.

The printing press, telephone, and Internet are examples of recent technological advancements that have made communication easier and increased global interaction. However, not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes; throughout history, powerful weapons have been developed, from clubs to nuclear weapons. Technology has had various impacts on society. It has contributed to the advancement of advanced economies like today's global economy and has allowed for the emergence of a leisure class. Many technological processes produce pollution and deplete natural resources, harming the Earth and its environment. Different uses of technology shape societal values, and the introduction of new technology often raises ethical questions.

Major Problems and Their Relation to Past Technologies
Overpopulation
The emergence of the perception

of efficiency in terms of human productivity, originally only applied to machines, and the challenge of traditional norms are examples that demonstrate how technology freed us from certain things but created new challenges. Overpopulation refers to the growth of population exceeding available resources such as space, food, water, or other resources needed for sustenance. The world's population has rapidly increased from 1.65 billion in 1900 to 3.02 billion in 1960. According to the United Nations, it is projected that the population reached 6 billion by the end of 1999.

The population size has increased by four times within 100 years, an unprecedented rate of growth. This growth is mainly occurring in developing countries, where birth rates are significantly higher compared to developed countries. As a result of concerns about potential overpopulation, some nations have implemented population control policies.

Pollution:

All of this indicates that technology has freed us from certain challenges but also introduced new problems. Pollution refers to the contamination of Earth's environment with substances that have adverse effects on human health, overall well-being, and the natural functioning of ecosystems (including living organisms and their physical surroundings).

While some environmental pollution is caused by natural events like volcanic eruptions, the majority of it can be attributed to human activities. Pollution can take various forms and has an impact on numerous aspects of the Earth's environment. Point-source pollution originates from specific and identifiable sources, such as sewage pipes or industrial smokestacks. On the other hand, nonpoint-source pollution arises from scattered or uncontrolled sources, like polluted water runoff from urban areas or vehicle emissions. The consequences of these pollutants may occur immediately or be delayed.

The immediate consequences of pollution are

observed right after contamination, such as the death of marine plants and animals following an oil spill in the sea. On the other hand, the long-term effects may be delayed or persist in the environment for a significant period, potentially going unnoticed for many years. DDT, an indestructible compound, does not immediately harm birds but gradually builds up in their bodies. Birds with high levels of this pesticide lay eggs with thin shells that either do not hatch or produce deformed offspring. These indirect impacts, made widely known by Rachel Carson in her 1962 book titled Silent Spring, posed a threat to the survival of species like the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, and raised public concerns about the hidden effects of nondegradable chemicals.

As humans developed new engineerings, pollution increased in both magnitude and badness. Many historiographers believe that the extended usage of lead plumbing for drinking water in Rome caused chronic lead toxic condition in those who could afford such plumbing. The excavation and smelting of ores during the transition from the Stone Age to the Metal Age resulted in piles of excavation wastes that spread potentially toxic elements like quicksilver, Cu, lead, and nickel throughout the environment. There is widespread evidence of pollution during the early Industrial Revolution. Hair samples from historical figures like Newton and Napoleon indicate the presence of toxic elements like Sb and quicksilver.

By the 1800s, specific trades were associated with characteristic occupational diseases. Chimney sweeps developed cancer of the scrotum from hydrocarbons in chimney soot. Hatmakers suffered from mental health issues caused by mercury salts used in felt treatment. Shoe shiners experienced liver damage due to solvents in shoe

polish.

By the 21st century, pollution had become a global issue with pollutants impacting not only the environment but also atmospheric and climatic conditions. The Minamata Bay disaster was a wake-up call that highlighted the need for better waste management practices, especially for hazardous waste.

In the years that followed, there were numerous incidents of negligence or carelessness resulting in dangerous levels of contamination. In 1976, an explosion at a chemical plant in Seveso, Italy unleashed toxic dioxin clouds, exposing hundreds of people and causing the death of thousands of animals that consumed contaminated food. In 1978, it was discovered that the Love Canal housing development in New York State had been constructed on a former chemical waste dump.

The development was declared uninhabitable due to the universe's worst industrial accident happening in Bhopal, India, in 1984. An American chemical works leaked a deathly gas, resulting in the deaths of over 3,800 people and injuries to more than 200,000 individuals. TheA 1986A Chernobyl'A atomic reactor accident exemplified the hazardous consequences of large-scale uncontrolled disasters. In a never-before-seen move, pollution was employed as a military tactic during the conflict in the Persian Gulf in 1991.

The Iraqi military intentionally released up to 1 billion litres (336 million gallons) of petroleum oil into the Persian Gulf and ignited over 700 oil wells, causing thick, black smoke to be emitted into the atmosphere above the Middle East.

Global Heating

This shows that technology has both freed us from certain things while creating new issues. Global Warming or Climate Change refers to a measurable increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land masses. Scientists believe that the Earth is currently experiencing

a period of rapid warming due to rising levels of heat-trapping gases, called greenhouse gases, in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases naturally retain the heat provided to Earth by the Sun through a process known as the greenhouse effect. Without greenhouse gases, the planet would be too cold to support life as we know it.

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700s, human activities have been increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For example, concentrations of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, have increased by 35% since 1750, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This results in a thickening blanket effect in the atmosphere, trapping more heat. In addition, another significant issue facing us today is the economic collapse. Pollution and global warming contribute to a decrease in job opportunities for ordinary people.

The impact of the economic system collapse affects every individual directly or indirectly, although its effects may vary. One major cause of this collapse is war, which inherently involves a significant amount of spending. This is also true for America, as it experiences the same consequences. Another reason for the economic system collapse is the fact that the United States holds the largest economy in the world.

As a result of war and the shift of major industries to Asia, we have witnessed a significant decline in the economic system. This global impact affects every individual as it leads to a severe decrease in employment opportunities and the production of goods. Particularly, individuals with higher education find themselves in lower-paying jobs.

The migration of economic systems and the worldwide economic

system collapse have had a major impact on the United Kingdom. This is discussed in the context of present technologies and the modern corporation, highlighting how the humanist policies and benefits of the modern corporation are a result of engineering transforming the workplace. Md. Atiqur Rahman also explores how technological changes in the past and present have influenced both work and leisure activities, acknowledging that technology carries information that not everyone desires.

Technology has a dual effect on our minds, both positive and negative. It enables access to information that would otherwise be inaccessible. Even individuals without computers or credit cards have information stored somewhere on a computer. The emerging technology is beginning to impact the minds of young children and teenagers in potentially harmful ways, affecting our immediate future. It also provides a new form of communication and information exchange that was previously unavailable, encompassing both beneficial and detrimental information. As one of the primary driving forces shaping our future, technology is rapidly transforming and influencing our lives at unprecedented rates, carrying profound implications that we cannot yet fully grasp.

The satisfaction we experience in our lives can be influenced by various factors. Engineering has the potential to modify how safe, healthy, and content individuals feel.

Simranjit Singh Gill

In my perspective, the economy is defined as the centralized or government-controlled management of a nation's labor, capital, and development. In the past, there was a sole system known as the physical system in which a monarch controlled the state.

Due to his authority and control, the worker's actions were dictated according to his will. Time constraints were non-existent, minimum wages were not set, and there were no safety measures

for the workers. The workers lacked proper education and knowledge about their rights and regulations. They operated like machines, blindly following instructions without question or choice. However, with advancements in technology and improvements in the education system, people have become more aware and informed compared to previous times.

They created workplace statute law, which consisted of certain regulations and ordinances. Individuals have a strong understanding of their rights and duties. All of these factors caused a transformation from a physical economic system to a cognitive economic system. There are various types of economic systems, but I will only explain two: the mixed economic system and the command economic system.

Different economic systems involve the control and management of the economy by authorities and private individuals. Examples include Canada, the United States, and Australia. Command economic systems involve complete control and management by authorities. China, India, and other countries previously employed this system, but they realized that adopting a mixed economic system would be more beneficial for development, so they made the change.


Jaspreet Singh Ahluwalia

We have observed that up until now, there has always been an end to a generation. If we compare this to a physical economic system, it must eventually come to an end because the system never has a lifespan.

Nowadays, the physical economy differs from what it used to be in the past. Unlike in ancient times, where there were no limitations in terms of work, such as the rewards received or the amount of time spent working, today we have various economic systems, including socialist economy, command economy, and capitalism.



Ethics or Technological Determinism in Politics




Ethical motives and Professionalism:

When discussing ethics and professionalism, it is important to understand their common interpretations. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that focuses on norms of human behavior, separate from formal and empirical sciences. However, empirical social sciences like psychology do touch upon ethical concerns as they study social behavior. For example, these sciences aim to explore how specific ethical principles relate to societal behavior and investigate the cultural factors that shape these principles.

Economic Imperialism and Globalization

It is essential to demonstrate how technology enables economic imperialism, globalization, and propaganda. Globalization refers to the emergence of a global society in which economic, political, environmental, and cultural events in one part of the world quickly impact people in other regions.

Globalization is the result of advancements in communication, transportation, and information technologies. It encompasses the increasing economic, political, technological, and cultural connections that link individuals, communities, businesses, and governments worldwide. Additionally, globalization entails the expansion of multinational corporations (companies with operations or investments in multiple countries) and transnational corporations (companies that view themselves as operating in a global marketplace). The international institutions responsible for overseeing global trade and finance play an increasingly significant role in this age of globalization.


Cultural Imperialism and Technology

The role of technology in cultural imperialism is a topic of discussion. Will the Internet have a similar impact as previous inventions such as the record player, wireless, films, and television? Cultural imperialism involves the promotion, separation, division, or forced adoption of one society's culture by another. This leads to influence and control, which is often distinguished from foreign ownership.

Therefore, technology is closely linked to culture as it provides the means for communication and transportation. Technology plays a vital role in the expansion of cultural imperialism. It sets the stage for a thorough examination of the rest of the work, carefully assembling a series of statements that ultimately cast doubt on the legitimacy of defining aspects of U.S. culture.

Western foreign intercessions are seen as 'cultural imperialism'. American civilization is diverse, emerging from the rapid European conquest of a vast and sparsely settled land mass, inhabited by various indigenous peoples. While European cultural forms dominated, particularly in language, the arts, and politics, contributions to American culture were also made by peoples from Africa, Asia, and North America. All of these groups had an influence on popular preferences in music, clothing, entertainment, and cuisine.

As a result, American society possesses a unique blend of forms and symbols created by its diverse population.
Jaspreet
Technology has been a dialectical and cumulative process at the heart of human experience. It is best understood within a historical context that traces the development of early civilizations from using basic tools to the intricate and widespread networks that impact much of modern human life. The earliest known human artifacts are roughly-cut rocks used for cutting and scraping, mainly found in eastern Africa. The next significant advancement in technology was the ability to control fire. By striking flint against pyrites to create sparks, people could easily start fires, freeing themselves from relying on naturally occurring fire sources.

Besides serving as a source of visible radiation and heat, fire was also utilized for baking clay pots. This process resulted in the production of heat-resistant vessels that were

then employed for cooking grains as well as for brewing and fermentation purposes. Innovations in transportation during the medieval era had a significant impact on the dissemination of technologies and ideas over large regions. Various devices like the horseshoe, whippletree (used for effectively harnessing animals to wagons), and spring passenger car expedited the movement of people and goods. Twentieth-century technology originated from Europe and the U.S. but eventually spread to other major countries such as Japan and the Soviet Union.

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