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Stefan Moscalu

Technological Momentum, by Thomas P. Hughes, advances the discussion of social

constructivists and technological determinists. By introducing a new concept, technological momentum

Hughes is able to advance his argument. With the use of detailed examples and cause & effect

examination, Hughs states that technological momentum provides a more flexible mode of

interpretation. In effect, his argument represents the history of large technological systems as

compared to technological determinists and social constructivists.

Through a compare and contrast analysis of a technological system, The Electric Bond and ShareCompany (EBASCO), Hughes applies and scrutinizes the views of technological determinism and social

constructivists as not being able to comprehend the complexity of EBASCO. He states that neither

proponents of technological determinism nor social constructivists can provide full explanations for the

evolution of technological systems due to narrow mind sets. EBASCO, to Hughes and his concept of

technological momentum, was shaped by social pressures and demand. However, as the EBASCO grew

larger over time in terms of investment and physical size it became easier to build around the edges.

This technological momentum quickly overcame societys original influences and began to slowly

influence its environment as society began to shape itself around electricity. With this example, Hughes

defended that the interaction of technological systems with society is not symmetrical over time, thus

no one group social constructivists nor technical determinists- could be completely correct. Stating

that that social constructivists have a key understanding to understanding the behavior of young

systems while technical determinists understand mature ones

After EBASCO, Hughes continues to run through a broader range of cause-and-effect scenarios

for a multitude of technological systems; disregarding the sole interpretations of technological

determinists and social constructivists completely. By examining the technological systems in this

fashion, he effectively fortifies his theory of technological momentum as universal through every

scenario . Through one scenario, The Muscle Shoals Dam (later named Wilson Dam), Hughes traced the

creation of the Shoals Dam to World War I and then effectively link its physical presence after the end

of World War I to lingering technological momentum. He then argued that this momentum acted like a

magnet that transformed the Muscle Shoals Dam into the original component in a hydroelectric power,

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flood-control, soil-reclamation, and regional development project of enormous scope preside over by

the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Through cause-and effect examination of historic examples, he successfully backed his assertion

his theory of technological moment provides a more flexible mode of interpretation for technological

systems that lies in accordance with history. His theory stands as a median to the polar opposites of

technologic momentum and social constructivists and thus can encompass, with a higher degree of

accuracy, an array of technological systems.

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A

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