Technology

• Technology is a collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods and services or in achieving scientific or practical objectives.

• It can exist as knowledge of methods and processes, or be embedded in machines to function without requiring detailed user understanding.

• The simplest form of technology includes the development and use of basic tools, which marked the beginning of technological evolution.

• The prehistoric control of fire and the Neolithic Revolution greatly increased food availability and supported settled life.

• The invention of the wheel enabled humans to travel, transport goods, and better control their environment.

• Major technological milestones in historic times include:

  • The printing press, which revolutionized communication and knowledge dissemination.

  • The telephone, which broke barriers of long-distance communication.

  • The internet, which enables real-time global interaction and information access.

• Technology has led to the development of advanced economies, such as industrial and global economies, and contributed to the emergence of a leisure class in some societies.

• Many technological processes produce unwanted by-products, primarily in the form of pollution, and lead to the depletion of natural resources, harming the Earth’s environment.

• Technological innovations often influence societal values, prompting ethical debates and reshaping social priorities.

• One key value influenced by technology is the emphasis on efficiency, especially in terms of human productivity and automation.

• Technology also raises concerns in areas such as bioethics, including issues like cloning, genetic engineering, AI ethics, and privacy.

• Technological advancement is a double-edged sword—while it brings convenience and progress, it also poses ethical, environmental, and social challenges.

• According to UNESCO, inclusive and sustainable technological development is key to achieving global development goals.

• Moving forward, societies must focus on responsible innovation, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and ethical governance.

Difference Between Technology and Science

• The terms ‘science’ and ‘technology’ are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct goals and functions.

• The primary goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, to understand natural phenomena and explain the laws of nature.

• The aim of technology is to create practical products, tools, or processes that solve real-world problems and enhance human life.

• Science focuses on understanding, whereas technology focuses on application.

• Technology is the practical application of scientific principles, theories, and discoveries.

• For example, the laws of thermodynamics (science) are applied in designing engines and power plants (technology).

• Scientific discoveries often precede technological innovations, but in some cases, technological needs drive scientific research (e.g., medical equipment, space exploration).

• Interdependence exists between science and technology—science fuels technology, and technology aids scientific advancement through tools, models, and data processing.

• According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), a clear understanding of both science and technology is essential for developing scientific literacy and critical thinking skills in a modern society.

History of Technological Development

• Science and technology are essential components of modern life, accompanying individuals from birth to death.

• The history of technology mirrors the history of human progress, marked by the invention of tools and techniques to improve life.

• The word ‘technology’ is derived from the Greek word ‘techne’, meaning ‘art and craft’.

• Initially used for applied arts, the term now refers broadly to advancements and innovations in society.

• The evolution of mankind is closely tied to technological development, such as the invention of fire and the wheel, which revolutionized human life.

• Major historical epochs—hunter-gatherer, agrarian, and industrial societies—are classified based on technological milestones.

• The invention of the steam engine triggered the Industrial Revolution, boosting production and international trade through faster shipping.

• In India, the Green Revolution, powered by scientific and technological advancements, led to self-sufficiency in food grains and prevented major famines since.

• Japan is a model of scientific and technological progress, achieving high development despite scarce natural resources.

• Science and technology play a critical role in poverty alleviation by improving food security, access to clean water, and affordable basic services.

• They have enhanced connectivity and communication, fostering global interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Information technology can serve positive purposes like empowerment and social change, but also raises concerns about centralisation, surveillance, and espionage.

• There is a homogenising tendency in technological expansion—global industries now offer similar products, clothing, and lifestyle choices across cultures.

• This leads to cultural assimilation, reducing diversity and moving towards a universal culture, as predicted in Talcott Parsons’ theory of evolutionary universals.

• One challenge of technology is that its impact on society is gradual, and immediate social changes are rare.

• Sometimes, technological advancement is met with social resistance or backlash, delaying its full acceptance.

• Marxist theorists argue that technology alienates humans from their labour and the product of their labour, emphasizing the disconnect between the worker and the end result.

• Therefore, while technology is transformative, its social implications must be carefully monitored and managed for inclusive and ethical progress.