Differing Versions of the Concept of ‘Technology’

Abstract

At first sight, the meaning of ‘technology’ seems completely clear. Because we encounter technological apparatuses, devices, and procedures on every hand we have come to accept them as ‘second nature’. As soon, however, as we are called upon to supply a clear and unequivocal definition of the concept of technology, difficulties arise. The situation here is similar to that of other familiar concepts which are also of a highly generalized character. Whereas each of us thinks he knows what is meant by ‘science’, ‘politics’, or ‘society’, agreement on a precise definition is difficult to obtain. In fact, given the manifold determinants of technology, it is unreasonable to expect universal agreement upon any one definition.