If you’re looking for a definition of technology, you’ve come to the right place. Technology is the systematic, goal-oriented process of designing and building tools and systems to exploit natural phenomena for human purposes. It’s not the product of engineering or science, though these disciplines are important to our everyday lives. So what is Technology, and why is it important to our lives? Let’s explore a few different definitions and get started.
Technology is the goal-oriented process of designing and making tools and systems to exploit natural phenomena for practical human means
Although it has multiple meanings, technology is primarily a descriptive concept. It also plays a role in societal arguments for or against a particular course of action. These arguments are called normative and prescriptive. In general, technology refers to a field of science that uses science as an applied tool to achieve human ends. Technology is also the product of human research and experimentation.
The earliest technologies were the conversion of readily available resources to usable products and tools. Birds and other animals used simple tools made of plants and animals as a way to prepare food. In addition, these technologies were culturally transmitted among nonhuman primates. Using these natural resources in the process of technology development can be traced back to as early as 1 million to 500,000 BC.
It is the result of accumulated knowledge
We know that technology is the application of scientific knowledge to practical goals of human life. At other times, technology is also called change of environment or the application of scientific knowledge to improve human lives. Despite being defined in a variety of ways, technology can be categorized in four major dimensions:
First, technology evolved from personal experience and the techniques used to manipulate objects. This know-how was passed down from one generation to the next. This accumulated knowledge did not just come from single practitioners but also from vast literature that includes pictures, words, and numbers. Hence, understanding the underlying science and principles is essential for technology. This article will discuss the different kinds of technological knowledge and their application. Let’s examine these four different types of knowledge and how they relate to technology.
It is not a product of science
The pursuit of knowledge and the application of that knowledge are the two main goals of science and technology. Science aims to discover new things that benefit human beings, while technology focuses on implementing scientific results. Several technological advancements predate science. Technology is often considered a byproduct of science, though some advances have predated it. There are two main types of technology: applied and pure. Both are important, but one is more prevalent than the other.
The use of technology in the sciences is an example of how technology can motivate research and innovation. For example, the steam engine inspired scientists to develop the theory of conservation of energy. Genetic engineering motivated researchers to map the locations of genes. These advances have led to significant advancement in many areas of science. A society that does not support the advancement of science can stunt progress in many fields. For this reason, technology is essential to the advancement of science.