What is Technology?

Summary

This video script explores the definition and understanding of technology, highlighting the distinction between technology and applied technology. Technology is presented as a system of practical knowledge and problem-solving ideas, not limited to hardware or gadgets. Applied technology, on the other hand, refers to the actual tools and devices created using those ideas. Examples include the wheel and human resource management systems, illustrating how basic technological concepts lead to practical applications. The video emphasizes that recognizing this distinction helps us appreciate the broader scope of technology beyond just gadgets.

Takeaways

• 📚 Technology is a system of practical knowledge and problem-solving skills that create tools.
• 💡 The term 'technology' is often misunderstood and conflated with 'gadgets', but it's more about the ideas behind the tools.
• 🛠 Technology is not just about hardware; it includes abstract concepts like language and efficiency.
• 🔧 Applied technology refers to the gadgets or tools that are created as a result of the underlying technological ideas.
• 🤔 The distinction between technology and applied technology is important for understanding the broader scope of technology.
• 🔄 Technology is the foundational system of thought that enables the creation of applied technology gadgets.
• 📱 An example of applied technology is the modern smartphone, which relies on basic technologies like metallurgy and supply chain management.
• 🔄 The wheel is a classic example of technology as an idea, with the applied technology being the actual wheel with an axle and bearing.
• 💼 In human resource management, technology is seen in the concepts of recruiting, selection, and hiring, while applied technology is seen in HR information systems.
• 🛑 The differentiation between technology and applied technology emphasizes that technology is about applying knowledge to solve problems and create better outcomes.
• 🌐 Technology encompasses both the tools we use in everyday life and the systems integrated into our businesses for efficiency.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about the definition of technology?

The common misconception is that technology is only reflected in things or hardware, whereas it actually includes practical knowledge and problem-solving that create tools, including ideas and concepts without associated hardware.

How does the script define 'technology'?

The script defines technology as a system of practical knowledge and problem-solving used to create tools, which can include ideas and concepts as well as physical hardware.

What is the difference between 'technology' and 'applied technology' as per the script?

Technology refers to the underlying ideas and concepts, while applied technology refers to the actual tools, gadgets, or gizmos created by applying those ideas and concepts.

Why do we often equate the word 'technology' with 'gadget'?

We tend to equate technology with gadgets because any new or interesting device or tool is often labeled as technology, even though this is not the most accurate way to think about it.

What is an example of technology given in the script?

An example of technology given in the script is the idea behind the wheel, which is the concept of moving faster with a symmetrical component in circular motion to solve travel inefficiencies.

What is the applied technology in the example of the wheel?

The applied technology in the example of the wheel is the actual wheel itself, rotating on an axle bearing, which is the result of applying the idea of the wheel.

How is the distinction between technology and applied technology relevant in human resource management?

In human resource management, technology is found in the ideas and concepts of recruiting, selection, and hiring, while applied technology is seen in tools like talent acquisition systems or human resource information systems that help in making hiring decisions efficiently.

What is the purpose of differentiating between technology and applied technology?

The differentiation reminds us that technology is broader than the gadgets we label it with, and it's about applying knowledge and problem-solving to create better outcomes, whether in tools like the wheel or systems like HR information systems.

Why is it important to understand the broader concept of technology beyond just gadgets?

Understanding the broader concept of technology helps us recognize that it encompasses the ideas and systems that lead to the creation of gadgets, and it plays a crucial role in improving outcomes in various fields, including business and industry.

Can you provide another example from the script that illustrates the difference between technology and applied technology?

Another example from the script is human resource management, where the technology is the ideas behind recruiting and hiring, and the applied technology is the HR information systems that facilitate these processes.

What is the significance of the model mentioned in the script for understanding technology?

The model mentioned in the script signifies that technology is a system that includes not only physical tools but also the knowledge and problem-solving that leads to their creation, emphasizing the importance of the conceptual aspects of technology.