Understanding Technology as a System

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What is the main characteristic of 'silent/invisible' technologies?

They are shared openly with the general public.
They are studied extensively by scholars.
They are always visible and easily recognized.
They are usually not recognized and not visible. (correct)

In historiography, what are the two major approaches mentioned for interpreting past technological advancements?

Genius and popular theories.
Internal and external determinism. (correct)
Americanized and Europeanized interpretations.
Scientific and engineering determinism.

What is the main focus of the internal approach in historiography?

The role of individualistic geniuses in creating inventions. (correct)
The impact of forgotten inventors on modern society.
The influence of social factors on technological advancements.
The relationship between scientific theory and inventions.

What did David Landes believe is the heart of the new civilization?

Machines/technologies (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects Daniel Headrick's view on imperialism and technology?

Imperialism would not exist without new technologies. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Thomas Hughes, how did technology impact the world?

It developed a better world. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lynn White's rejection of technological determinism imply?

External social factors play a significant role in technology development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Trevor Pinch, why can a great technological innovation fail?

If society does not accept it. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Jan Golinski view the relationship between science and social conditions?

Scientific knowledge is caused by cultural aspects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'silent/invisible' technologies as discussed in the text?

They are not shared with the general public (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the internal approach in historiography, who are considered the real inventors of groundbreaking inventions?

Individualistic geniuses who made discoveries independently of social factors (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Americanized interpretation according to the text?

Attributing brilliant ideas to 'great men' who changed the world (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes internalists from externalists in historiography regarding technological advancements?

Internalists argue that discoveries are made without social influences, while externalists consider social factors important (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Ede, what defines humanity?

Using technology and producing objects of technological systems (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key flaw highlighted by Jan Golinski with external historians' perspective on scientific knowledge?

Neglecting the social conditions that cause scientific knowledge (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Thomas Misa argue against the idea that new technologies will not control our lives?

Support from governmental institutions is crucial for technological development (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Daniel Headrick's view from that of Thomas Hughes regarding technology?

Prioritization of machines over technological systems (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to David Landes, what is the central element driving human development?

Importance of new technologies (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why do society's actions towards Zeppelins contradict the belief that destruction lies within people?

Support for Zeppelins increased despite their failures (A) Signup and view all the answers