Technology is the combination of various existing practices and systems, the application of those techniques, and their interactions to solve problems. The process of technology transfer is central to the understanding of technology. It starts with the understanding of how technology develops, moves through the process of development, moves into the marketplace, and is used to enhance the performance of the society.
Technological systems are based on applied science and the assessment of these systems. Applied science is an approach that takes a comprehensive view of technology at the micro, macro, and environmental levels. A consensus definition of technology is a system that solves a practical problem using emerging technologies. Consensus definition is not a definition of all technologies, but rather a description of those approaches that have been sufficiently tested and justified as providing solutions to practical problems.
The first two chapters of the book cover broad areas such as the history of technology, history of science, philosophy of technology, social systems approach, and technological systems approach. The third chapter, on cultural evolution and engineering, describes some current issues in this area. Cultural evolution is a relatively new theory that arose in the late twentieth century with the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. This theory postulates that humans and other animals have an instinctive desire to survive and be self-aware, thus providing them a reason for the development of complex technological systems.
The history of applied science covers events that shaped the development of scientific ideas and practices. Examples include the development of the microscope and telescope, the foundation of physics, and the development of mathematics and language. In addition, the chapters cover developments in medicine, art, design, business, government, and civil society. In addition, there is a short, one-piece chapter on ancient societies and civilization, technology and change, current technology and its impact on society, and three case studies on Ancient Egypt, China, and India.
The fourth chapter looks at two definitions of technological systems approach, the difference between the “classical” definition of a technological system and the more modern “paradigm” definition, and the definition of human progress. The fifth chapter presents and critiques 20th century interpretations of progress. The six chapters describe historical perspectives, technology development in history and in society, current efforts to improve technology, and technology change.
This book has many useful insights into the field of technical history. It describes the development of technological systems and the history of attempts to define them. It provides a concise explanation of definitions developed by different scholars. Furthermore, it examines different definitions of progress and how those definitions are related to the definition of human history. Finally, it describes and criticizes selected definitions of technological systems.
This is an excellent text for those students who want to become more knowledgeable about the history of medical technology and who would like to develop broad technical skills. Those who already have an advanced knowledge of medical technology will find this book useful for expanding their understanding of this field. However, students who would like to learn more about medical technologies and who lack familiarity with historical theories may find this text too abstract and advanced for them. In its discussions of technological advances, it presents only a basic framework for further research.
This is a very helpful book for all disciplines of applied science. It is a perfect text for students who are planning to specialize in applied technology. Those who already have a strong background in applied science will also find this book very useful for expanding their technical vocabulary. The fifth edition of The Technology and Society Reviewed, contains additions and changes that add to its value as a reference text on technological systems.