Humanities 110

Basic Definitions

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Society
Human beings collectively. A group of persons with a common culture or life. Society creates and shapes technology and technology shapes society Note: our course will emphasize contemporary American society
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Definition from the OED

society noun (pl. societies) 1 the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community. 2 a particular community of people living in a country or region, and having shared customs, laws, and organizations. 3 (also high society) people who are fashionable, wealthy, and influential, regarded as a distinct social group. 4 an organization or club formed for a particular purpose or activity. 5 the situation of being in the company of other people. ORIGIN Latin societas, from socius companion. From the Oxford English Dictionary at http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/society
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Definition of Technology # 1
Technology: the application of knowledge (including scientific knowledge) and organization to produce objects and techniques for attaining specific, usually practical, goals. From the Greek which means the use and knowledge of humanitys tools, arts, and crafts.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology
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Another Definition of Technology

The objects we create are artifacts, literally artificial constructs, that have been manufactured for specific uses and purposes. Everything that we use that is not as it comes to us in nature falls under the heading of technology.
From The Relationship Between Ethics and Technology by Paul Alcorn.

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Technologytwo important concepts

Process Tools used to achieve a process

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Science
Science is the pursuit of knowledge often for its own sake. Different than technology which emphasizes solutions using technology

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According to Jared Diamond, science is the acquisition of reliable knowledge about the world.

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Benefits of technology:

Boon to economies Reduces waste Simplifies life Increases efficiency Improves the quality of life

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Side Effects of technology

Adversely influences values and ethics in some ways Can complicate life Imbalance of power between technology haves and have-nots (individually and nationally) Can decrease the quality of life Environmental costs
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Myths about technology

Technological progress is always good Technological progress is inevitable Resources will continue to be available to make technology possible Technology will always make our life better Technology can solve any problems which man might encounter (even those created by technology)
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American attitudes about Science and Technology

Science and Technology
American science and technology are admired by people around the globe. Most Americans also view advances in science and technology as beneficial rather than harmful, though some fears are evident. Reference The 2004 political landscape (2003, November 5). The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Retrieved January 8, 2009 from http://peoplepress.org/report/?pageid=758

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Does technology make life too complicated for you?

Do you agree or disagree with this statement? A large majority (71%) disagrees with the statement that "technology is making life too complicated for me." Concern about the complexity of technology is expressed most often by the less educated, and especially by older women. Among women age 65 and older, 58% say technology is making life too complicated - far more than any other age group among men and women. There also are significant differences among religious groups: Nearly twice as many white evangelical Protestants (43%) as non-evangelicals (22%) think technology is making life too complicated.
Reference: The 2004 political landscape (2003, November 5). The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Retrieved January 8, 2009 from http://people-press.org/report/?pageid=758

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Is science going too far?

The public expresses greater anxiety about whether science is going too far and hurting society rather than helping it. More than four-in-ten Americans (42%) worry that this is happening compared with 54% who are not concerned. Concern is greater among the less educated and among non-whites.
Reference: The 2004 political landscape (2003, November 5). The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Retrieved January 8, 2009 from http://peoplepress.org/report/?pageid=758

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Course Theme # 1
In general, over time technology becomes
better, more efficient, smaller, cheaper, and more widely available

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Course Theme #2
The development of technology is often first created to meet a military need. If profitable, corporate development for consumers follows.
Modern examples include the Internet and the computer. Consumerism drives the development of technology in America.

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Course Theme #3
Emphasis on the GRIN technologies:
Genetics Robotics Information Technologies Nanotechnology

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