HIST 115 Lecture 20

Technological Determinism

The idea that technological progress is the true measurement of human development.

Samuel Florman

A famous supporter of technology who claims engineers work independently from external factors.

Inner Passion of Innovation

Florman's belief that engineers create technologies for the benefit of mankind.

Moral Responsibility

The idea that engineers may not bear moral responsibility for the technologies they create.

Ray Kurzweil

A proponent of singularity who believes AI will become autonomous from humans.

Autopoietic

A term used to describe technology as self-creating, according to Brian Arthur.

Lewis Mumford

Critic who argued that the notion of unlimited technological progress eliminating humanity is a myth.

Luddites

Workers from 1811 who protested rapid technological changes that they viewed as harmful.

Factory System

A system that fundamentally changed the workforce and maximized profits by minimizing expenses.

Putting-out System

A pre-factory system that was disrupted by the introduction of factory production.

Jacques Ellul

Scholar who claimed we are controlled by technology and criticized its political and economic use.

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

A philosophical metaphor illustrating how humans perceive reality and knowledge.

Neil Postman

A commentator who predicted technology would transform society and emphasized its trade-offs.

Technopoly

A society where technology dominates and shapes cultural values, leading to obedience and ignorance.

Scientism

The acceptance of science’s answers without challenge, especially regarding how to live or behave.

Four Principles of Technopoly

1. Obedience to technology; 2. Ignorance of its effects; 3. Relying on mass media; 4. Ignorance of history.

Obedience to Technology

A principle of technopoly where technology is followed without question.

Acceptance of Mass Media

The notion that mass media is the primary source of knowledge in a technopoly.

Erasure of Skill

The loss of traditional skills due to reliance on technology and mass media.

New is Better

A societal belief in technopoly that dismisses the value of the past.

Future is Friendly

A slogan conveying optimism about future technological advancements.

Critics of Technology

Those who oppose or question the rapid changes technology brings into society.

Consequences of Technology

Postman emphasized gaining benefits while losing significant aspects of life.

Social Transformations

Changes in social behaviors and structures due to technological advancements.

Neil Postman's Three Points

1. Technology is a trade-off; 2. It transforms societies; 3. We become tools to our tools.

Mass Media's Impact

The effect that widespread information dissemination through media has on society.

Historical Change

Understanding past events that contributed to current technological landscapes.

Humanity’s Role in Technology

The relationship between human beings and the technological systems they create.