Problems – R- Us

Brad Dearing

bmdeari@ilstu.edu

The Technological Age

Technology – The human quest for solutions Technology is everywhere. Every thing is “technology”. Technology is evident throughout history.

Historical ages: stone, bronze, iron, agricultural, industrial, technological, information,etc.

New products and developments change the way people are born, brought up, educated, work, live and play.

Defining Technology

Technology can be thought of as a process, knowledge and artifacts.

The human process of applying knowledge to satisfy our needs and wants and to extend our capabilities. (solve problems)

Focus on knowledge and processes as well as the artifacts.

Systems

Solutions to problems often take the form of systems.

Systems can be broken into three parts: Inputs – People, Energy, Capital, Tools/Machines,

Materials, and Information Processes – Material, Energy and Information (p.5-6) Outputs

Type I – Expected / Desired Type II – Expected / Undesired Type III – Unexpected / Undesired Type IV – Unexpected / Desired

Science and Technology

Science seeks answers to questions about the natural universe. Science describes the natural world by asking “why?” Why do things fall? Why do cells mutate? Etc.

Technology seeks solutions to solve problems. Technology asks the question “How?” How can we keep warm in the winter? How can we lift heavy loads? Etc.

Impacts of Technology

Trade-Offs – the new problems created when you solved the problem in the first place. (plastic bottles)

Products – Waste, convenience/ performance over environment

Resources – We are running out of resources! Population is increasing exponentially – resources dwindling! Can technological growth help or will it hurt this situation?

Technology – Good or Bad?

Solution or problem? Luddites vs. techno-fix

Beneficial or Harmful? Waste

Landfills ~86% Incineration Recycling ~13% Gov’t Agencies and Regulation

Questions?

P. 17 # 1, 2, 5 & 6