Technology and Humanity Overview

Study Notes

Technology, derived from Greek words techne (art) and logos (word), initially referred to applied arts in the 17th century.
The concept of technology expanded to include tools, machines, and devices as it progressed.
Technology impacts society directly and indirectly.
Direct impacts are readily noticeable in daily life, such as improved communication (smartphones), healthcare (medical devices), and travel (transportation).
Indirect impacts are more subtle, like the effect of constant smartphone use on face-to-face interaction or the correlation between increased car use and pollution.

Technology can be considered necessary for work, education, or health.
It can also be seen as a want for entertainment or comfort.
Technology helps save time and energy; facilitates communication; and improves experiences like photography.

Television sets are widely used in homes.
As of 2012, 15.135 million households owned television sets in the Philippines.
Mobile phone ownership was high, reaching 67% in 2010, with many considering them indispensable.
The world's first mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, was developed in 1973.
Computers and laptops became more affordable in households but remain out of reach for many Filipino families.
Different types of technology exist to perform similar tasks (e.g. mechanical and electronic television systems).

Robots are programmable mechanisms performing tasks autonomously.
Autonomy implies robots can independently perform tasks based on current state and sensing.
Several types of robots include service robots (e.g., cleaning robots), personal service robots (e.g., personal mobility) for non-commercial tasks.
Robots were conceived as early as 3000 BC, though they evolved over time.
Early robots/automated devices included water clocks.

Modern technology raises ethical concerns about safety and environmental impact.
Responsibilities for malfunctioning robots remain debatable.
The degree of autonomy a robot has influences the level of accountability.
Ethical concerns in robotics, such as safety, and the potential for robots to develop emotions, are discussed.
Ethical guidelines/laws around robotics (e.g., Asimov's laws) are explored.