PHI 251 Blog Post #1
Technology! Breaking down the word, we can define it as the study of tech. Which can be further applied as the application of scientific knowledge and development for practical purposes, generally to improve the lifestyles of an individual or society. Broadly, we’ve applied that thought and definition to industrial/mechanical objects and machines. Great examples are the wheel, computers, smartphones and so much more.
However, there are also many other ways we’ve come to define technology, thus, ever broadening, and clouding a ‘true’ definition. A few other ways to define it can be:
-A capability is given by the practical application of knowledge.
– A manner of accomplishing a task, especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge new technologies for information storage.
– The specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor educational technology.
Although I think it would be easier and more convenient to have one universal definition for technology, the wide branching of definitions and applications of the word in scenarios and considerations is what makes the concept so unique to define. Cultural and historical backgrounds play a large role in defining the capacity of what is used or considered technology in varying degrees of importance. All this is considered so far and it’s still just as confusing to place a solid definition of technology for me. I’ve even gone as far as to consider even biological concepts such as evolution and biological functions to tie into what technology may encompass and define. The brain’s ability to command and control an organism’s body to function the way it does and conceptualize improvements to life can be a function of technology, although that doesn’t quite define anything beyond just being an action.
In the end, no matter how broad or how specific I can delve into trying to define technology, I feel like I just simply cannot find a true definition and I end up rambling and going in circles. Technology can be defined anyhow one chooses so as they see fit and applicable to life, as it can very well be a subjective idea/word/function to conceptualize and strictly define for every individual across any point of time. So, who cares? Anyone who chooses to do so and wrap their head up in trying to define it, to care is up to them. While I think it’s helpful to come to an agreement on a basic, similar understanding of the word, who am I to say who should care and who shouldn’t? What one chooses to understand and care about is purely up to them!
