2015 W2 APSC 262: Technology and Society II

Student Name: Benjamin Irfon______________________________________________________

Date: January 20, 2016____________________________________________________________
READING RESPONSE
Name of Author(s): Pieter Vermaas, Peter Kroes, Ibo Van De Poel, Maarten Franssen, Wybo
Houkes________________________________________________________________________
Title of Reading: A Philosophy of Technology: From Technical Artefacts to Sociotechnical
Systems________________________________________________________________________
1. WHAT ARE THE OPTIMISTIC AND PESSIMISTIC VIEWS OF
TECHNOLOGY?
Optimistic views of technology is a view where people think that technology has improved
our lives quality and it will continue in the future. Electric cars is one of the examples where
it makes commuting faster and produces zero emission. On the other hand, pessimistic views
believe that technology always brings problem. For instance, self checkout in shopping malls
is a good way to reduce cost but it caused some people lose their jobs.

2. PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE FOR FIGURE 6.1.

One example of linear model of science, technology and society could be radiography. In the
end of 1800s, Wilhelm Rontgen discovered the x-ray and he found out that x-ray can pass
through human tissue but I cannot pass the bone. A few years later, he invented a camera with
the application of x-ray to photograph the internal structure of human body. The technology
is widely applied right now and brings positive impact to the society.

3. DESCRIBE THE FOUR VARIANTS OF TECHNOLOGICAL VARIANTS;

PROVIDE AN EXAMPLE FOR ONE THESE VARIANTS. WHAT IS THE
SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVIST'S VIEW OF TECHNOLOGY AND HOW CAN
FUNCTION BE CONSTRUED AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT?
a. The normative variant
A technology variant where functionality, effectiveness, and productivity are more
important than other values. For example, military technology that we have right now
can be considered advance and really effective. Social constructivist may not agree
because this technology may harm the society.
b. The nomological variant
A technology that is invented because of the pressure from current situation. Because
of the climate condition that is getting worse, the production of electric cars starts
growing in order to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide. Social Constructivist will
view this as a goot technology that benefits society.
c. The unintended consequences variant.
Unintended consequences variant is technology that slowly will take over human
control. For instance, many technology companies start developing artificial
intelligence (AI), a system where it can learn by itself. The implementation of this

technology can be seen in the autonomous car. However, there is a possibility where
this technology becomes more intelligent and starts to rebel. Social constructivist
might see this as a dangerous invention.
d. Momentum theory
Interaction between society and technology where technology affects the society and
the effects are irreversible. For example, the invention of automobile has changed
lifestyle in almost all countries and almost people cannot live without car now. On the
other hand, social constructivist claims that society affects how a technology is
developed.
[The responses to all three questions should generally be confined to a single page.]