Neutral
Technology is not a solution; it is a means to an end. It has a wider scope than just solving problems. Its use in our daily lives can have positive and negative impacts. The way we think about technology is essential to its success. However, we must not allow technology to take over our lives.
Technology is a path to an end
Technology is the process by which people create products or services that help them meet human needs. Its rapid changes toward more sophisticated forms of informational organization have created many opportunities for the human race. Historically, our ancestors made use of stone tools to build their tools, and later, the invention of agriculture allowed them to settle anywhere and develop new cultural and social behaviors. With the invention of cities, our ancestors began to exchange information and ideas, and this created greater opportunities for innovation. Additionally, societies developed writing, which enabled them to store information outside of humans and transmit messages to distant locations and times. Today, we use computers to manipulate information.
The story of Arthur illustrates the combinatorial nature of technology, where we build new products from existing ones. For instance, jet engines are made of two components: a compressor and a turbine. The anti-stall system on a jet engine is composed of a turbine blade-cooling system. The process of building new products is called “technological progress” and involves identifying new needs and combining existing technologies to create new ones.
It is not neutral
The book Technology is Not Neutral makes a compelling case for technology ethics, while still leaving open the question of why we often misuse technology in unethical ways. While the book’s arguments are compelling, a critical approach is required to move from philosophical to practical application. Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not reflect the opinions of the London School of Economics and Political Science or the Impact of Social Science blog. Read the comment policy for further information.
The effects of technology are often non-neutral and have a variety of societal and political impacts. This non-neutrality is often a result of the physical nature of a technology, its context and social and economic use. Technology, including computers, can have a variety of effects that are independent of its creators’ intentions.
Technology has its own viewpoint and value system. It frames reality in a way that may not be desirable for people. This narrow view of reality may exclude other viewpoints. Technologies interacts with society and requires a diversity of cultural matrix to work effectively. The author cites several examples to illustrate her point.
Tech Company
As with any technology, it is possible for users to misuse it to achieve their own ends. Founders of tech companies like DeepMind and Amazon have warned against this misuse. Some people have even complained that the use of computers can have adverse effects on their health. In fact, many people today spend hours on computers, and this exposure may cause many to suffer from computer-related illnesses.
Since it is important to remember that technology has a social and political impact. The creation of a new technologies is often driven by political ends and motives. Even when it is purely for the benefit of the human race, a new development is likely to benefit a certain group. This means that technology cannot be truly neutral.
It has broader remits
Technology is a term that has a very specific meaning in the business world, but there are other, broader remits to this concept. Typically, technology is thought of as something that involves computers, networks, servers, software, and storage. However, there are other technologies domains with much broader remits, including chemical processes, flavour technologies, and DNA and gene technologies. These technologies can change the physical world.
