TWC Session 1

Even though it's the first TWC lesson and the class spent half the time introducing themselves, we still managed to touch on some interesting topics. From the very beginning of the session, we defined technology. What is technology? Technology is the practical application of knowledge, it consists of almost every field imaginable. Ranging from engineering to education, from the Large Hadron Collider to the simple wheel. Its advance is only bounded by human ingenuity. Then the discussion went on to the readings that most of the class didn't read or didn't dare discuss since most of the class didn't read. But still, despite that we covered some interesting ideas.

One such is the relationship between society's receptivity to foreign cultures, ideas, knowledge to its prosperity or decline. We've seen examples of some of the most technologically advance and powerful nations of their times decline and brought to down to their knees by their less advanced counterparts. Why? It is argued that being secluded, isolated from other cultures hinders technological advancements and such environment itself stifles scientific discovery as their societies become less receptive towards new ideas and more hostile towards foreign cultures. Although there might be other reasons for a nation's stagnation. I've read a book called Why Nations Fail and the author argues that scientific stagnancy might not wholly be due to society's fear of change or unreceptive to scientific advancement but rather the political institute's fear of technology tipping the balance of power in society, and thus intentionally and actively cracking down on technological advances and its proponents. One famous example would be the imprisonment of Galileo Galilei by the Catholic Church.

Another interesting point raised was the use of technology. It is only as good or as evil as the hand wielding it. Scientific discovery brought us the computers, internet, airplanes and ability walking on the moon, limitless, clean nuclear energy and marvelous things that we only could dream of mere decades ago. Technology has made our lives easier, more productive and more enjoyable than our ancestors. One could argue that technological advancement is good for society but I think that while there are tremendous benefits, great technological advancements have always been followed by great violence and vice versa. Computer was originally designed to crack Axis codes during WWII. The internet was originally funded by America's DOD and was clearly ear-marked for peaceful non-violent purposes. One of the first applications of airplanes was not meant for transportation of people but bombs. The greatest leap in aeronautics technology was during a standoff between two of the most powerful nations the world has ever seen. And then there is the atomic bomb. History have shown us that we have exploited technology at every turn. Every time we take two steps forward, we trip over ourselves and stumble a step back. Humans, while having incredible potential, are clearly not the nicest bunch.

Overall I have enjoyed my first TWC session. Hopefully from future sessions I would not only like to discover how technology changed the world but also how and more importantly why do such advancements occur. I give the first session 7/10.