Table 1 Two views of technology

Technology consists of:

Technology can be viewed as:

 • A distinct body of knowledge

 • More than a sum of tools, instruments, artifacts, processes, and systems

 • An activity or a way of doing

 • Influences the structure of the cultural/ social order regardless of its user intentions

 • Design, engineering, production, and research procedures

 • Serving human values and influence value formation

 • Physical tools, instruments, and artifacts

 • Autonomous social and economic forces that often override traditional and competing values

 • Organized integrated systems and organizations that are used to create, produce, and use technology

 • Capable of unanticipated positive as well as destructive social and economic consequences