Technology is the application of knowledge in a specific way to achieve practical ends. It is reproducible and can be said to form a culture. Its impact on our daily lives is vast, and is present in a wide variety of fields. However, it is important to note that technology is not a neutral force.
Technology is an application of knowledge to reach practical goals in a specifiable and reproducible way
Technology can be broadly defined as an application of knowledge to achieve a practical goal. It includes both tangible and intangible tools and objects. Its application is ubiquitous across fields and disciplines. In the field of sustainable development, technology can enhance health and food security. It can also contribute to environmental protection.
Technological innovation is essential to achieving global development goals. Examples include improved irrigation methods, carbon capture systems, household water purification devices, and manufacturing processes that minimize waste. While existing public and private mechanisms may foster some innovation, they are insufficient to meet the global sustainability goals.
It is not neutral
This book explores the concept of technology as a tool that carries its own values and perspective. As such, technology impacts people and enterprise, governments and other social structures. It’s important to understand the non-neutrality of technology and its implications before implementing it. This book addresses these issues and argues for a culture of technology ethics.
Technology can be considered non-neutral when it is associated with specific patterns or effects, such as the way that television is used, for instance. Some technologies may be more problematic than others, affecting people in ways they might not otherwise think. A good rule of thumb is to consider the motives of the creators and the intended end of the product before implementing it.