Technology and Society Overview
67 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main argument regarding the relationship between society and technology?

  • Technology primarily drives the advancement of society.
  • Society and technology influence each other in a reciprocal manner. (correct)
  • Technological change is fully independent of social factors.
  • Society ultimately has no impact on the development of technology.

    • Which technological advancement is directly associated with dietary changes in early humans?

  • Fire control
  • Acheulean tools (correct)
  • Oldowan tools
  • Agriculture

    • How does the concept of social determinism explain technological progress?

  • It emphasizes random occurrences in shaping technology.
  • It views technological change as a natural evolution.
  • It suggests that technology develops solely through scientific innovation.
  • It posits that societal beliefs and factors dictate technological advancement. (correct)

    • What role did religion play in the rise of modern science according to Roberton Merton?

    <p>Religion provided a framework that encouraged scientific inquiry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary factor that led early humans to develop agriculture around 11,000 years ago?

    <p>The necessity to adapt to climate change and resource scarcity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tool innovation is credited with altering human diets and contributing to increased brain size?

    <p>Flint hand axe</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of technology having a two-way relationship with society imply?

    <p>Technological changes affect societal structures, and vice versa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Acheulean tools from Oldowan tools?

    <p>Acheulean tools involved shaping a core for specific uses, unlike Oldowan tools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of the Mouseion established by Ptolemy in Alexandria?

    <p>To function as a research institute</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Eratosthenes contribute to the understanding of the Earth's size?

    <p>He accurately calculated the Earth's circumference</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural impact did Alexander the Great's conquests have on Egypt?

    <p>It caused the Hellenization of Egyptian culture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining characteristic of the unidirectional model of technological determinism?

    <p>Technology influences society without any reciprocal effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant factor limiting technological innovation in ancient China?

    <p>Restriction by class and government control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the internal approach to historiography, what is the focus of inquiry?

    <p>The scientific and detailed aspects of technology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What notable structure was created by Ptolemy III to protect the knowledge of the Great Library of Alexandria?

    <p>An underground backup library</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following critiques the idea of inborn genius in technological invention?

    <p>The external approach emphasizes social influences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the predominant view of rapid change in medieval Europe compared to ancient China?

    <p>Change is a sign of progress in Europe and imbalance in China</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the evolutionary model of technology view its development?

    <p>Technology progresses from simple to complex forms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which major event in Europe facilitated the introduction of Greek texts from Alexandria?

    <p>The First Crusade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did Christianity have on the cultural landscape after the decline of the Great Library of Alexandria?

    <p>It became the dominant religion influencing societal values</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement aligns with the interactive view of technology in society?

    <p>There is a reciprocal relationship between society and technology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Lynn White's contribution to the discussion of technological determinism?

    <p>He criticized the unidirectional model by highlighting social factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of technological history, what do proponents of the external approach believe?

    <p>Technology is shaped significantly by social factors and cultural context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental flaw in the traditional view of the 'great men' theory of invention?

    <p>It overlooks the contributions of women and minorities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the internal approach to historiography primarily differ from the external approach?

    <p>It emphasizes technological aspects without social influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the unidirectional model of technological determinism imply about the relationship between society and technology?

    <p>Technology solely influences and shapes society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism is directed towards the 'great men theory' of technological invention?

    Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant outcome of Alexander the Great's conquests for Egypt?

    <p>The founding of Alexandria as a cultural capital.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Ptolemy I play in the development of the Mouseion?

    <p>He established it as the first ever research institute.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which measurement did Eratosthenes famously calculate?

    <p>The circumference of the Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect limited technological advancements in ancient China compared to Europe?

    <p>Government control and rigid social structures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do historians often cite as the reason for the preservation of knowledge in Alexandria?

    <p>The Great Library's extensive collections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event is associated with the introduction of Greek texts to medieval Europe?

    <p>The First Crusade in 1095.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main feature of the underground backup library created by Ptolemy III?

    <p>It held copies of important works.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did perceptions of change differ between ancient China and medieval Europe?

    <p>Rapid change was viewed positively in the West, but negatively in China.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What invention is Isaac Newton credited with despite the controversy surrounding it?

    <p>Calculus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which significant scientific achievement is associated with Isaac Newton's research in optics?

    <p>Proving light is composed of small particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the first woman admitted to the Royal Society?

    <p>Kathleen Lonsdale</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the original purpose of the steam engine developed by Thomas Savery?

    <p>Water pump</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant social change was brought about by Newtonian laws?

    <p>Universal laws of motion and gravity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which individual is known for the conflict with Isaac Newton regarding the invention of a reflective telescope?

    <p>Robert Hooke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which discovery is associated with the early experiments of the steam engine prior to Thomas Savery?

    <p>Vacuum pump design</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary economic concept emerged during the era of the Royal Society's influence?

    <p>Capitalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is most emphasized in social determinism regarding technological change?

    <p>External social factors shape technological development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following technologies is associated with early human dietary evolution?

    <p>Oldowan tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first printed book produced by Gutenberg?

    <p>The Bible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable outcome of the shift from Oldowan to Acheulean tools?

    <p>The ability to hunt larger animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material was primarily used to produce paper in Europe after 1347?

    <p>Linen fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the end of the ice age affect human societies around 11,000 years ago?

    <p>It prompted the development of agriculture in favorable climates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the printing press's introduction on established publishers before 1450?

    <p>Removal of gatekeepers to publication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critical link exists between technology and human evolution?

    <p>Increased meat consumption led to larger brain development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which best describes the relationship between society and technology as discussed by Thomas Misa?

    <p>Technology and society mutually shape each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technological advancement was used significantly for rocketry in China before the 1200s?

    <p>Gunpowder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was not a limitation in the early development of the printing press in Europe?

    <p>Existence of the printing press</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major social factor influencing technological inventions according to Roberton Merton?

    <p>Religious beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of early human life did tools from the prehistoric period primarily address?

    <p>Meeting survival needs such as food and shelter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary use of the black powder invented in China prior to its military applications?

    <p>Religious festivals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the commercialization of sins within the church lead to?

    <p>Availability of more indulgences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is credited with the innovation of oil-based ink and a new alloy for type in printmaking?

    <p>Johannes Gutenberg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the internal approach to historiography primarily focus on?

    <p>Detailed scientific aspects and technological mechanics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the unidirectional model of technological determinism?

    <p>Society is shaped exclusively by technological advancements</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which model suggests that technology evolves from primitive to more complex forms?

    <p>Evolutionary model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does the external approach emphasize regarding technology?

    <p>Social and external factors shape technological development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism is often directed at the great men theory of invention?

    <p>It ignores the role of women in technological advancement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, which of the following is a characteristic of technological determinism?

    <p>It views technological change as a leading factor in historical progress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which criticism applies to the unidirectional model of technological determinism?

    <p>It overly simplifies the complexity of technological impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant flaw in the perception of the independent inventor notion?

    <p>Many recognized inventors were not the actual innovators</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Technology and Society

    • Technology is a system that leads to the creation of predetermined products, not just a collection of artifacts.
    • Technology is used to solve real-world problems.
    • Societies determine the development of technology, not the other way around.
    • Technology influences society and vice versa.

    The Development of Technology:

    • Prehistoric Period (before 3200 BC)
      • Oldowan tools (2.5 million - 1.5 million years ago)
        • Flake tools were created, for protection from elements.
        • Australopithecus (Lucy) used these tools.
        • Wonderwerk Cave (circa 2 million years ago) is considered one of the first shelters.
      • Acheulean tools (1.5 million - 100,000 years ago)
        • Core tools, Homo Erectus, and Turkana Boy were associated with these tools.
        • Acheulean Core tools - Flint hand axe
        • shift in diet, humans ate more meat, leading to bigger brains, turning humans into a product of technology.
    • Stone tools led to more meat consumption, new proteins, bigger brains, and ultimately the development of Homo Sapiens.
    • Climate Change and Technology
      • Circa 11,500 years ago, the ice age ended.
      • Circa 11,000 years ago, the earth became hot and dry, leading to a shift in human populations as they searched for food and water.
      • Circa 11,000 years ago, Mesopotamia was discovered as a lush place with abundant food and water.
      • The need to cultivate crops led to the development of agriculture as a new technology.

    Internal vs. External Approaches to Technology

    • Internal approach - "nuts and bolts," focuses on the science of technology without social context.
    • External approach - external social factors shape the development of technology.
    • Interactive view - technology influences society and society shapes technology.

    The Mouseion

    • Ptolemy I, after Alexander the Great, established the Mouseion, the first research institute.
    • The Great Library of Alexandria was the first major center of information.
    • The library was destroyed multiple times, but a backup library containing copies of important works survived until AD 642.

    Eratosthenes

    • A teacher, director of the Great Library, and a mathematician.
    • Measured the circumference of the earth (250,000 stadia, or 40,000 km).
    • Measured the distance from the earth to the sun (804,000,000 stadia) and the moon (780,000 stadia).

    Technology in China

    • Ancient Chinese invented many technologies but did not use them to advance society the way Europeans did.
    • Lack of social flexibility, primarily due to class structure, prevented innovation.
    • The government and religion controlled the rate of change.
    • In the West, rapid change is seen as progress. In China, rapid change is viewed as imbalance.

    Christianity and Technological Change in Medieval Europe

    • The stirrup, a tool already present in China, revolutionized warfare in medieval Europe.
    • The Battle of Hastings in 1066 established a new class structure, leading to armed men with little to do.
    • The First Crusade in 1095 brought back Greek books from Alexandria, boosting the spread of knowledge and technology.

    What is Technology?

    • Technology is a system used to create predetermined products, not just a collection of artifacts.
    • Examples of technology include: computers, rockets, cars, and cell phones.
    • Technology is used to solve real-world problems.
    • Technology can be “silent/invisible” - for example, education, government, and economy are all systems that rely on technology.

    From Technological to Social Determinism

    • Internal Approach focuses on the “nuts and bolts” of technology.
    • Scientists and engineers are seen as independent inventors, making discoveries without being influenced by society (the “great men theory”).
    • Unidirectional Model of Technological Determinism - Technology influences society, but society does not influence technology.
    • Evolutionary Model - Technology progresses from primitive to complex, always getting “better.”
    • External Approach focuses on how social factors shape the development of technology.
    • Social Determinism argues that all technological change is driven by social factors.
    • Interactive View - Technology influences society and society influences technology.

    Are We a Product of Technology?

    • Humans have been using technology for millions of years.
    • Oldowan Tools (2.5 million - 1.5 million years ago) - Flake tools used by Australopithecus for protection against the elements.
    • Acheulean Tools (1.5 million - 100,000 years ago) - Core tools used by Homo Erectus. The more efficient tools allowed for more meat consumption, which led to a larger brain size.
    • Stone Tools were crucial in the evolution of Homo Sapiens around 100,000 years ago.
    • Climate Change and Technology - The end of the ice age (circa 11,500 years ago) created challenges for early humans, driving them to develop new technologies for survival.
    • Agriculture became a new technology as humans learned to cultivate crops and grow their own food in Mesopotamia.

    Alexander, Ptolemy, and the Mouseion

    • Alexander the Great conquered Greece, Athens, and the Persian Empire, spreading Greek culture (Hellenization).
    • Alexandria became the capital of Egypt after Alexander’s conquest.
    • Ptolemy I established the Mouseion, the first research institute, in Alexandria.
    • The Great Library of Alexandria was the first major center of information.
    • The library was destroyed multiple times, finally in AD 200.
    • There was a backup library built underground, which survived until AD 642.
    • The House of Wisdom in Baghdad, founded in 763, was inspired by the Mouseion and focused on translation.

    Eratosthenes - The Little We Know

    • Eratosthenes was a teacher and director of the Great Library of Alexandria, known for his contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
    • Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the Earth to be 250,000 stadia (40,000 km).
    • He also calculated distances to the sun and moon.

    Technological Determinism and External Factors

    • The Chinese Connection
      • Ancient China was a technologically advanced society, but it did not use its technology to the same extent as Europe.
      • Social inflexibility (class structure), government control, and religious beliefs prevented widespread innovation.
      • The stirrup, a critical innovation, had already been developed and used in China before being adopted by Europe.
    • Medieval Europe
      • The Battle of Hastings (1066) brought about a new class structure with armed men who had little to do.
      • The First Crusade (1095) led to the capture of Jerusalem and the acquisition of Greek books from Alexandria.
      • The rise of banking and commerce allowed military orders (e.g., the Templars) to control vast sums of money.
      • Gunpowder, initially known as the “elixir of life,” was known in China before being adopted by Europe.
      • The Roman Empire’s fall was partly attributed to the domestication of pigs, whose droppings contributed to the production of potassium nitrate (a key ingredient in gunpowder).
      • Large cannons, developed in China, were introduced to Europe by the Mongols and Turks before Constantinople (the Eastern Roman Empire) eventually fell to Turkish forces using these weapons.
      • The printing press
        • Movable type printing was invented in China in 868 AD and in Korea in 1377 AD.
        • Key challenges to creating a printing press in Europe included the availability of paper, fast-drying ink, reusable type, and a suitable press.
        • Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press, using oil-based ink and a new metal alloy, revolutionized the spread of knowledge.
      • The printing press facilitated the diffusion of knowledge and led to increased access to books.
      • Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517) were printed and disseminated widely, playing a significant role in the Reformation and the rise of Protestantism.
      • Robert Merton's thesis, which argued that Protestantism contributed to the Industrial Revolution, highlighted the impact of printed books.

    Isaac Newton and the Birth of Modern Science

    • Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was a groundbreaking scientist who developed calculus, the laws of gravity and motion, and made significant contributions to optics.
    • Newton’s work was heavily influenced by the texts he had access to during the plague of 1665.
    • Newton also practiced alchemy and believed he had discovered the elixir of life.
    • C. 1679, Robert Hooke, an English scientist, discovered the movement of planets.
    • Newton’s book Principia Mathematica (1687) outlined the mathematical principles of gravity, revolutionizing British society.
    • His theories were universal, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern science.
    • Newton and Hooke engaged in bitter rivalry over who actually invented the reflecting telescope.
    • Opticks (1704), a book by Newton, detailed his discoveries on the nature of light, proving that it was made up of particles.
    • The book marked the birth of modern science through its process of standardized methods for obtaining facts and knowledge.
    • The Royal Society (1663) and Academy of Sciences (1666) funded the scientific revolution through private and public means, leading to a focus on the utility of science and technology.

    The Steam Engine

    • Heron of Alexandria (c. 50 AD) created the first jet stream/turbine.
    • The steam engine was developed as a solution to the British Navy’s need for pumps to remove water from ships.
    • Thomas Savery built the first patented steam engine, based on designs from Edward Marquise of Worcester.
    • Denis Papin further developed the steam engine in the late 17th century, creating the first piston steam engine.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Technological History PDF

    Description

    Explore the intricate relationship between technology and society in this quiz. Delve into how societies influence technological development and the impacts of technology on human existence. Understand the historical evolution of tools from the prehistoric period and their significance in shaping human life.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser