Technology/Sociology
The concept of technology evolved from a broad and abstract term connotingthe mechanical arts to a politically-laden concept intimately connectedwith economics and class systems. Although the idea of technology did notexist until around the time of the Industrial Revolution, during theEnlightenment what we think of now as technology was believed to be apotential driving force in the creation of an egalitarian, democraticsociety. The "practical arts" were also viewed as symbols o
f a progressivesociety, one dedicated to positive social and political change throughimproved quality of life. Moreover, technology contributed to what Leo Marxcalls the "progressive world picture," in which history is conceived of asa continual record of forward-moving, positive change. The evolution of theconcept of technology as a neutral term toward one laden with socio-cultural connotations is one of the driving forces of modern and post-modern society and underlies what Leo Marx calls "postmodern pessimism. For instance, therailroads meant more than simply steam locomotives propelled along tracks,but rather the railroad system encompassed everyone from engineers to steelcompanies to the manufacturers and people who relied on trains as the newmeans of transporting goods over long distances. Since the late nineteenth century, the nature of mechanical productionchanged to include not only the basic means of production but the entiresocial, economic, and political system it entailed. Within thisprogressive worldview, science and technology have been thought of as theprimary agents of social, political, and economic progress (Marx 13). In fact, we can now add the events ofSeptember 11, as well as subjects like human cloning and chemical warfareto the list of technologically-related disasters that have contributed tothe mistrust and fear of technology. " Currently, technology evokes powerful feelings of fear and pessimism,as during the twentieth century the negative consequences of technologicalprogress have become more apparent.
Common topics in this essay:
Leo Marx,
Revolution Enlightenment,
,
marx calls,
leo marx calls,
concept technology,
leo marx,
social political,
|
Acceptance Essays
