History of Technology in Sri Lanka

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of the course on the history of technology?

To present a brief overview of technology's progression from ancient times (correct)

To showcase modern technological achievements

To focus solely on the technological advancements of Sri Lanka

To analyze the impact of technology on contemporary society

Which of the following areas is NOT mentioned as part of the evolution of technology?

Space exploration (correct)

Transportation

Food

Medicine

How does the course intend to influence the students' perspective on technology?

By emphasizing the superiority of modern technology over traditional forms

By encouraging independent opinions as technology practitioners (correct)

By limiting discussions to historical facts without analysis

By providing theoretical knowledge only

What significant aspect of technology does the course highlight in its study?

The local adaptations of technology through history Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is outlined in the course to study the history of technology?

Narrative style and content Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about technology is challenged by the course content?

Technology is a recent development in human history Signup and view all the answers

Which content area discusses the historical technological practices specific to Sri Lanka?

1.2 History of Technology of Sri Lanka Signup and view all the answers

What does the course suggest about the changes in technology over time?

Change is a gradual process involving many smaller steps Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Sri Lanka's history illustrates its long-standing technological tradition?

High-quality steel production methods used in ancient times Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following showcases ancient technological development in Sri Lanka?

The advanced irrigation systems in the dry zone Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the high-quality steel production methods in Sri Lanka?

They were exported to other countries and thrived. Signup and view all the answers

What does the network of tanks and canals in Sri Lanka indicate?

An advanced understanding of resource management principles Signup and view all the answers

Why is the history of technology in Sri Lanka important to understand?

It can inspire advances in modern technologies. Signup and view all the answers

Which British researcher discovered remains of steel production facilities in Sri Lanka?

Gull Juleff Signup and view all the answers

How long has Sri Lanka had a civilization that contributes to its technological history?

More than 3000 years Signup and view all the answers

What typically remains from Sri Lanka's ancient technological developments?

Technological artifacts that are often ignored Signup and view all the answers

What hinders the visibility of gradual changes in technology as understood in engineering?

The overwhelming amount of current information Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about technology development contributes to a lack of progress in countries like Sri Lanka?

The belief that technology is primarily developed in more advanced countries Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of studying the history of technology?

To understand technology as an evolving body of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Why might individuals in countries like Sri Lanka refrain from technological modifications?

Feeling that they do not have the rights to modify technology Signup and view all the answers

What influences the perception of technology in less developed countries?

A misunderstanding of historical technological capabilities Signup and view all the answers

How does learning the history of technology benefit students?

By helping them understand the evolution and context of technology Signup and view all the answers

What is a common attitude towards contributions from less developed countries?

There is a perception that they lack significance Signup and view all the answers

What key concept is often overlooked in modern technological discussions?

The historical evolution of technology Signup and view all the answers

What are the main focuses of Unit 01 in the course?

Steel making and irrigation technologies Signup and view all the answers

Which cultures are primarily studied in Unit 02 for their pre-modern technologies?

Chinese and Arabic Signup and view all the answers

The controversy in Unit 02 mainly involves which subject area?

The development of calculus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the course as stated in the content?

To provide a historical context of technological impacts Signup and view all the answers

What does the last session titled 'End of History and the way Forward?' address?

The Eurocentric bias in the history of science and technology Signup and view all the answers

How does the course narrative approach the development of technology?

By highlighting modern issues and their historical roots Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is encouraged for studying the course material?

A combination of printed, audio, and video materials Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the course content is emphasized to be accessible to the non-technical reader?

The societal implications of technology Signup and view all the answers

What does the story of technological development seek to highlight?

The role of chance in historical narratives Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception can arise regarding science and technology?

They are exclusive to the developed world Signup and view all the answers

How should we view our connection to technological progress according to the content?

As participants with historical significance Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a good preparation for future challenges?

Studying the history of technology Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of technological education is emphasized as vital for budding engineers?

Recognizing one's unique technological prowess Signup and view all the answers

What main idea is communicated about the experience of history?

It is a shared narrative often recalled selectively Signup and view all the answers

What is the intended outcome of understanding the story of technology?

To foster a sense of ownership and engagement Signup and view all the answers

What does the conclusion suggest about the future of technology?

It will be shaped by current and past experiences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Why Study the History of Technology?

Studying the history of technology helps us understand the gradual progression of ideas and inventions that have resulted in the technology we use today.
We learn that modern technology, often taken for granted, is the product of countless individuals working over many centuries.
It is important to value the contributions of ordinary people who spent their lives solving problems and making incremental advancements in technology.
Examining the history of technology challenges assumptions about its origin and development, reminding us that technological advancement is not limited to a select few countries.
Studying history gives us a foundation to understand the capabilities and limitations of modern science and technology for solving today's problems.

History of Technology of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich history of technology, dating back over 3,000 years.
Ancient Sri Lankan technology, including advanced irrigation systems (tanks and canals) and high-quality steel production, were once globally recognized.
These achievements underscore Sri Lanka’s potential for technological advancements.

Course Outline

The course is divided into three modules, each focusing on a specific area of interest related to technology.
Module 1: Ancient Sri Lankan Technologies: This unit delves into case studies of ancient Sri Lankan steel making and irrigation systems, exploring their achievements and limitations.
Module 2: Pre-modern technologies from non-European cultures: This unit examines technological contributions from China and the Arab world, highlighting their impact on modern science and technology.
Module 3: “End of History and the way Forward?” This unit analyzes the Eurocentric bias within historical narratives of science and technology, calling for a more inclusive, truly global perspective.

Narrative Style and Content

The course material is written for a wide audience, avoiding technical jargon to make the content accessible to non-technical readers.
The focus is on the historical impact of technology rather than technical specifics.
The course does not follow a strict chronological narrative; instead , it explores themes and issues related to modern technology and traces their roots in different cultures and times.
The course encourages students to understand the interconnectedness of technological developments across different regions and periods.

Conclusion

The study of technology’s history reminds us that technological advancements are shaped by diverse cultures, individuals, and historical circumstances.
Overcoming Eurocentric biases helps us appreciate the global history of technology and recognize the contributions of all cultures.
By understanding the evolution of technology, we can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Learning Outcomes

Gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for studying the history of technology.

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Description

Explore the evolution of technology in Sri Lanka, which boasts a rich technological history spanning over 3,000 years. This quiz delves into ancient advancements, continuous innovations, and the importance of ordinary contributions to modern technology. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating our current technological landscape.