Grado sexto: Technology (due date November 20th)

Cordial saludo, la siguiente actividad corresponde a un ejercicio de comprensión de lectura, ustedes deben escribir el texto en el cuaderno, leerlo, escribir y responder las preguntas en el cuaderno en inglés. La fecha de entrega es el próximo 20 de noviembre. Recuerden que las hojas deben estar marcadas con su nombre, y recuerden además que ya van varias actividades las cuales deben ser realizadas igualmente en inglés y en el cuaderno. 

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?

Etymologically the term technology comes from the combination of these two Greek morphemes tékhnē, (meaning “art”) and ‎-logía (meaning “study”). It refers to the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.

The human species' use of technology began with the conversion of natural resources into simple tools. The prehistoric discovery of how to control fire and the later Agricultural Revolution increased the available sources of food. Likewise, the invention of the wheel helped humans to travel in and control their environment. Later developments in historic times, including the printing press, the telephone, and the Internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. The steady progress of military technology has brought weapons of ever-increasing destructive power.

The Greeks view about technology

Technology has been a subject of discussion in philosophy since the Greeks. The Greek philosopher Democritus, for example, believed that technology is an imitation of nature. House-building and weaving were first invented by imitating swallows and spiders building their nests and nets, respectively.

Contemporary view about technology

Today, technology is a subject of debate because it is considered to be a double-edged sword. While it has helped humanity in extending its potential with outstanding inventions, it is nonetheless threatening humankind through some other destructive ones. In addition to polluting the earth in unprecedented ways, wars have become more and more devastating due to technological inventions. Ethical dimensions of recent technological developments, such as DNA engineering, have become a focal point of questioning and discussion. Philosophical debates have arisen over the use of technology, with disagreements over whether technology improves the human condition or worsens it.

1. How was the first use of technology?

2. Why is the invetion of the wheel so important?

3. What did Democritus believe?

4. What do you think about the debate of technology?