Introduction
Trend
Illusion
Tension
Alternatives
Change
The Net
2001: A Space Odyssey
Postman
Random Engineering
Conclusion
References

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Technology & Individual

The journal essay was written for class on "power and change in technological society". At present, I do not hold the same views and will not reach the same conclusions. However, I present the essay in its original form without editing for opinion or structure.

Technology and Individual-Journal Essay

Introduction:

The journal entries examine the following "fundamental paradox of modern society":

"Technology has made enormous powers available to society, yet we as individuals exert very little of that power"

The journal will address the paradox in the context of engineering. Engineering produces technology, by understanding the intent of engineering decisions, the choice of problems by engineers, and to the degree to which engineers exercise "power" of technology the paradox can be examined in a finite manner.

Before that, what does the statements in the paradox imply. What does it mean to say "technology has made enormous powers available to society"? The following lists the important endeavors made possible by technology:

  • production of chemicals and synthetic materials such rubber, and textile based on the     understanding of chemistry
  • use of nuclear energy as an inexpensive source of energy and the ultimate weapon
  • mass use of communication devices such as telephone, radio, television, and internet
  • personal and expedient transportation
  • development of computers, and its various application in ordering modern life
  • exploration of space and establishment of international space station
  • development of surgical procedures, vaccines, anti-bodies, and genetics

    No one denies that social potential is expanded by technology. Then, what is there to the claim that "individual exert very little of that power". A series of questions arise in addressing that claim. Who is an individual? An ordinary Western man, Eastern man, or world citizen? Do we exclude individuals from elite groups who exert tremendous power made possible by new technologies? How exactly can an individual or all individuals exert "new powers"? Is it necessary or desirable that individuals exert a high degree of "new powers available to society"?

    If individual able to live healthier, longer, materialistically wealthier, and politically freer lives because of new technology, then I consider him to exert at least partial power extended by technology. I argue, technology making new powers available to society and makes its members more powerful as a whole, but not so in relative to one another. Further, enabling individual to use the "enormous new powers" is not necessary and undesirable. However, the paradox "individuals exert very little of the power" extended by technology is true in considering the inequalities between individuals, and groups. An elite class develops, controls, and monopolizes technology that does not extend the benefit to the masses.

    I examine the five articles, news item, two movies, and a "personal experience" from the position stated above. In examining the sources I show how the sources support, oppose, or otherwise relate to the topic and the theme. In general, Ursula, Ashis, Philip, Postman agree with the topic, while Kroker and V.Street examine different dimensions of the topic. The movies strongly illustrate the topic statement, but at end portray the individual triumph.