Technology : The Paradox Of Civilization

In his essay, “Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change,” Neil Postman brings up a plethora of ideas on the topic of our ever-changing landscape in the technological world, discussing at length the problems of technology and culture. In his first point, Postman states that “technology giveth, and technology taketh away” (Postman, 27). His argument insists that in a culture swept up in technology, humans do not stop and ask questions regarding the possible detriments of new inventions. He continues on to say that though technology favours some individuals, it may harm others, or neglect a group of people entirely. In spite of this, humans continue to use and expand upon technologies as they emerge. Next, the author discusses how

By and large, it is of little debate in today’s sophisticated world that technology is of paramount importance. This is inasmuch as people always tend to find a more convenient solution to address their problems. With this in mind, it is quite expected to notice some of its characteristics are somewhat controversial due to its prominent standing; a substantial number of people wonder what role technology has on human’s life. One idea of prominence in this regard is that the more the people rely on technologies, the more they will lose their thinking ability. I personally agree with the statement to some extent. The rationale behind this thesis will be elaborated in the ensuing lines.

Technology has long become a part of our everyday lives from small gadgets like our phones to huge scientific breakthroughs like rockets. Even discovering how humans evolved from apes into the organisms that they are today, revealed how humans are still undergoing evolution. Curiosity is a trait that has inspired humans to innovate and be where they are today, and has given them the capability to be able to make tools that can make their lives easier. Unfortunately, these tools have inclined humans to become increasingly dependent on them, giving the tools more control as technology innovates. In Space Odyssey: 2001 by Stanley Kubrick, as humans invent more and more technology, they invest their own power in it, becoming dependent on it and relying on the tools to live their own lives.

Throughout history, and particularly in the last century there have been conflicting visions of how technological developments have impacted and solved the many problems of human-kind. Mary Tiles and Hans Oberdick highlight two conflicting visions towards the feelings of technological development. One side is optimistic, that believes in technological omnipotence that could help keep control of the environment and human destiny. On the other end of the spectrum, technological pessimists believe in technological impotence, and that human nature would be incapable of controlling technological advancement, thus extracting all of the Earth’s resources and spiraling out of control. From the optimistic view humans are in absolute control of the technologies that are produced. Technology is used according to its needed purpose, and thus may or may not be needed to help the further development of humanity. For this reason, we can say that optimists believe that technology is value neutral, as human nature is responsible for deciding how we use technology

Technology is a product which is born out of our inherent curiosity as a species. As humans, we stand constantly surrounded by these great pillars of discovery for which we alone are responsible. Consequently, we are also in constant danger that that which we have discovered may also topple upon us being responsible for our own downfall. Just like in the natural world, where Darwin's law of survival of the fittest reigns supreme, so too is it with our intellectual discoveries, which are quite possibly our crowning achievements. As humanity moves forward into the 21st century at a blistering pace it is making advancements and thereby decisions of a scope to which it does not truly understand. Moreover, as the scale of what is thought to be possible

From the birth of the first single celled organism, to the first dated appearance of the neanderthal, life has been constantly evolving to achieve a greater sense of survival and adaptation. We as human beings have become a prime example of the evolutionary process surpassing the predators which once preyed upon us to becoming the top of the food change. Although our evolution is an amazing feat we have used the knowledge of billions of years of evolution to create something in which blows our evolutionary process into shambles,that something being technology. As our brains developed to the adapt to our surroundings, we became more intelligent and more creative. This gave leeway to our instincts to create. Since the

Nowadays, technology may be considered the issue of tremendous consequence. It provides all spheres of the life-being as well as people throughout the planet with the possibility of permanent development. However, the impact of technology may be also harmful and result in negative outcomes in the long run. There are many historical examples of how civilizations, which had all predispositions to successful development, ceased to exist under the influence of the technological aspects. Ronald Wright states that one of the key debatable issues of the progress is dealing with innovations. According to the scholar, innovations not only result in new opportunities but also in problems, which were absent before the appearance of innovations. In case

Technology in World Civilization: A Thousand Year History written by physicist and historian Arnold Pacey explains his unique “global view” of the evolution of technology differing from the common Eurocentric view of this topic dating back to Greek civilizations. The book is consisted of eleven chapters that chronologically depict the creative inventions in technology throughout several cultures across time in history, starting from the early days in 700 A.D. to the very recent historical events in the 1980’s. Technology in World Civilization: A Thousand Year History views the adaptation of technology from a different perspective by giving insight and excellent supporting criteria crediting the East with the innovative technology

In today’s society, we have become dependent on our technological enhancements. So much so that many people would perish if at the loss of technology. We need it to survive, we need it to function normally in our society, and we need it to distinguish ourselves as individuals. Due to our increasing amount of enhancements in our lives, we as a species have removed ourselves from the food chain, and suffer none of the dangers we previously fell victim to many years ago. From medical devices that correct natural birth defects, to transportation that moves us farther and faster than ever before. Our society has enhanced, and yet hindered our species from evolving.

Happiness is something most humans value above everything else. The various things in life that make us happy, such as family, friends, and cool cars, to name a few, are the very things we hold dearest to us and place the most value on. People fill their lives with things that please them to ease the gloom that comes as a result of the seemingly never-ending trials and tribulations of life. We gladly accept any amount of pleasure we can extract from the monotony of our daily lives, and we will do almost anything to achieve happiness.

Technology is used on a daily basis to accomplish specific tasks or interests. Modern technology increases human capabilities and this technology has evolved with years. Technology simplifies life in so many ways and everyone defines technology in their own way. They’re new types of technology on the market, this technology simplifies our daily lives. They’re endless demands as consumers of technology, people use technology to accomplish simple tasks every day. Technology’s used in business, education, communication, healthcare, entertainment and so much more. There’s an unquestionable impact of technology on society. Whether considering the plow, vaccinations, or the internet, technology has had a huge impact on society. While not every advance benefits society, there’s many positive effects of technology. Modern technology makes life more convenient now more than ever. Modern technologies like broadband internet makes it possible to access relevant information at any time anywhere. Today’s technology makes it simple for students to learn from anywhere through online education and mobile education, which improves the education system. It also improves the health system, most hospitals have implemented modern technology in surgical rooms, which may reduce the number of mistakes made by doctors. Modern technology’s more convenient than when it was simpler because, it provides an easy way to access information, improves the education system, and it improves the health system.

Technology has played an integral part in shaping society in many different ways. Throughout history, technological inventions have changed everything from the way humans are clothed and fed to the very ways we communicate and interact as a species. Examining the effects technology has on society illustrate both how technology shapes culture and society and how society can affect future technology. This can be seen by examining a few of the major technological innovations in human history followed by a look at a new technology and how it may shape future society.

Mr. Kelly argues that, technologies new and old have helped humans throughout history. The use of technology has formed us and has become an extension of who we are as humans. I have to agree with his arguments. Technology provides opportunities, sometimes for a price, but we are always willing to pay it because we are naturally drawn to progression. Technology has helped humans evolve from small populations with high mortality rates to prosperous, growing overpopulated lands. Our optimistic views of the future and witnessed benefits from the use of technology, has left us with an addiction we willingly life with. Mr. Kelly said, “[Technology] is the most powerful force that has been unleashed on this planet, and in such a degree that I think that it 's become our -- who we are.”(Kelly)

As long as there have been people in this world, technology and science have existed. Technology is a powerful force which helped in the development of civilization and is a part of our system of culture that reflects its values. Technology has become very complex over the years and today it is known to be a social enterprise that includes all aspects such as research, design, finance, manufacturing, labor etc.

With this new glass of Merlot by my side, I sit and wonder at the amazement of technology. Each velvety sip opens me up in my corner a little more just as technology has done so for the world. But now I must go off and ponder further on into an important philosophical question of whether this technology, endless as it has come to be, should be considered as a thing that has brought out the best or the worst in society. How complex a question! Surely I could easily look back fondly and count the many ways that technology and its manifold presence has been nothing but a blessing, not only to facilitating human kind, but also our intrinsic pursuit of society. But now, as easy as that might be, it would be a more healthy venture to play the