Is Technology Just Applied Science? PDF

# Is Technology Just Applied Science? ## Human Knowledge vs. Human Creation - Science aims to increase knowledge, describe and explain the world, and predict future events. - Technology aims to transform or modify reality. ### Traditional Viewpoint - Science and technology were historically v...

# Is Technology Just Applied Science? ## Human Knowledge vs. Human Creation - Science aims to increase knowledge, describe and explain the world, and predict future events. - Technology aims to transform or modify reality. ### Traditional Viewpoint - Science and technology were historically viewed as separate disciplines. - Obtaining knowledge and creating things were considered independent activities. - It was often considered that science and theoretical work were superior to technological activities. ### Bergson's Perspective - Henri Bergson argued for a reappraisal of human technological capabilities. - He believed **homo faber (human maker) **is a more apt description of humans than **homo sapiens (human knower)**. - He emphasized the importance of human practical intelligence over theoretical pursuits. ## The Example of Writing - **Plato** argued that writing would lead to forgetting, as it eliminates the need for memory and personal comprehension. - **Jack Goody** argued that writing actually facilitates a rational thought process by fostering examination, organization, and identification of contradictions that are not perceived through oral communication. ## Technology and Science - Does technology always rely on scientific knowledge? - Often, technology precedes scientific understanding. - Human needs and desires often drive technological innovation, prompting scientific exploration and understanding. - Early examples: - **Optics**: The development of glass-working techniques led to the advancements in astronomy and biology via telescopes and microscopes. - **Neuroscience**: Modern neuroscience relies on technology, such as brain imaging, for research. ## Technological Dependence and the Rise of Technoscience - Technology and science have become increasingly interdependent, prompting the term **technoscience**. - Science is not just theoretical, and technology is not just a tool. - **Gaston Bachelard** argued that scientific observation is not neutral, and instruments are not merely tools for measurement. - Instruments are built based on theoretical frameworks, shaping our perspectives and influencing the results observed. ## What Does Technology Liberate Us From? - Technology enhances our quality of life by providing comfort and facilitating daily activities from the use of fire to advanced technology. - Does technology contribute to human freedom and well-being? ### The Protective Role of Technology - **Plato's** myth of **Prometheus** highlights how technology allows humans to overcome their inherent limitations by compensating for their lack of natural defense mechanisms, such as fur, claws, and teeth. - Technology enables us to overcome the harsh realities of nature through advancements in clothing, shelter, and heating systems. ### Technology As a Divine Power - Technology empowers us to adapt to and anticipate the forces of nature. - Examples: - Artificial light allows control over day and night. - Technological advancements provide the means to dominate and control nature. - This control is viewed as a "divine" power, enhancing the human condition. ## The Perils of Technology - Technological advancements can create a sense of overconfidence and alienation. - While technology initially solves problems, it can also create new ones. ### Icare: hubris and the dangers of overreaching - **Icare** demonstrates the perils of overconfidence and excess. - His pursuit of greater heights led to his demise. - Technology can lead to a sense of invincibility and a desire to transcend limits that can result in devastating consequences. ### Rousseau's View on Perfectibility - Humans, unlike animals, possess the capacity for lifelong *perfectibility*. - Technological advancements can make human development less necessary as skills are replaced with tools. - While technology facilitates life, it can lead to a decline in individual capabilities and create a reliance on technology for fulfilling basic needs. ### The Dangers of Technocracy - Technology's influence extends to political realms. - The increasing complexity of political issues leads to reliance on specialized experts known as *technocrats*. - This shift can undermine democratic processes, as decisions are made by a select group with technical expertise rather than by the people. ### The Auto-Amplification of Technology - Technology's self-perpetuating cycle leads to a sense of *alienation*. - Solutions to technological problems often require even more advanced technology. - **Jacques Ellul** argued that technology’s dominance creates a new set of values that overshadow traditional moral and religious principles. - Technology’s values of utility, efficiency, and progress supersede human values. ## Should We Fear Technology? - **The changing relationship with nature**: Technology has altered our perception of nature, transforming it from a source of beauty and inspiration into a resource for exploitation. - **The dangers of technical dominance**: Technology’s rapid development and increasing influence raise concerns about its potential to control and shape human lives. - **The need for ethical considerations**: Advancements in fields like biology require ethical guidelines to prevent unforeseen consequences. - **The potential for technological overreach**: Technology's increasing power necessitates a critical reflection on its impact and the responsibility of humans in shaping its development. ## The Power and Challenge of Technological Progress - Technological progress has unquestionably benefited humanity. - It is vital to approach technological development with caution and ethical awareness. - We must strive to ensure that technologies serve our values and are used to promote well-being for all, rather than becoming a force that alienates or limits our potential.