Technology and Society: Internal vs External Approaches

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Questions and Answers

What claim was the 'Catch Me Who Can' railroad attempting to prove?

That locomotives could operate in inclement weather.

That locomotives required less maintenance than horses.

That locomotives were faster than horses. (correct)

That locomotives were more reliable than horses.

Which engineer was known for expressing opposition to high-pressure steam?

Richard Trevithick

George Stephenson

James Watt (correct)

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

What was a major consequence of Watt's negative views on high-pressure steam?

It accelerated the development of steam engines.

It stifled engineering progress. (correct)

It increased funding for railroad projects.

It led to decreased railroad safety.

What was significant about Brunel's Great Eastern?

It included 12 watertight compartments. Signup and view all the answers

Which construction was reported to be the most expensive in Britain at the time?

The Crystal Palace Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first to experiment with a steam engine intended for naval water pumping?

Thomas Savery Signup and view all the answers

What significant contribution did James Watt make to steam engine technology?

Created an external condenser to minimize heat loss Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of factories that emerged in the 1720s?

To separate production from family life Signup and view all the answers

Which invention was Richard Trevithick known for?

High-pressure steam engine Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of John Wilkinson in the development of steam engines?

He invented a cannon boring machine for precise cylinder production. Signup and view all the answers

What major shift did factories contribute to in the 18th century?

A separation of workers from their families Signup and view all the answers

Which mill introduced steam power in the late 18th century?

Cromford Mill Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Puffing Devil' refers to what invention by Richard Trevithick?

A full-sized road vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What construction method did the Romans primarily use that enabled them to build domes?

Arches Signup and view all the answers

Which infrastructure was created by the Romans to ensure a supply of fresh water?

Aqueducts Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary material used in the construction of buildings in ancient Rome?

Cement Signup and view all the answers

What major societal structure did the Colosseum represent in Roman culture?

Political power Signup and view all the answers

What Chinese invention significantly impacted medieval Europe by changing warfare?

The stirrup Signup and view all the answers

What was the first printed book produced using the printing press?

The Gutenberg Bible Signup and view all the answers

Which device did Richard of Wallingford invent to solve the issue of timekeeping?

Mechanical clock Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for discovering the laws of gravity and motion?

Isaac Newton Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Roman Empire ultimately collapse?

Domestication of pigs Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the increase in the need for printed material during the Renaissance?

Rise of the merchant class Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement did the Chinese invent that was viewed as an elixir of life during the First Crusade?

Black powder Signup and view all the answers

Which industry was dominated by the Swiss as a result of mass production?

Watches Signup and view all the answers

How did climate change affect timekeeping methods during the medieval period?

Made water clocks unreliable Signup and view all the answers

What development did Christine Lonsdale achieve in the Royal Society?

First woman elected Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the internal approach to technology's influence on society?

The detailed mechanics of technology development. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes technological determinism?

Technological advancements are the primary drivers of societal change. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the social approach attribute to society in relation to technology?

Society determines the outcomes and progress of technology. Signup and view all the answers

How did the development of agriculture affect human society?

It increased food surplus and specialization in labor. Signup and view all the answers

What were the implications of the shift from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural ones?

Increased dominance over nature. Signup and view all the answers

How did the early Egyptians utilize the Nile River for agricultural advantage?

It enabled the prediction of seasonal flooding. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the creation of writing in early civilizations?

Improved methods for tracking accounts and donations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Great Library of Alexandria?

It served as the first research center and library of ancient times. Signup and view all the answers

Which advancement is attributed to the first civilizations in Mesopotamia?

The invention of the wheel for transportation. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of social control in ancient Egypt?

Predictive knowledge about natural phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for founding the first library and research center in ancient times?

Alexander the Great and his successors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the interactive view of technology suggest?

Technology and society influence each other in a cyclical manner. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the early use of tools like Oldowan and Acheulean tools among prehistoric humans?

They marked a significant evolution in dietary practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of climate change on ancient human societies?

Shift towards sedentary agricultural practices. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major development contributed by Denis Papin in steam engine technology?

Piston steam engine Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the initial steam engine created by Thomas Savery?

Mining drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which significant improvement did James Watt make to the steam engine?

Development of an external condenser Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the factory system introduced in the 1720s?

Separation of workers from their families Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mills is recognized for being powered by steam?

Cromford Mill Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement did Richard Trevithick achieve with his steam engine?

Creation of a high-pressure steam engine Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of modern industrial society resulting from the rise of factories?

Increased wealth alongside poverty Signup and view all the answers

What invention is Richard Trevithick known for that showcased his steam technology?

The Puffing Devil Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant problem faced by Isambard Kingdom Brunel concerning the Great Western Railway in 1835?

It was three times over budget. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the Great Eastern made it innovative compared to previous ships?

It featured multiple propulsion systems. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the Great Eastern after it had thousands of ticket buyers?

It ended up in dry dock. Signup and view all the answers

How did Trevithick and Stephenson's contributions to railroads differ in public recognition?

Stephenson received greater credit despite Trevithick's innovations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did James Watt's views on high-pressure steam have on engineering progress?

It limited advancements due to safety concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What approach suggests that technology is primarily shaped by external social factors?

External approach Signup and view all the answers

Which technological progression led to a significant dietary shift in early humans?

Acheulean tools Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary factor that led to the development of complex societies in Mesopotamia?

Agricultural surplus Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason the Romans built aqueducts?

To access fresh water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the 'great men theory' in relation to technological development?

Invention by a few influential individuals Signup and view all the answers

What was one unique characteristic of the Colosseum in Rome?

It served both entertainment and social control purposes Signup and view all the answers

What does the interactive view of technology suggest about the relationship between society and technology?

Society and technology influence each other Signup and view all the answers

What factor did the Nile river provide that significantly influenced ancient Egyptian agriculture?

Freshwater supply Signup and view all the answers

What development allowed for the diffusion of knowledge during the Renaissance?

The invention of the printing press Signup and view all the answers

What crucial advancement follows the agricultural development in terms of technology speed?

The plow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inventions significantly changed warfare during the medieval period?

Rockets using black powder Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is credited with the creation of the first form of writing?

Mesopotamians Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism was critical in the design of the first mechanical clock?

Escapement Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the interaction between food surplus and social structures in ancient societies?

Emergence of political elites Signup and view all the answers

What primary material were most Roman buildings constructed from?

Cement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following innovations is attributed to Heron of Alexandria?

Steam engine Signup and view all the answers

Which tool was significant for early humans in transitioning to a meat-eating diet?

Acheulean tools Signup and view all the answers

What does technological determinism argue about the influence of technology on society?

Technology drives societal change Signup and view all the answers

How did the First Crusade impact technology in medieval Europe?

By leading to the discovery of gunpowder Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Johannes Gutenberg's printing press?

It allowed for the mass production of books Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily responsible for the development of the first organized military in ancient civilizations?

Wealth and trade Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Isaac Newton's invention of calculus?

The plague in 1665 Signup and view all the answers

Which innovation followed the invention of agriculture and facilitated easier transport for civilizations?

Wheel Signup and view all the answers

In what way did climate change historically affect the development of agricultural societies?

Forced migration of early humans Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Swiss watch industry dominate after mass production?

Because of their accuracy and cost-effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which societal structure was significantly influenced by the creations of the Royal Society?

Scientific communities Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the Romans to the construction of the Colosseum?

They viewed it as a public distraction Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary use of black powder during the First Crusade?

Developing weapons Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Internal and External Approaches to Technology

Internal Approach (Great Men Theory/Technological Determinism): Technology is the primary driver of change, with little social influence on its development.
Examples:
- The invention of the stirrup was a technological breakthrough that led to significant social changes.
- Technological development is seen as the sole measure of societal success.
External Approach (Social Approach): Society influences and directs technological development.
Examples:
- Social factors, including religion and cultural values, influence the course of science and technology.
- Technology is a product of societal needs and will not necessarily control our lives.

The Interactive View of Technology and Society

Technology and society exist in a continuous two-way relationship.
Technology influences society, but societal forces also shape technological advancements.

The Evolution of Technology for Survival

Early Tools:
- Oldowan tools (flake tools) were used for basic tasks.
- Acheulean tools (core tools) were more advanced, representing a shift in diet and brain development.
Climate Change and the Rise of Agriculture:
- The need for food and water led to the development of agriculture in Mesopotamia.
- Agriculture gave rise to surplus food, specialized labor, and social hierarchies.

Rate of Technological Change

Early stages of technology development progressed slowly:
- Stone tools: 2 million years
- Use of fire: 1 million years
- Man-made shelters: 20,000 years
- Agriculture: 2,000 years
After the invention of the plow, the rate of technological advancement accelerated dramatically.

First Civilization and Their Legacy

Mesopotamia:
- Birthplace of agriculture, civilization, and the plow.
- Used canals to bring water to cities and fields, contributing to the development of math and measurement.
- Created writing to keep track of records, leading to the development of an alphabet.
- Invented the wheel for transportation.
- Developed a military force due to growth and trade.
Egypt:
- Benefited from the predictable flooding of the Nile River for agriculture.
- Used the Nile to control food production and social order.
- Built pyramids as a testament to their wealth and power.
- Used astronomy to predict the Nile's flooding, giving priests societal control.
- Credited with the development of mummification and the concept of an afterlife.

Greeks and the Separation of Science and Technology

The Greeks separated scientific knowledge from religious beliefs.
They recognized the natural world as a domain of inquiry and understanding.

Alexander, Ptolemy, and the Mouseion

Alexander the Great: Conquered Greece and the Persian Empire, establishing Alexandria as a new capital.
Ptolemy: Accompanied Alexander but gained favor with the Egyptians, leading to political instability.
Mouseion: Established by Ptolemy as a research institution, housing a vast library and attracting scholars from across the ancient world.

The Roman Empire and Technological Advancements

Engineering and Social Control:
- Roman engineers built extensive roads and aqueducts, demonstrating the power of societal organization and engineering.
- Romans utilized arches to create structures like the Colosseum.
Urbanization and Public Infrastructure:
- Rome became the first city with over 1 million inhabitants.
- Public toilets, aqueducts, and the Cloaca Maxima (sewer system) provided sanitation and public health.
- The Colosseum was built for entertainment but also functioned as a tool for social control.
The Fall of the Roman Empire:
- The Western Roman Empire collapsed due to internal instability and external pressures.
- The Eastern Roman Empire was conquered by forces equipped with superior Chinese technology.

The Chinese Connection to Innovation

Ancient China:
- Developed a range of innovations, including the stirrup, gunpowder, papermaking, and the printing press.
- Lack of social flexibility and rigid class structure hindered technological progress.
Medieval Europe:
- The stirrup's influence led to the rise of a warrior class and, eventually, a middle class.
- The Crusades exposed Europeans to new technologies and ideas, leading to the development of gunpowder.
- The domestication of pigs contributed to the development of large cannons due to pig urine and manure producing potassium nitrate.

The Printing Press and Diffusion of Knowledge

Gutenberg Bible: The first book printed using Johannes Gutenberg's printing press.
Developments Leading to the Printing Press:
- Use of paper, fast-drying ink, and reusable type.
- Paper technology traveled from China to Europe in the 11th century.
Impact of the Printing Press:
- Increased access to books, revolutionizing knowledge dissemination.
- Significantly changed the role of scribes and monks.

The Day We Stopped Looking Up

Early Timekeeping Devices:
- Sundial, water clocks, and candle clocks.
- Candle clocks also functioned as alarms.
Religious Influence on Clock Development:
- Monks needed accurate timekeeping to ensure adherence to prayer schedules.
- Water clocks became unreliable due to climate change.
- Richard of Wallingford's mechanical clocks were critical for timekeeping and religious practice.

External Factors and the Watch Industry

British Watchmaking: Britain dominated the premium watch market.
Swiss Mass Production: Swiss manufacturers shifted production towards affordable watches, capturing 80% market share.
Seiko's Quartz Watch: This innovation challenged the Swiss watch industry by offering a more accurate and affordable watch that used a battery.
Shift to Japan: The Swiss initially resisted the quartz technology, leading to a rapid shift in watch production to Japan.

The Holy Other and the Rise of Science

Royal Society: An exclusive scientific group dominated by men up until the 20th century.
Isaac Newton: An influential figure in scientific thought, known for his work in calculus, gravity, and optics.
Newton's Secrecy and Mercury:
- Newton worked in secrecy and believed he found the elixir of eternal life, which turned out to be mercury.
- Eventually, the effects of mercury exposure led to mental instability.
Robert Hooke:
- A contemporary of Newton, known for his contributions to optics and mechanics.
- Discovered the movement of planets.
- Known for his pioneering work on the telescope and his conflict with Newton.

The Steam Engine and its Evolution

Early Innovations:
- Heron of Alexandria invented a jet stream/turbine centuries before the steam engine.
- Thomas Savery created the first patented steam engine, based on designs by Edward Somerset.
- Denis Papin's work contributed to steam engine development, including the piston steam engine.
Robert Boyle: A founder of the Royal Society, supported early steam engine research.
Thomas Newcomen: Developed the first commercially successful steam engine for mine drainage.
James Watt: Greatly improved Newcomen's design with the addition of an external condenser.
Matthew Boulton: Ran a factory for Watt's engines.
John Wilkinson: Invented a cannon boring machine for precise cylinder production, essential for steam engine development.
James Pickard: Introduced the crank and flywheel mechanism, a significant advancement in steam engine design.

The Factory System

Putting-Out System: Prior to factories, workers were paid based on output produced at home.
Rise of Factories:
- As machinery became too large for home use, factories emerged.
- Factories separated workers from their families and paid low wages.
- Significant early factories included:
  - The Silk Mill in Derby (1722)
  - Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mill (c. 1781)
  - Marc Brunel's Portsmouth Block Mills (1802)
Urbanization and Industrial Society:
- Factories concentrated in cities, leading to increased urbanization and the development of industrial society.
- This shift resulted in significant wealth growth, along with the rise of poverty.
- The "technological positivism" of the era suggested a positive relationship between technology and society.

From Puffing Devils to Genetics

Richard Trevithick:
- Invented a high-pressure steam engine, creating a powerful and compact design.
- His Puffing Devil (1801) and the Penydarren locomotive (1804) were early road vehicles.
Steam Engine Concerns and Competition:
- Watt opposed high-pressure steam for safety reasons.
- Trevithick died in poverty, while George Stephenson received credit for his steam engine innovations.
The Rainhill Trials (1829):
- A test of locomotive efficiency, where Stephenson's Rocket emerged as the winner, contributing to the development of railroads.

The Golden Age of Civil Engineers

Isambard Kingdom Brunel:
- Known as the "man who built the modern world," responsible for significant engineering projects.
- His Great Western Railway project was ambitious, leading to budget overruns.
- He revolutionized transatlantic travel with the SS Great Britain (1843), the first iron ship with a propeller.
- Brunel also oversaw the construction of the Crystal Palace and the Great Eastern ocean liner.
- The Great Eastern was considered one of the most ambitious engineering projects of the era, but its financial success was limited.

Impact of Brunel's Innovations

Brunel significantly impacted transportation and globalization.
His innovations shaped perceptions of time and space in the Industrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution was the first era documented through the advent of photography.

Internal Approach to Technology

Focuses on technological advancements, often attributing breakthroughs to "great men" or inventors
Emphasizes the "nuts and bolts" of technology and its technical details
Often overlooks social influence on technology
Assumes a unidirectional model where technology influences society but not vice versa
Example: The stirrup is viewed as a technological breakthrough that led to changes in warfare and social structures

External Approach to Technology

Emphasizes social factors in the development and use of technology
Argues that society shapes technology, not the other way around
Points out that technology doesn't exist in a vacuum but is influenced by social, economic, and cultural forces
Examples: Religion, societal needs, and economic conditions influence the development of technology

Interactive View of Technology and Society

Recognizes the two-way relationship between technology and society
Technology influences society, but society also shapes how technology is developed and used
Acknowledges the complex interplay between technological progress and societal change

The Role of Technology in Human Survival

Early hominids developed basic tools for survival, such as the Oldowan tools and Acheulean tools
These tools helped gather food, hunt, and protect themselves
Tools allowed for the consumption of meat, which is rich in protein, possibly influencing human brain development

Climate Change and Technological Advancements

Climate change forced early humans to migrate and adapt to new environments
The development of agriculture in the fertile regions of Mesopotamia allowed for a settled lifestyle and the emergence of civilizations
Agriculture led to surplus food production, creating new social roles, specializations, and political structures

Rates of Technological Change

Technological progress was slow in the early stages of human history, with stone tools and fire lasting for millions of years
The development of agriculture and the plow led to a significant increase in the pace of technological change in the period after the plow was invented
This acceleration was driven by the need to exert dominance over nature and other humans rather than just survival

The Legacy of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is considered the birthplace of writing, the wheel, and the army
The plow, agriculture, and the development of canals were key advancements that led to the emergence of civilizations
The need for record-keeping and resource management spurred the development of writing

The predictable flooding of the Nile River allowed for the development of agriculture and wealth, resulting in a powerful priestly class that could predict floods and exert social control
The Egyptian pyramids were built during flood periods when farmers had limited other options
The Egyptians believed in preservation of the body and possessions for the afterlife, leading to the construction of pyramids as tombs

The Mouseion and the Legacy of Alexandria

Alexander the Great founded Alexandria, which became a center of learning and research
Ptolemy I established the Mouseion, a research center with a library that became known as the Great Library of Alexandria
The library housed a vast collection of knowledge, making Alexandria a hub of intellectual activity

Roman engineers built a vast network of roads, aqueducts, and public sanitation systems
These infrastructure projects showcased the power of the Roman Empire and provided social control
Public structures, such as the Colosseum, were used for entertainment and social control, with citizens being paid to fight in gladiatorial contests

The Chinese Connection

Ancient China was a center of innovation, inventing many technologies, such as gunpowder and the stirrup
However, Chinese technological progress was sometimes hindered by social structures, government control, and religious beliefs
The introduction of the stirrup to Europe led to significant military and social changes

The Printing Press and the Diffusion of Knowledge

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg was a major turning point in history
It allowed for the mass production of books, leading to a significant increase in literacy and the spread of knowledge
The printing press had a profound impact on religion, culture, and the rise of new ideas

The Mechanical Clock and the Day We Stopped Looking Up

Early timekeeping devices included the sundial, water clock, candle clock, and sand clock
The invention of the mechanical clock by Richard of Wallingford in the 14th century revolutionized timekeeping
The mechanical clock was not reliant on nature and was a significant step towards a more precise and mechanical understanding of the world