Technology is the set of scientific concepts and knowledge that humans use to achieve a specific goal, which may be a solution to a specific problem for an individual or the satisfaction of one of their needs.
It is a broad concept that covers a wide range of aspects and disciplines in electronics, art or medicine. For example: creating bots to automate repetitive tasks or cloning animals.
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Types Of Techniques
Technology can be classified in different ways depending on the characteristics that are taken into account.
By Product Type:
Difficult Technologies.
They use elements from the hard sciences such as engineering, mechanics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The product obtained is visible and tangible, that is, the production of material goods. For example: developing a mobile device.
Soft Technologies.
They draw on the humanities or soft sciences, such as sociology, psychology and economics. Generally, they are used to improve processes and bring greater efficiency to organizations or businesses. The product obtained is neither visible nor tangible, consisting of developing services, strategies and theories—for example, software development.
According to American sociologist James David Thompson:
Flexible technologies. They are used in different areas, that is, they have multiple uses. For example the microchip used in phones and computers.
Fixed technologies. They are used to produce a specific product, or within a particular area. They are technologies designed and built with one purpose. For example, Rat poison is only used to eliminate said animal.
By level of Innovation:
Cutting-edge technologies. Also called “high tech” or “latest technology”, these are more advanced technologies available at a particular place and time.
Appropriate techniques. These technologies are designed with an environmental, social and economic impact on a particular community in mind.
Depending on your Request:
Operating techniques. It is obtained after a long period of study, observation and experience.
Computer technologies. The manufacturers of a particular product develop them.
Product techniques. They combine tools and knowledge to produce a specific product.
Origin and Development of Technology
Instinctively, people have sought to develop technology (technologies to improve their quality of life) meanwhile the beginning of history. The discoveries made by man over the years have shaped the world as it is known today, so technology has been around since the beginning of species, although it was not named as such until the eighteenth century.
Formally, technology has its origin when technology (initially empirical) begins to be associated with science, and in this way, the production methods are organized.
During the different periods of humanity, some discoveries changed how a man deals with himself and his environment.
The Age of Metal
The development of agriculture marked it, the domestication of animals, and the transition from nomadism to a sedentary lifestyle—the result of smelting copper, bronze and iron. The Egyptian civilization is credited with discovering papyrus and pottery. The Romans developed sophisticated agriculture, improved iron working technology, and developed civil and military engineering. The Chinese civilization is credited with discovering paper, the iron plow, the compass, the fan, the crossbow, and gunpowder.
Middle ages.
One of the most important milestones during this period was the advent of the modern printing press.
Industrial Revolution.
Major changes in social, economic, technological and cultural aspects, as well as in industrial and urban economies, marked this period. The most significant invention at the period was the steam engine.
Twentieth century.
There have been significant technological development with discoveries such as the aeroplane, radio, television, and computer, as well as significant advances in nuclear technology, technology applied to medicine, and space technology. During this century, there was the information and communication revolution or the information age (1985-2000).