Chapter 4 Notes (INLT141)

Notetaking Template for Print Lecture Title Lecturer Course Code Date Theoretical Perspectives on Technology Dr. Joi Williams INLT-141 Outline/Agenda Key Terms 1. To address the fundamental difference between utopian and dystopian views of technology Utopians, dystopians, dominate, mange, regressive force, divergent perspectives, simplistic views, relationship, neutrality, value-laden 2. To compare and critically examine a wide range of theories on the complex interrelationship between society and technology Technological determinism, social determinism, instrumentalism, neutral tool, moral intentions, evolutionary process, structures, controls, liberating, destructive 3. To learn about the field of science and technology studies (STS) and its unique socio- technical perspective Technocracy, hegemonic elites, democratic actions, pollical economy 4. To analyze how video games are developed for children and what understandings of play influence their design 5. Notes Questions/Comments Why Study Theoretical Perspectives on Technology? - No single approach adequately describes the complex interrelationship between technology and society. o Divergent perspectives each shed light on different aspects of technological society. o Some early theoretical perspectives represent simplistic views of this intersection. o More recent ones shed greater light on the relationship between technology and society. Utopian vs. Dystopian Views of Technology - Utopians embrace technology as a new means of achieving progress and efficiency. - Technology allows us to dominate and manage nature, leading to advancements in how we produce material goods. - Street (1992) takes a dystopian view of technology feeling it “threatens establish ways of life” and is thus seen as a regressive force. Feenberg’s Categorization of Theories  Theories of neutrality describe technology as Academic Skills Centre, Trent University www.trentu.ca/academicskills

separate from human activity, with no effect on natural ends.  The view of technology being value-laden tends to equate technological development with human progress. Determinism - This perspective has two opposing theoretical views:  Technological determinism proposes that technology is the driving force in developing the structure of society and culture. Technological determinists adhere to the notion that technology directs and shapes social interactions.  Social determinism sees factors in society as creating specific uses of technology. Instrumentalism - Instrumentalism analyzes technology as a neutral tool or instrument whose purpose is to fulfill users’ specific tasks. - It proposes that technologies can be used for either positive or negative reasons depending on the moral intentions of the human agents who employ them. - It posits technology as an evolutionary process in which technologies are the product of previous technological endeavours. Substantivism - This dimension argues that technology brings forth new social, political, and cultural systems which it then structures and controls. - Technology can be used for either liberating or destructive means, according to the nature of the technology itself, which establishes and controls society, rather than by the means and goals of human actors. - This perspective gained notoriety during World War II when the atomic bomb made the possibility of mass destruction very real. - Thus, the nature of the technology predetermines how the technology will be utilized and its subsequent impacts on society. Critical Theory  Technology is the product of both technical and social factors.  It must be understood within the context of its use and development, it is not simply a means of satisfying goals, but a process which directs a specific mode of living and understanding. Academic Skills Centre, Trent University www.trentu.ca/academicskills