The nature of technological determinism Essay Example

The nature of technological determinism Paper Determinism means that things are destined to occur or linked by a divine plan. Philosophically the theory of Determinism states that present conditions are so by neccessity (1972, Popkin, Stroll Kelly). Technological determinism at its extreme believes technology drastically and directly transforms our society and way of living. That technology itself causes social change. Many sociologists disagree with these ideas as they denote the importance of the user, the person, the active and living society. How can technology itself be considered more influencial than those who have developed it? Socio-cultural determinists present technologies and media as entirely subordinate to thier developmental use (webref 1) Similarily Voluntarists promote the idea we choose to use these electronic media, they are simply our tools. Chandler discusses this idea of making the tools neutral within determinism. He argues all these tools and media lend themselves to the experience they were created for. For example a word processor is designed to aid writing, this fact itself suggests the user selects this tool to write because they relate to its function. In other words thier ideas about writing may be closley linked to the tool they use, although the tool itself is empty until something is written. He argues all media give shape to experience, and they do so in part through their selectivity. (web ref 3) We will write a custom essay sample on The nature of technological determinism specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The nature of technological determinism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The nature of technological determinism specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Dertouzos (1998) reminds us although the information superhighway is global it does not mean there is not an element of cultural imperialism in this space. English and the ways we learn and select information is embedded into the current climate of the internet. Consider that even the way we understand images varies from culture to culture. As English dominates cyberspace could this be regarded as an aspect of technological determinism? Surely it must be as this reflects our society in the real world. Also consider the fact that it has been western countries who have embraced and nutured this technology. Our western societies still seem to cling to the old ideas of Modernism in many ways. Progress it would seem is now more than ever related to computer technologies. Progress itself is seen to lie within these multimedia domains. Of course technology can change our ways of living. Most of these fantastical technological developments however should be regarded as being achieved by the aide of the computer. Computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, computer-aided manufacturing. All these developments still require the human element. The computer does not have a mind of its own, unlike in the pessimistic technological world of Bladerunner, it cannot choose its application, it is the human who selects how, if at all, the devices will be applied. I wonder if the only way of determining the true impact technology has on global society is to take it away. Say we do dispose of these technologies, what percentage of the global population will directly and immediately be affected in thier daily lives? Do the technological haves really greatly outnumber the have-nots ? Determinism relies on the premise events occurr out of neccessity but what about thoses peoples whose cultures and lives do not value technology as a neccessity? Is technology really a need or simply a choice? I believe the later.

Sample of an Analytical Essay on Fertilization Viability

Sample of an Analytical Essay on Fertilization ViabilityIn his book 'Analytical Essays: Principles and Essays' published by Sterling Publications, James Blayle advocates the use of a sample of an analytical essay on fetal viability. Blayle provides a sample essay that emphasizes a developmental perspective on pregnancy. The basic premise of the sample essay is that in the case of chromosomal abnormalities, diagnostic tests are not always the appropriate first step in providing an accurate diagnosis. Many problems can result from a wrong diagnosis and the sample highlights this critical aspect of the miscarriage risk from non-diagnostic testing.The sample discusses why some miscarriages have genetic or developmental origins and this is based on a statistical and non-diagnostic view of the problem. Blayle's approach to this is to emphasize that in the current debate on fetal viability tests many patients who experience miscarriages as a result of abnormal development are not always giv en an accurate diagnosis. In order to more accurately address the problem of non-diagnostic testing, Blayle emphasizes that a medical professional must be present when a test is administered in order to provide better information to the patient and their family.Blayle argues that in order to correct for the problem of non-diagnostic testing, it is essential that medical information be shared with patients and their families prior to any testing. He argues that the test should only be performed if it is needed. Also, tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and other tests that evaluate the growth of the fetus or the placenta should only be performed if these tests are a prerequisite for a diagnosis. This is required because patients may experience miscarriages as a result of growth abnormalities in the fetus.This brings up the question of how a test can be considered necessary if it is not necessarily useful. Blayle acknowledges that there are some situations in which tests are useful and some situations in which they are not, but he believes that it is important to include an informative diagnostic process. As a result, he has included a sample of an analytical essay on fetal viability to emphasize this point.Most patients undergoing diagnostic testing will have no idea that the test is not diagnostic and can be categorized as a binary decision making process that involves a scientific process of identifying a problem rather than as a clinical procedure that is intended to help the patient and their family. The sample suggests that the most important aspect of the test should be a discussion between the patient and their family about the possible results and the likely direction that they may take.Blayle asserts that this process should be taken very seriously and the case study illustrates this by outlining a scenario in which the family discusses options with their doctor. They discuss the possible results and the outcome of these tes ts with their doctor. In this case, the family is asked about their intention regarding a medical procedure or test.Finally, this sample demonstrates how important the decision to opt for a test or procedure related to fetal viability is and how important it is for patients to be involved in the process. Blayle outlines the importance of the patient's involvement in the evaluation process and the importance of their input in cases where they may face problems with diagnostic tests. This is an important and powerful argument for patients who may find themselves in the situation of miscarriage as a result of a non-diagnostic test.