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Technology

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Technology is the application of conceptual knowledge to reach practical goals. This process is often done in a reproducible way, meaning it can be repeated. Technology includes both tangible tools, like machines or utensils, and intangible products, like computer software.

Noun-technology
Noun-technology

It plays a vital role in science, engineering, and our daily lives. By using what we know about the world, we create solutions to many challenges.

The history of technology began with prehistoric hominids using observation and trial and error. Around 2 million years ago (Mya), they created the first stone tools. They did this by hammering flakes off pebbles to make sharp hand axes.

Faustkeil Nachbau, 2020 PD a-7
Faustkeil Nachbau, 2020 PD a-7

About 75,000 years ago (kya), they improved this through pressure flaking. This technique allowed for much finer and more precise work. These early tools were the foundation for all future human inventions.

One of the most significant breakthroughs was the control of fire. Archaeological evidence shows continuous fire use at least 1.5 Mya. Fire was fueled by wood and charcoal to cook food. This made food easier to digest and increased its nutrient value. The cooking hypothesis suggests this may have helped the human brain grow larger.

Gorilla tool use cropped
Gorilla tool use cropped

Additionally, hearths dated to 790 kya may have helped human socialization and language emerge.

The Neolithic Revolution brought an acceleration of innovation through agriculture. The invention of the polished stone axe allowed people to clear forests for farming. This shift to permanent settlements, or sedentism, allowed populations to grow. As people stayed in one place, they developed specialized labor. This led to the rise of the first cities, such as Uruk, and civilizations like Sumer. The invention of writing also emerged, which allowed cultural knowledge to spread.

Metalworking was another major technological advancement during this era. Early humans began using native copper around 10,000 BCE. They eventually learned to use furnaces and bellows to smelt and forge metals. This led to the creation of alloys like bronze around 4,000 BCE. Later, around 1,800 BCE, people began using iron alloys such as steel. These materials were much stronger than stone, bone, or wood.

Ancient civilizations also mastered the movement of energy and water. The earliest sailing ships, like those on the Nile, date to around 7,000 BCE. The invention of the wheel revolutionized trade and transport. Experts believe the wheel was invented between 5,500 and 3,000 BCE.

Ljubljana Marshes Wheel with axle (oldest wooden wheel yet discovered)
Ljubljana Marshes Wheel with axle (oldest wooden wheel yet discovered)

A very old wooden wheel was found in Slovenia, dating back over 5,000 years. Romans later built massive aqueducts to transport water over distances exceeding 450 km.

Pont du Gard BLS
Pont du Gard BLS

They even built the Cloaca Maxima, a large sewer system in Rome.

The Industrial Revolution began in the United Kingdom during the 18th century. This era was sparked by the discovery of steam power.

Dampfturbine Montage01
Dampfturbine Montage01

It led to massive changes in manufacturing, mining, and transport. The Second Industrial Revolution followed a century later with rapid scientific discovery. This period brought electricity, light bulbs, and automobiles. For example, Karl Benz created the first automobile in 1885.

1885Benz
1885Benz

In the 20th century, technology moved into the digital and atomic ages. The discovery of nuclear fission led to both nuclear power and weapons. Communication also changed through the telegraph, telephone, and the Internet. Today, technology helps create a global knowledge economy.

Global thinking
Global thinking

However, it also presents challenges like pollution and resource depletion. It can also cause technological unemployment through automation. Because of these impacts, people continue to debate the ethics and use of technology.

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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Global thinking.svg
Global thinking.svg
File:Noun-technology.svg
Noun-technology.svg
File:Pont du Gard BLS.jpg
Pont du Gard BLS.jpg
File:Faustkeil Nachbau, 2020 PD a-7.jpg
Faustkeil Nachbau, 2020 PD a-7.jpg
File:Ljubljana Marshes Wheel with axle (oldest wooden wheel yet discovered).jpg
Ljubljana Marshes Wheel with axle (oldest...
File:Néolithique 0001.jpg
Néolithique 0001.jpg
File:Army invests in 3-D bioprinting to treat injured Soldiers.jpg
Army invests in 3-D bioprinting to treat...
File:Dampfturbine Montage01.jpg
Dampfturbine Montage01.jpg
File:1885Benz.jpg
1885Benz.jpg
File:Gorilla tool use cropped.jpg
Gorilla tool use cropped.jpg
File:Zoom lunette ardente.jpg
Zoom lunette ardente.jpg
File:Wheel Iran.jpg
Wheel Iran.jpg
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