Technology and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technology and Society - Essay Example While the instrumental theory sees technology as an instrument, the substantive theory sees technology changing society. 1) What does technology or media determinism mean Technology determinism seeks to explain social and historical phenomena in terms of one principal or determining factor. It focuses on causality - cause and effect relationships - a focus typically associated with scientific explanation. 2) What are technology-led theories Technology is seen as a 'prime mover' in history; particularly technological development, communication technologies, media, or technology in general are the sole or prime antecedent of changes in society and technology is seen as the fundamental condition underlying the pattern of social organization. 4) What does reductionism mean in terms of technological determinism Reductionism aims to reduce a complex whole to the effects of one part (or parts) upon another part (or parts). It is utilized in a linear or one way manner. Technological determinism is mono-causal. It offers a single cause or 'independent variable'. 5) Describe the difference between reductionism and holism. Reductionism discusses a complex whole in terms of parts.