Sunday, December 04, 2005
Where do you stand?
Technological determinism and technological instrumentalism are macro perspectives that describe general attitudes to technology. These perspectives can be differentiated by their views about the neutrality of technology and the influence of the context in which the technology is implemented.
Technological determinism views technology as an autonomous force that is beyond human control, technology is the prime cause of social change (Surry 1997). This view discounts social, political and cultural influences along with the notion of human agency. There are two sub-groups within the technological determinists. Utopian determinists view technology as an influence that will result in positive social change. At the opposite end of the determinist spectrum the dystopian determinists view technology as an influence that will result in negative social impact and ultimately the possible destruction of humankind. The utopian and dystopian views are mutually exclusive, they are ‘monochromatic brushes: white or black’ (Kling 1996, p.51).
Where do you stand?
Kling, R., Ed. (1996). Computerization and controversy. Value conflicts and social choices. San Diego, Academic Press.
Surry, D. (1997). Diffusion theory and instructional technology. 2001.
Technological determinism views technology as an autonomous force that is beyond human control, technology is the prime cause of social change (Surry 1997). This view discounts social, political and cultural influences along with the notion of human agency. There are two sub-groups within the technological determinists. Utopian determinists view technology as an influence that will result in positive social change. At the opposite end of the determinist spectrum the dystopian determinists view technology as an influence that will result in negative social impact and ultimately the possible destruction of humankind. The utopian and dystopian views are mutually exclusive, they are ‘monochromatic brushes: white or black’ (Kling 1996, p.51).
Where do you stand?
Kling, R., Ed. (1996). Computerization and controversy. Value conflicts and social choices. San Diego, Academic Press.
Surry, D. (1997). Diffusion theory and instructional technology. 2001.
# posted by Ian @ 9:59 PM 
