Abstract
Definitions, uses, and understanding of technology have varied tremendously since Jacob Bigelow’s Elements of Technology in 1829. In addition to providing a frame of reference for understanding technology, the purpose of this study was to define or describe it conceptually. A determination of dimensions comprising technology was made by critiquing historical and contemporary examples of definition by Bigelow and Volti. An analytic-synthetic method was employed to deconstruct both definitions spanning two centuries to derive aspects of technology. Definitions relying on an anthropocentric “how humans use technology” viewpoint failed to account for different perspectives that were found when an ethological perspective inquiring “how technology is used” served as a framework. Findings support qualification of insulin as technology according to the following comprehensive definition: something inherently intelligent enough to either function, be used to function, or be interpreted as having a function that intelligent beings—human or otherwise—can appreciate, something devised, designed (by primary intention), or discovered (by secondary intention) serving particular purposes from a secular standpoint without humankind creating it, or a significant beneficiary of rationally derived knowledge that is “used for” a purpose without itself necessarily being translated into something material that “does” autonomously, or dependently when used.
Highlights
The present article is an attempt to present a more encompassing understanding and definition of technology, there have been other efforts to define technology
The disappointment that resulted from the literature survey prompted the following research question: Of what elements should a comprehensive definition of technology be comprised from an ethological perspective?
Accepting as true Bigelow’s definition as premises for the argument, and given that this substance has been created by mankind, involving a process consisting of the application of science, according to principles, has been given a name, and is considered exceedingly useful based on how it benefits society and those who create it, the substance, insulin, is technology
Summary
The present article is an attempt to present a more encompassing understanding and definition of technology, there have been other efforts to define technology. The distinction that is made possible through the knowledge of technology according to interpretation two, is between natural and human-made technologies, which makes technology the referent of both descriptors—natural and man-made (i.e., unnatural). Both natural (technology) and human-made (technology) fall under the category of the superordinate of technology, which would make technology a class of which natural and human-made (i.e., unnatural) varieties consist This interpretation is less likely to occur, given the original statement, other than a as suppressed assumption concerning technology, there appears to be no reason that it should be. As a legitimate potential alternative to the mainstream notion of technology, interpretation two’s “technology as a superordinate” inference should reinvigorate discussion concerning philosophical conceptions of technology It is under the assumption there is no justification for believing that technology is what people think. Similar to preparation and spontaneity, action and reaction, or offense and defense, both aspects of skill and art are necessary to capture the essence of “create” in “techne” completely
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