Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
13
Chapters
165
Notes
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
IB Resources
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)

Technology Vs. Society: Who Shapes Who?

Word Count Emoji
541 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Determinisms - what's the deal?

Determinisms are about the 'cause and effect' relationship between different things. In our context, we're talking about technology and society. The big question here is, who's the boss - technology or society?

Perspective I

Technology Rules! : This perspective is like saying that technology is the head chef, stirring up the soup of history. The ingredients - culture, social structures, and history itself - are all shaped by the chief, Technology. This belief was popular with a bigwig thinker called Karl Marx. He said, “The hand-mill gives you society with the feudal lord, the steam-mill, society with the industrial capitalist.” Basically, the kind of technology we use defines the kind of society we live in. This is known as technological determinism.

 

Real-World Example: Let's think about our smartphones. These magical devices have transformed how we communicate, work, and even live our lives. They've shaped societies to be more connected, creating a global village where everyone's pretty much a swipe away!

Perspective II

Society's Got the Power! : Now, let's flip the pancake. In this view, society decides what technology will exist. It's like a bunch of people deciding on the menu for dinner. They won't choose something they don't like or need, right?

 

Real-World Example: Electric cars are becoming more popular as societies become more concerned about climate change. We want cleaner energy, so we create technologies that reflect this desire.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)

Technology Vs. Society: Who Shapes Who?

Word Count Emoji
541 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Determinisms - what's the deal?

Determinisms are about the 'cause and effect' relationship between different things. In our context, we're talking about technology and society. The big question here is, who's the boss - technology or society?

Perspective I

Technology Rules! : This perspective is like saying that technology is the head chef, stirring up the soup of history. The ingredients - culture, social structures, and history itself - are all shaped by the chief, Technology. This belief was popular with a bigwig thinker called Karl Marx. He said, “The hand-mill gives you society with the feudal lord, the steam-mill, society with the industrial capitalist.” Basically, the kind of technology we use defines the kind of society we live in. This is known as technological determinism.

 

Real-World Example: Let's think about our smartphones. These magical devices have transformed how we communicate, work, and even live our lives. They've shaped societies to be more connected, creating a global village where everyone's pretty much a swipe away!

Perspective II

Society's Got the Power! : Now, let's flip the pancake. In this view, society decides what technology will exist. It's like a bunch of people deciding on the menu for dinner. They won't choose something they don't like or need, right?

 

Real-World Example: Electric cars are becoming more popular as societies become more concerned about climate change. We want cleaner energy, so we create technologies that reflect this desire.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟