Evolution of the word techonlogy Coursework Example

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First Midterm Test
Answer 20 Questions
The word “technology” comes from the ancient Indo-European word techne. Explain the evolution of this word from its Greek roots to its first modern usage.
In Greek, the term technology was adopted from the word techne which means art or crafting skills. The definition expanded gradually from craft to science and later on the craft shifted from being physical to intellectual. Over the time philosophers such as Plato, Plotinus, and Aristotle related techne to sciences through mathematics. The full expression of the term technology appeared in the Renaissance period. The present meaning of the term was developed between 1820 and 1910.
For the incandescent light bulb to be a commercial success, there had to be a complementary structure to support it. What were the key elements of that system that Thomas Edison created?
Thomas Edison created a durable incandescent material, a filament with high resistance, and elimination of air from the bulb.
What is a sigmoid curve? How is the curve relevant to the course of technological change?
A sigmoid curve is a graphical presentation of the performance of a product in relationship time. It is applied in technology forecasting.
What is meant by rationality? How is it connected to the development of technology? How does it relate to the way Max Weber used the word “disenchantment”?
Rationality refers to the inevitable logic that arises when people interact with physical machines and technologies.

Whatever is considered rational in the society can be changed by incorporating technological advances in the society. Disenchantment is a cultural rationalization of attaining insight into hidden truths.
How does the history of high-speed aircraft illustrate the process through which new technologies emerge?
From the history of high-speed aircraft, it is evident that new technologies emerge to change the status quo.
Describe the basic elements of Frederick W. Taylor’s Scientific Management. Who benefitted from it? Who opposed it?
The basic elements of Frederick W. Taylor’s Scientific Management are the development of true science, scientific selection of employees, scientific development of workmen, and cooperation between the managers and employees. The theory benefited engineering industries. It was opposed by organized labor, Henry Mintzberg, and socialist intellectuals.
What is meant by a “closed system”? How does this concept help us to understand the limitations of using technology to solve problems?
A closed system is a system that does not allow the exchange of matter with the surrounding and is not influenced by external forces. Closed systems do not allow changes to take place and therefore the concept limits innovation.
In what ways did Charles Babbage’s computer provide a preview of today’s computers? What ideas and/or parts of his computer exist in modern computers?
Charles Babbage developed the concept of a programmable computer which was a preview of the modern computer. The common components in the computer were the arithmetic control, memory, and control flow.
Why are some technologies considered to be “ahead of their time”? Give an example. p. 49
Some technologies are considered to be ahead of their time as they were invented long ago, but they were not implemented. The implementation is done later as a new concept. An example is the invention of the electric car.
In what sectors of the economy are market forces of limited relevance for technological advance?
Why do centrally planned economies have a poor record of fostering technological advance? Why might the early history of the laser be considered an example of an “invention looking for an application”?
How may an excessive focus on science and mathematics be problematic for an engineering education?
How may it impede technological advance in some cases? Mathematics and science are mainly theoretical. Focusing on the two limits development of cognitive processes required in engineering. Most of the science and mathematical theories do not change and focusing on them means less technological advances.
What does the history of Greece and Rome tell us about the relationship of science and technology in the ancient world?
From the history of technology, it is evident that science is more concerned with political and social change while technology is concerned with the transformation of the environment to create a second nature.
How has a rational approach been evident in the development of both science and technology? Can it be argued that the development of both science and technology isn’t always a strictly rational process?
What did Samuel Slater accomplish after he immigrated to America? What does he exemplify?
Samuel Slater developed a water-powered cotton mill after migrating to American. His invention exemplified the industrial revolution.
What is the “NIH syndrome”? What are its causes?
NIH syndrome is a stance that avoids using products because of their origin. It results from negative connotation, lack of confidence, unwillingness to participate, and fear of engaging in innovation.
What is an example of an effort to restrict the diffusion of technology?
Efforts that restrict diffusion of technology include competition and other economic factors.
What lessons can be extracted from the story of how the Japanese learned how to make steel in the 19th century?
The scientific and technological capabilities of Japan were derived from their creative intelligence and organized production force.
What problems of economic development does the appropriate technology movement hope to solve or at least ameliorate?
Appropriate technology movement hopes to solve extreme poverty, unemployment, starvation, and urban migration.
How does the cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by photovoltaic cells compare with the costs of other sources of electricity?
The cost of one kilowatt-hour of electricity from a photovoltaic cell is lower than that of other sources due to low production, purchase, and installation costs.
What is meant by energy intensity?  How has energy intensity changed over the decades?
Energy intensity is the ratio of energy used by a nation to the gross domestic product. Energy intensity has been increasing over the decades as a result of the rapid industrialization.
What are some of the predicted consequences of climate change?
Some of the predicted consequences of climate change include a lower sensitivity of physical systems, increased temperatures, increased heat waves, and change in precipitation patterns.
To what extent might nuclear energy replace fossil-fuel based energy in the years to come?
Nuclear energy stands higher chances of replacing fossil fuels in future as to meet the high energy demands. Nuclear energy is promising as little amounts of the raw materials are used to produce vast amounts clean energy.