Let's use this thread to discuss the meaning of technology and progress. Read McCarthy's item called "What is Progress?" and view "Disney's Carousel of Progress", then share some thoughts (1-2 paragraphs) related to the following questions. Read your classmates' postings first so we can all avoid reading repetitious comments. If you feel these questions have been covered by the time you post your own comments, feel free to share something you found noteworthy, but didn't really fall under these specific questions.
Are technology and progress the same thing? Does all technology lead to progress? Does all progress require the use of technology? Give some examples to back up your comments.
Where has Technology Occurred?
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Read Shaffer's "Southernization" and view "Global History and AP World Review".
Most of us tend to believe that technology is a western phenomenon, but after looking at these two items, it's clear that technology has developed all over the world. Share some thoughts on a development which occurred and tell us when, where, and why it occurred. What impact did it have (or might it have had) on those living at the time?
When Did Technology Begin?
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Read "Aristotle" (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) and "Archimedes of Syracuse".
I would bet that most of you, when you signed up for this class, assumed we would be discussing more recent technology like the gadgets you have around you right now (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc). Not many of you would likely have thought we would be looking at technology in the years prior to 1AD. After reading these two items, share some thoughts on the technology which was evident at the time. These readings will probably cause you to question whether or not technology is the same as inventions. Were there technologies evident in these readings which did not involve inventions? Can ideas be technologies? How did they (or might they have) impacted those living at the time?
If these technologies are covered by the time you weigh in, share some thoughts on the impact these technologies have had on more recent history.