Technology and Humanities
Name:
Institution:
Technological Advancement and the Humanities in the Twenty First Century
The study of the humanities cannot be invoked as defense of something human opposed to technology that supposedly converts us into mere consumers or into victims of manipulation against the human free freedom. Except for the few who refuse to adapt, those who scorn technology as dehumanizing still take advantage of the computer, the fax, and electronic mail in order to better communicate with friends, that is, for their human needs. Humanists use technology for the main purposes of communication through email, searching of bibliography and indices, storage and transmittal and analysis of primary evidence. The goals and methods of the humanities and those of the technology are so different from each other that an objective conflict between them is impossible.
For centuries, literature and public dissertations have regarded technology undecidedly, as both curse and cure. It remains tempting to state that the study of humanities in the University has undergone a massive sea change in the past decades as a result of the large-scale implementation of digital information processing and recovery (Berry, 2012). However, such a statement can be regarded as historical, for the reason that it is likely to bring about, precisely, a set of hypothesis regularly cross-examined by scholars in the field of humanities who study technology, technological transformation and the production of knowledge. Without doubt, the advancement in technology has profoundly helped in the study of humanities.
It is possible to see the result of this reconfiguration of knowledge most vividly in the practice of teaching composition....
... middle of paper ...
... effective for humanists when it comes to recovering information. Furthermore, the new advancements in technology take human beings beyond quantities of information to some of the process of human intelligence. For instance, techniques of micro-processing have been used to measure and improve awareness, conceptualization, logic and verbal communication.
References
Berry, D. M. (2012). Understanding digital humanities. Houndmills, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Katzen, M. (2004). Technology and the humanities: Training and services in the UK. London: British Library.
Niblett, W. R. (2005). The humanities and the threat of technology. New York: Wiley.
Rahtz, S. (2007). Information technology in the humanities: Tools, methods and functions. Chichester: Horwood.
Restivo, S. (2005). Science, technology, and society. Oxford [u.a.: Oxford Univ. Press.
Works Cited
People all around agree that technology is changing how we think, but is it changing us for the better? Clive Thompson definitely thinks so and this book is his collection of why that is. As an avid fiction reader I wasn’t sure this book would captivate me, but the 352 pages seemingly flew past me. The book is a whirlwind of interesting ideas, captivating people, and fascinating thoughts on how technology is changing how we work and think.
Goldberg, David Theo. “If Technology Is Making Us Stupid, It’s Not Technology’s Fault.” Blog. Digital Humanities. August 16, 2010. Gooch and Suyler. in Argument. Avenue of the Americas, New York.2011. 301-03. Print.
The most important aspect of the article “Northrop Frye Talks About the Role of Humanities” is Frye’s assertion that the inability to articulate thoughts and ideas results in the impoverishment of the means of verbal communication. Verbal communication becomes impoverished because the ability to articulate is discouraged in society, articulating thoughts are inconvenient for humans, thus simplistic means of communications is preferred and verbal communication is hindered by ill and unfit words to convey one's thoughts. Verbal communication becomes impoverished because the ability to articulate is discouraged in society. Modern technological systems of communication have evolved in a way that prevents the ability to articulate one's thoughts.
A professor at MIT, by the name of Sherry Turkle writes about the negative effects technology has had on our society. She begins by introducing her experience at MIT during the primitive times of the computer, a time when most faculty did not see the necessity for a personal computer. Sherry’s article is eloquently written through logical, chronological structure. She goes on to illustrate the unforeseen transformation the computer has brought upon our inner personal relationships. The article’s argument is strongly supported by Sherry’s high credibility as an author, being the founder and director of the MIT Initiative on Technology and Self as well as a professor and researcher in that field
When it comes to the definition of technology in their articles, both Carr and Cascio have similarities and differences. Both authors are debating about the use of technology in today’s society. Both of their articles touch base on the ideals of “what technology is” in their perspectives. Carr believes that technology is making us want the quick path to information or common knowledge and says the Internet is “a machine designed for the efficient and automated collection, transmission, and manipulation of information”. Cascio also believes th...
“But technology plays a supporting rather than initiating role. It is the tool of a philosophical and economic vision” (Posner).
Mackenzie, D. A. & Wajcman, J. (1985). The Social shaping of technology. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
The topic of technology and our society has become a very controversial subject today. Many people believe that technology is an essential component of our modern world, helping us to improve communication from farther distances as well as giving us easy access to important information. On the other hand, there is the opinion that too much technology is affecting social interactions and our basic development. “Technology…is a queer thing, it brings you great gifts with one hand, and stabs you in the back with the other.” (Carrie Snow.) The CBC Documentary “Are We Digital Dummies” displayed the pros and cons when it comes to modern technology that we use in the western world everyday.
Sherry Turkle argues technology has change man by making man disconnect from the social interactions of everyday and finding comfort in the superficial undertakings of online media. However, technology has always been a construct of mankind. Every aspect which has affected humans is actually a seed which technology has helped grow, the manifestation of modern intimacies, or the lack thereof is a human fallacy, and not a technological
In the past society was able to advance because of science. science has played a major role in discovery. The product of these major discoveries was technology. Technology mankind would use to assist in the search for answers. Used most commonly as an extension of the human biology. The Hubble telescope is a great representation of this phenomenon because it extends our biological sense of sight. But now, in the twenty first century the idea that technology is assisting mankind, has long been abandoned by most people of the twenty first century. Due to ignorance and laziness of humankind, the role of technology as shifted from assisting people in problems, to providing answers to problems. For instance, people depend on google.com for everyday problems instead of solving the issue. In comparison to the society of “The Machine Stops” where technology...
Borgmann, Albert. Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life. A Philosophical Inquiry. The University of Chicago Press, 1984.
Technology is the way which extends humans ability. It is very difficult to obtain a precise definition of technology. It is generally accepted that "technology" is more than just a collection of physical products of science. "Technology" is the link between society and its tools.
R. Howard Bloch once stated, “The humanities are an incredible source of practical information about the world around us”. The study of humanities has affected the life of every individual to walk the earth at some point in time; It seems sort of outrageous but it’s true. From art and literature to architecture and music, the humanities is present in our everyday lives. Its importance is often underestimated but in reality, it is extremely important to our existence. In fact, before entering my first humanities class I didn’t realize how important or interesting humanities was. After learning about how art, specifically, has changed over time, I find myself eager to learn more. The benefits of studying humanities includes: aiding individuals
Nowadays people use technology from everything from business to education to entertainment and much more. Almost everything we do and every aspect of our lives is affected by modern technology. With all the advantages of technology it is not surprising that we rely on it for almost everything in our daily lives, but how much is too much? People’s over-use computers and other modern technology is causing vital skills to be lost as technology replaces traditional ways of doing things. We are losing communication skills, memorization skills, and ……..?????????. And with the loss of these skills, what happens when technology fails?
Technology has rapidly changed over the years and has expanded our infrastructure greatly. In particular, as technology advances the education system adapts to the many changes. The world of technology brings about many new improvements and shows no sign of slowing down. Many people spend their day to day lives utilizing the great aspects of technology doing almost anything imaginable. Through technology teachers and students can connect and expound upon the many fields of education. Technology is an ever growing aid in education that has increased awareness, communication, and accessibility. How is technology shaping education? The uses of mobile devices and applications have shown a great influence in the education system.