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Technology Jobs New Zealand |
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Technology refers to all tools and procedures and their
interconnections. It is the state of knowledge and development
at any given time of our control of our surroundings, and
includes all tools (utensils, devices, machinery, inventions,
and structures), all methods (skills, processes, and
techniques), and all applied materials (both raw and
manufactured). In the most general sense, technology is Man's
ability to control Nature. The term can be applied generally, or
to specific areas, such as in "construction technology",
"computer technology", and "medical technology". Technology can
advance over time, as people improve upon or replace the
technologies that came before, but it can regress when the
infrastructure necessary for the support of the existing
technology no longer exists. The most advanced technology in any
specific area is referred to as state of the art technology.
The word technology originates in the Greek words technologia (τεχνολογία),
techne (τέχνη, which means "craft"), and logia (λογία, which is
"saying" or "ordering", in the sense of arranging).
The distinctions between science, engineering and technology are
not always clear. As a rule of thumb, engineering focuses more
on practical experience, science more on theory and pure
research, and technology is neither and both (at the same time).
Generally, science is the reasoned investigation or study of
nature, aimed at discovering enduring relationships (principles)
among elements of the (phenomenal) world. It generally employs
formal techniques, i.e., some set of established rules of
procedure, such as the scientific method.
Engineering is the formal use of both scientific and
technological principles to achieve a planned result based upon
empirical (professional) experience.
For example, science might study the flow of electrons in
electrical conductors. This knowledge may then be used by
engineers to create tools or devices, such as semiconductors,
computers, and other forms of advanced technology.
By its nature, technology both depends upon human needs for its
existence, and meets the needs and wants of humans. Early humans
created and used technology to meet the most basic of human
needs. And, modern technology meets the very broad needs and
desires of humanity, requiring a huge sociological substructure
to support it.
One great modern example of this phenomenon is the telephone. As
the telephone developed, society became aware of the desire for
a more portable device. Eventually, that awareness produced a
demand for a new product, leading to the invention of the mobile
phone. Now nearly everyone is accessible to talk, no matter
where they are. This availability changes how people relate to
others: some are now more accountable and relied upon, and there
is now little excuse for not keeping in touch. This
technological complexity creates a co-dependence between
technology and society. |
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