Technology

Introduction

Technology is a term that gets thrown around a lot, especially in reference to computer news, developments and innovations. However, this is not the limit of technology. Consider the wheel, an invention millenia old, and juxtapose this with, for example, the invention of the micro-processor. We look at the invention of the processor as a relatively recent invention, and an example of technology as we know it. But, the wheel, in its day, would have been considered technologically advanced in its day as well. We tend not to think of the wheel as an example of technology, but why? Is it because it is familiar or that it is used every day by many people? Is it because of its age? In either event, why and where does technology stop becoming technology.

The answer to this is that neither example is an example of technology. Look at it from a different perspective - what is the wheel without a driver? What is a processor without a user? Any item that is doing nothing is simply an object. One could argue that these items have the potential to do something, but that is a moot point. The processor was once a batch of silicon atoms, dispersed among grains of sand at the beach. Does this make the sand technology?

Definition

Technology, in a sentence, is the interaction of tool, conscious and environmental factors to create a context.

Exploration

So what does this imply? The easiest way to wrap your head around the statement is to compare it with another "ology". Geology, as most people will agree, is simply the study of earth movements, heat and pressure and how it forms the earth we know. Thus, returning to technology, we can see that the statment is defining techology as the science and study of the interaction between living beings (usually humans), tools and the environment.

Context, as it was found in the definition, forms part of technology. Context is influenced by the other factors (known as technological factors), which are examined and more closely defined below.

Technological Factors

Tool Factors

Tool, in the technological sense, is a sweeping statement referring to physical objects that make up the interaction. for example, the tool could be a tool in the traditional sense, such as a hammer. Alternatively, the tool could be a material that is being influenced, such as the iron that is being struck by the hammer. A tool, in this example, could also be the anvil.

This can call into question the fuzzy logic of where a tool finishes and the other factors begin. For example, if an iron smith is using an anvil, the anvil is a tool. If the smith is using a rock that happened to be where s/he was doing work, is the rock a part of the environment or a tool?

Factors of techonology are not exclusive. If one shifts their point of view, a hammer could be a tool. In any event, an ape uses a rock as a hammer. This shows that a tool is simply an object with a given role.

Environmental Factors

If the tool is defined by what role it is assigned, then the environment is everything else that is physically there. The manner in which the environmental factors affect the technological event vary widely. Generally speaking, environmental factors are a two way street - there are parts of the environment that affect the technology, and the technology can have an effect on the environment.

Environment is not (just) green trees and pure air. Environment can be, for example, the cabin of a car. It can also be something less tangible, like a shell (the program of an operating system that interacts with the kernel). An environment is part of the context of the technological event, as well as being dependent on it.

Conscious Factors

A common misconception with technology is that it only occures with humans, or that only humans are able to access it. However, animals and many other conscious, living creatures exhibit the ability to take part in technological events. As in the example above, apes make use of tools and take into consideration their living environment, and appear to consciously do so.

The need for the conscious being in any technological event stems from the need for manipulation in the event. An object remains as such until is acted upon.

Example

Technology is an analysis of a tool, consciousness and the environment it is in.

So, because this is written into a computer hardware wiki, i will analyse an example of technology that relates to us.

It is generally accepted that the AMD Athlon 64 processor is a pretty good example of a processor, but why? As far as tool factors are concerned, it is a powerful processor - it can process large amounts of work and, in terms of clock to clock, it does its job very efficiently. thus, it is a good tool. however, it is also a technology. It also works within an environment. The environment in this situation would refere to the motherboard, the case, the room in which the computer works and the electronic grid that these devices plug into. It is also this grid that links to how the processor contributes back into the environment, as the creation of electricity (at least in australia) involves the use of burning fossil fuels. However, it uses less energy than its competitor, the Pentium 4 series of chips. As far as the conscious factors are concerned - the device falls under the control of the person who is using the computer. The device (if working corrently) functions in the way it should, making the interaction dependant on other inputs, such as drivers and instructions.

Conclusion

What does all this mean? The implication comes in two parts.

Firstly, those that design should know how their products or resulting designs affect the world. If the analysis is done and the results applied to the project, then the project stands a much better chance at being a holistic solution.

However, not all of us are designers. if you take into consideration these factors, you can imporove how it is you interact with the world. It can be a patturn of consideration for purchasing considerations, so that you can buy a product that better suits your needs, or lessen the affect on the environment. It can also help Joe Average understand why it is his Athlon has decided not to work ;).