what is technological determinism? how is technology related to progress? where does the idea of...
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AP US History
What is technological determinism?
How is technology related to progress?
Where does the idea of progress in American history come from?
“Prophets of Progress”Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton
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The belief in technology as a key governing force in [American] society dates back at least to the early states of the industrial revolution.
This belief is referred to as Technological Determinism, which is defined as: the belief that changes in technology exert a greater influence on societies and their processes than any other factor
What is Technological Determinism?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain why or why not.
“Technology…is the central force in the modern world, more important to defining the patterns and problems of twentieth-century life than international conflict, national politics, the maldistribution [ie. uneven distribution] of wealth, and differences of class and gender.”
Can you think of any other kind of social force, other than technology, that has an influence on history? List 1-3 examples. In your opinion, are your examples more or less important than technology in driving history?
Keeping this definition in mind, let’s looks at the origins of this concept!
Recall the definition of technological determinism: the belief that changes in
technology exert a greater influence on societies and their processes than any other factor
The first time people began expressing enthusiasm and faith in technology as a liberating force was during the 18th-century Enlightenment in Europe.
Leaders of the Enlightenment believed that technology and science had a powerful effect on social change In other words, people began to view technology as having the power in and of itself to alter or steer the course of history
Origins of Technological Determinism
Can you identify the technological deterministic thinking in this historical quote?
What kind of metaphor is the author using?
How does this metaphor reflect the viewpoint of the author?
Let’s look at an example
“The universe if but a watch on a larger scale.” – Bernard De Fontenelle, 1686
In 3-5 sentences summarize what you have learned about technological determinism so far. What is it? Where did the idea come from?
Quick Review
The founding fathers believed that progress was the key to achieving their republican experiment. Due to the Enlightenment ideas about the important role of technology and science on social change, American thinkers such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson made the connection between technology and progress.
Franklin and Jefferson looked to the new mechanical technologies of the era as means of achieving the virtuous and prosperous republican society that they associated with the goals of the American Revolution.
For them, progress meant the pursuit of technology and science in the interest of human betterment and material prosperity.
The idea of technological determinism had an especially powerful impact across the Atlantic. This
was due to the American ideal of progress.
Describe in your own words how Franklin and Jefferson made the
connection between social progress and technology.
Quick Check
Another founding father, Alexander Hamilton, also believed in technology
as a driving force in society. Hamilton took Franklin and Jefferson’s ideas further. He not only made the connection between social progress and technology, but he also believed that technology had the power to solve problems in society.
Machines, in Hamilton’s view, had the power to stabilize the political economy. Through technology, the early American Republic could thrive.
This is an excerpt from a speech given by Hamilton’s associate at the U.S. Treasury Department, Trench Coxe. As you read this excerpt from Coxe’s speech, note the lines where he emphasizes the need for machine-based manufacturing as the solution to the current political problems.
“It will consume our native productions…it will improve our agriculture…it will accelerate the improvement of our internal navigation…it will lead us once more into the paths of virtue by restoring frugality and industry, those potent antidotes to the vices of mankind and will give us real independence by rescuing us from the tyranny of foreign fashions, and the destructive torrent of luxury.”
Do you think this excerpt illustrates technological determinism? Why or why not? What do Coxe’s words reveal about his beliefs?
Primary Source
To Summarize: Technological determinism is the belief that changes in technology exert a greater influence on societies and their processes than any other factor The first time people began expressing enthusiasm and faith in technology as a liberating force was during the 18th-century Enlightenment in Europe. The idea of technological determinism had an especially powerful impact across the Atlantic. This is due to the American ideal of progress. Franklin and Jefferson looked to the new mechanical technologies of the era as means of achieving the virtuous and prosperous republican society that they associated with the goals of the American Revolution. Hamilton took Franklin and Jefferson’s ideas further. He not only made the connection between social progress and technology, but he also believed that technology had the power to solve problems in society.
--But, keep in mind, the ideas about technology as a driving force in history are just that: ideas. Ideas are created by people. With this in mind, do you think technology is the only driving force in history? What are some other things that influence change and drive the course of history?
Now let’s see what you’ve learned!
Go to the quiz!
What is technological determinism?
B. Technological determinism is when scientists are determined to find a technological solution to problems
C. The idea that only technology can provide certainty
D. When a society becomes determined to destroy technology
A. The belief that changes in technology exert a greater influence on societies than any other factor
Technological Determinism is defined as: the belief that changes in technology exert a greater influence on societies and their processes than any other factor
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When was the first time people began expressing enthusiasm and faith in technology as a liberating force?
D. The 18th-century Enlightenment in Europe
C. The American Revolution
B. When Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic
A. World War II
The first time people began expressing enthusiasm and faith in technology as a liberating force was during the 18th-century Enlightenment in Europe.
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Which statement most accurately reflects Franklin and Jefferson’s ideas about progress and technology?
D. To Franklin and Jefferson, progress meant the pursuit of technology and science in the interest of human betterment and material prosperity
C. Franklin and Jefferson did not see any use for technology
B. Franklin and Jefferson believed in progress, but not in technology
A. Franklin and Jefferson believed that progress was not possible
Franklin and Jefferson looked to the new mechanical technologies of the era as means of achieving the virtuous and prosperous republican society that they associated with the goals of the American Revolution. For them, progress meant the pursuit of technology and science in the interest of human betterment and material prosperity.
Right!
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Which statement most accurately reflects Alexander Hamilton’s view on technology?
D. Hamilton was not interested in technology
C. Machines had the power to stabilize the political economy. Through technology, the early American Republic could thrive.
B. Hamilton chose to ignore new inventions because he feared them
A. Hamilton wanted to become an inventor
Hamilton took Franklin and Jefferson’s ideas further. He not only made the connection between social progress and technology, but he also believed that technology had the power to solve problems in society. Machines, in Hamilton’s view, had the power to stabilize the political economy. Through technology, the early American Republic could thrive.
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